Yellow Cake with Rich Chocolate Buttercream

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Yellow Cake with Rich Chocolate Buttercream is a timeless classic beloved for its moist, tender crumb and bold contrast of buttery vanilla flavor paired with a smooth, decadent chocolate frosting. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or everyday indulgence, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Yellow Cake:
all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsaltbaking powderunsalted buttereggswhole milkvanilla extract

For the Chocolate Buttercream:
unsalted butterconfectioners’ sugarunsweetened cocoa powderheavy creamvanilla extractsalt

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.

Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

To make the chocolate buttercream, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually sift in the cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar, mixing on low.

Add the vanilla, salt, and cream gradually, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

Frost the cooled cakes by placing one layer on a plate, spreading frosting on top, then adding the second layer and covering the top and sides.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one 2-layer 9-inch cake (about 12–14 slices).
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and frosting time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Add a layer of raspberry jam or sliced strawberries between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
Use buttermilk instead of whole milk for extra tang and tenderness.
Replace half the butter in the cake with oil for a slightly softer texture.
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter for a chocolate-studded version.

storage/reheating

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, both the cake layers and the buttercream can be made a day in advance and stored separately.

Why is my yellow cake dry?
Be careful not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes, but the homemade version offers better texture and flavor.

What kind of cocoa powder should I use for the frosting?
Unsweetened natural cocoa powder works best, but Dutch-processed cocoa can add richness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.

Can I use a different frosting?
Absolutely—cream cheese frosting or whipped ganache are great alternatives.

What if I don’t have two 9-inch pans?
You can bake in a 9×13-inch pan or use two 8-inch pans, adjusting the baking time slightly.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, just reduce the added salt in the recipe.

How do I get flat cake layers?
Use cake strips around the pans or level the tops with a serrated knife after baking.

Is this cake good for stacking or tiered cakes?
Yes, it’s sturdy enough for layering and decorating.

Conclusion

Yellow Cake with Rich Chocolate Buttercream is the ultimate comfort dessert—a moist, flavorful cake layered with luscious chocolate frosting that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you bake it for a birthday or just because, this cake promises a sweet slice of happiness every time.

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