Description
A moist, tender yellow cake paired with a decadent chocolate buttercream frosting—perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or a comforting dessert anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (more as needed)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 1/4 tsp salt (for buttercream)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar while mixing on low speed.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and cream gradually, beating until frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cakes: place one layer on a plate, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and cover top and sides.
Notes
- Add raspberry jam or sliced strawberries between layers for a fruity twist.
- Use buttermilk instead of whole milk for extra tanginess.
- Replace half the butter with oil for a softer texture.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-studded variation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg