Easy Yellow Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- or to taste1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
lite is okay, plain Greek yogurt may be substituted
- 3 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
softened
- 2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract
- optional and to taste, helps offset the sweetnesspinch salt
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
I use 2 cups
- 2 to 4+ drops McCormick Red Food Coloring
or as necessary to achieve desired color
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with aluminum foil, spray with cooking spray; set aside.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, optional salt; set aside.
- 3
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla.
- 4
Add the wet mixture to the dry, mixing lightly with a spoon or folding with a spatula until just combined. Small lumps will be present, don’t overmix or try to stir them smooth.
- 5
Turn batter out into prepared pan and bake for about 29 to 32 minutes, or until center is set and not jiggly, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no batter.
- 6
Place pan on a wire rack and allow cake to cool. After cake has cool completely, make the buttercream.
- 7
To a stand-mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or large bowl and handheld electric mixer), add the butter, vanilla, optional salt, confectioners’ sugar, and beat on low speed for about 1 minute so you don’t spray sugar everywhere. After sugar has incorporated some, increase to medium-high speed and continue to beat until very smooth and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- 8
Turn all but 1/3 cup frosting out onto cake and spread evenly with a spatula or offset knife to create an even, smooth flat layer of white frosting; set cake aside.
- 9
To the remaining 1/3 cup frosting in the mixing bowl, I added 2 drops red food coloring, beat momentarily to incorporate, and added the pink frosting on top of the white to create a two-toned layer of frosting. However, for ease you can tint all of the frosting pink.
Easy Yellow Cake with Buttercream Frosting
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About this Recipe
Craving that quintessential, comforting slice of yellow cake, complete with a generous swirl of classic buttercream? This easy yellow cake recipe delivers on that nostalgic promise, bringing you a tender, moist crumb paired with a rich, creamy frosting that's perfect for any celebration or a simple sweet treat.
Why This Cake Works
What sets this easy yellow cake apart is its thoughtful blend of ingredients designed for maximum moisture and flavor. The combination of buttermilk and sour cream creates an incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, while a touch of canola or vegetable oil ensures it stays beautifully moist. Generous amounts of McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract infuse both the cake and the buttercream with that unmistakable, warm vanilla aroma that makes yellow cake so beloved.
Expect a cake that's wonderfully soft and light, with a perfectly balanced sweetness that isn't cloying. Each bite offers a delicate vanilla note from the cake, beautifully complemented by the rich, velvety texture of the homemade buttercream. The frosting, easily adaptable with a few drops of McCormick Red Food Coloring, can be as vibrant or subtle as you like, offering a playful touch. It's a truly satisfying dessert that feels both homemade and effortlessly elegant.
Customization & Variations
This versatile recipe allows for easy adjustments. If you don't have sour cream on hand, plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute, providing similar tang and moisture. For the buttercream, you can adjust the amount of confectioners' sugar to achieve your preferred level of sweetness and consistency; I find 2 cups works perfectly. A small pinch of salt in the frosting, though optional, really helps to cut through the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.
This classic yellow cake with buttercream frosting is the ideal centerpiece for birthdays, potlucks, or simply as a comforting dessert after a family meal. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or perhaps with fresh berries for a lighter contrast.