Growing up, my grandmother used to make the most incredible yellow velvet cake. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a symbol of comfort and warmth. The buttery richness and tender crumb made it the highlight of every Sunday dinner.
Even now, whenever I bake it, the smell of vanilla and butter fills the house, taking me back to those cozy afternoons in her kitchen. Today, I’m sharing that cherished recipe with you so you can create your own family memories with this timeless classic. Let’s get baking!
Your Yellow Velvet Essentials
- Sugar: 180g
- Butter: 113g
- Eggs: 2
- Flour: 250g
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Cocoa powder: 1 tsp (for a subtle flavor depth)
- Yellow food coloring: 1 tsp (or use a good brand like Dainess egg yellow)
- Water: 2 tbsp
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Vinegar: 1 tsp
Steps to Bake This Yellow Treat
Prepare the Batter
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar with a whisk until creamy and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect velvet texture.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the first egg and mix completely. Then, add the second egg along with the vanilla extract and mix well until everything is nicely blended.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder and flour, then mix them thoroughly. This helps ensure an even distribution of ingredients and avoids lumps.
- Add Color and Buttermilk: Dissolve the yellow food coloring in 2 tablespoons of water until completely mixed, and then add it to the buttermilk. This gives your cake that beautiful yellow hue.
- Mix Everything Together: Add half of the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined. Pour in the yellow buttermilk and mix until fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix well until everything is smoothly combined.
Prepare the Rising Agent
- Activate the Baking Soda: Mix the baking soda with vinegar to activate it. As it fizzes, quickly add it to the batter and mix thoroughly. This step helps your cake rise perfectly, giving it that soft, fluffy texture.
Bake the Cake
- Pour and Bake: Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl and pour the batter into a greased pan lined with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the cake once it’s baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake is cooked through but still moist.
Cool and Serve
- Cool Down: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting and serving. This helps prevent the cake from breaking apart.
Making Sure Your Cake is Moist and Fluffy
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend smoothly, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Buttermilk is Key: Buttermilk not only adds flavor but also keeps the cake moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Yellow Velvet Cake
- Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream: The tartness of fresh berries and the lightness of whipped cream complement the rich flavor of the cake beautifully.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea is perfect for balancing the sweetness of the cake, making it an ideal pairing for an afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent experience, serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Store and Keep Your Cake Fresh
- At Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover cake that you want to keep longer, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight and frost it once it’s completely thawed.
There you have it! A classic yellow velvet cake that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Happy baking! 🍰✨
Yellow Velvet Cake
Bright, cheerful, and utterly delicious, this Yellow Velvet Cake is a fun twist on the classic velvet cake. With its tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor, it’s perfect for celebrations or just because! Top it with your favorite frosting, and watch it shine at any gathering. 🍰
Ingredients
- Sugar: 180g
- Butter: 113g
- Eggs: 2
- Flour: 250g
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Cocoa powder: 1 tsp for a subtle flavor depth
- Yellow food coloring: 1 tsp or use a good brand like Dainess egg yellow
- Water: 2 tbsp
- Baking soda: 1 tsp
- Vinegar: 1 tsp
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter and sugar with a whisk until creamy and fluffy.
- Add the first egg and mix completely. Then, add the second egg along with the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder (for a subtle depth of flavor) and flour, then mix.
- Dissolve the yellow food coloring in 2 tbsp of water until completely mixed, and then add it to the buttermilk.
- Add half of the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until combined.
- Pour the yellow buttermilk into the batter and mix until fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the remaining flour mixture and mix well until everything is smoothly combined.
Prepare the Rising Agent:
- Mix the baking soda with vinegar to activate it. As it fizzes, quickly add it to the batter and mix.
Bake the Cake:
- Scrape the sides of the mixing bowl and pour the batter into a greased pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting and serving.
Notes
🌟 Tip: Pair this cake with a lemon-flavored buttercream or cream cheese frosting to enhance its sunny color and flavor! For a richer taste, try adding a hint of almond extract or lemon zest to the batter. 🍋
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