Classic Southern Yellow Cake
This Classic Southern Yellow Cake is a delightful treat that embodies the warmth and tradition of Southern baking. Hailing from the cherished 'Heritage Cakes' Southern Living cookbook, this recipe boasts a moist and fluffy texture, making it a perfect base for any celebration. Whether you enjoy it plain or adorned with your favorite frosting, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For chocolate lovers, simply melt three squares of unsweetened chocolate and mix it into the batter for a delectable twist! Serve it at birthday parties, family gatherings, or simply as a sweet indulgence any day of the week.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
sugar
2 cups
eggs
3
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 tablespoon
milk
1 1/4 cups
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, beating well until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The mixture should appear fluffy and pale yellow.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
5
Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
6
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8
For a chocolate variation, melt 3 squares (1 oz. each) of unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler and stir it into the batter before pouring into the pans.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic Southern Yellow Cake?
It is a traditional, moist, and fluffy cake that embodies the warmth of Southern baking traditions.
Where does this specific recipe come from?
This recipe is from the 'Heritage Cakes' Southern Living cookbook.
What is the texture of the Classic Southern Yellow Cake?
The cake is known for having a moist and fluffy texture.
Can I turn this yellow cake into a chocolate cake?
Yes, you can melt three squares of unsweetened chocolate and mix it into the batter for a chocolate twist.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many cake pans are needed for this recipe?
You will need two 9-inch round cake pans.
How should I prepare the cake pans?
The pans should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter.
How do I cream the butter and sugar?
Cream the softened butter until smooth, then gradually add sugar while beating well until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How should the eggs be added to the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is fluffy and pale yellow.
Should the flour be sifted for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
What is the correct way to combine the dry and wet ingredients?
Gradually add the dry mixture (flour and baking powder) to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour.
When is the vanilla extract added?
Add the vanilla extract after the flour and milk are combined, then mix until well incorporated.
How long should the cake bake?
The cake should bake for 25-30 minutes.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
What is the final cooling step?
After the initial 10 minutes in the pan, remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of softened unsalted butter.
How much sugar is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of sugar.
How many eggs are in the ingredients list?
There are 3 eggs in this recipe.
What type of milk is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of milk.
How much baking powder should I use?
Use 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
What occasions are best for this cake?
It is perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or as a sweet everyday indulgence.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What type of chocolate is recommended for the chocolate variation?
Three 1 oz. squares of unsweetened chocolate are recommended.
How should the chocolate be melted?
The chocolate should be melted in a double boiler.
What is the total number of ingredients in the base recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients.
Can I frost this cake?
Yes, it can be adorned with your favorite frosting or enjoyed plain.
Is this a good base for a celebration cake?
Yes, its texture makes it an ideal base for any celebration cake.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as a Dessert.
What kind of flour is best for this cake?
All-purpose flour is used for this Classic Southern Yellow Cake.