Ultimate Homemade Yellow Cake with Flavor Variations
Discover the secret to a deliciously moist and fluffy yellow cake that surpasses any store-bought option! Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just a delightful dessert at home, this cake features a rich buttery flavor enhanced by the addition of instant pudding for extra moisture. Versatile enough to cater to any taste, you can easily transform it into a white cake, spice cake, or even a chocolate version by simply adjusting a few ingredients. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its delightful taste and superior texture. Perfect for any occasion, it also serves as a fantastic base for your favorite frosting or whipped cream topping.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cake flour
3 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
sugar
2 cups (none)
instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package (none)
butter
6 tablespoons (softened)
butter flavor shortening
6 tablespoons (none)
milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
eggs
4 (large, room temperature)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 13x9 inch pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, butter flavor shortening, sugar, and instant vanilla pudding mix until well blended and fluffy.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
4
Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
5
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this yellow cake recipe extra moist?
The secret to this cake's exceptional moisture is the addition of instant vanilla pudding mix and sour cream.
What size pan should I use for this cake?
This recipe is designed for a 13x9 inch pan.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The pan should be greased and floured before pouring in the batter.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3.5 cups of sifted cake flour to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
Can I turn this into a chocolate cake?
Yes, this versatile base can be transformed into a chocolate cake by adjusting a few ingredients.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for 40 to 50 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the purpose of adding instant pudding mix?
Instant pudding mix enhances the buttery flavor and provides extra moisture to the cake.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 large, room temperature eggs.
Should the eggs be cold or at room temperature?
The eggs should be at room temperature to ensure they incorporate properly into the batter.
Can I make a spice cake using this recipe?
Yes, this recipe serves as a fantastic base that can be easily modified into a spice cake.
What role does sour cream play in the batter?
Sour cream adds richness and helps create a smooth, moist crumb.
Should the butter be melted?
No, the butter should be softened so it can be creamed with the sugar and shortening.
Is butter flavor shortening necessary?
While it provides a specific rich flavor, it is part of the creaming process that creates a fluffy texture.
How long should the cake cool before removing it from the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Can I use this recipe to make a white cake?
Yes, with simple adjustments to the ingredients, this base can be used to make a white cake.
What kind of pudding mix is used?
Use one 3.5 ounce package of instant vanilla pudding mix.
How should I add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture?
Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should mix until just combined to avoid making the cake tough.
What are some recommended toppings for this cake?
This cake works perfectly with your favorite frosting or a simple whipped cream topping.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, you should sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt for the best results.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is creaming together the softened butter, shortening, sugar, and pudding mix until fluffy.
How much milk is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of milk.
Can I use this cake for birthdays?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect celebration cake for birthdays and other special occasions.
What is the total amount of sugar used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of sugar.
What is the texture of this homemade cake?
The texture is described as deliciously moist, fluffy, and superior to store-bought options.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
Yes, the recipe is designed to impress whether you are an experienced baker or a novice.
What is the significance of the creaming stage?
Creaming the fats and sugar incorporates air, which contributes to the cake's fluffiness.