Easter Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

This Homemade Yellow Cake is ultra-rich, moist, tender, and fluffy! It’s so much better than any box cake mix and makes a perfect Easter cake or birthday cake. If you love classic, buttery cakes, this recipe is a must-try!

I know many of us have baked yellow cake, white cake, or funfetti cake from a box. No judgment I’ve done it too! But after years of baking from scratch, I can say with confidence that homemade cake has an unbeatable flavor and texture. So, let’s ditch the box mix and make a delicious yellow butter cake Easter recipe from scratch!

Table of Contents

What is Yellow Cake?

Yellow cake is a classic variation of vanilla cake. It gets its rich flavor from butter, eggs, and vanilla, and its signature golden color from the egg yolks. The result? A soft, tender, and slightly “eggy” cake that’s incredibly moist and fluffy.

Ingredients for Easter Homemade Yellow Cake

Yellow Cake:

2 1/4 cups bleached cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream or plain full-fat yogurt, at room temperature
3/4 cup warm whole milk

Pastry Cream Frosting:

5 egg yolks
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp sea salt
4 tbsp butter
2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Easter Homemade Yellow Cake

1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter, flour, and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter on high speed until creamy (about 1 minute).
Add sugar and beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, one at a time, mixing well between each addition.
Beat in sour cream until combined.
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with warm milk.
Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cakes cool for 20 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack.

Assemble For Easter Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

2: Make the Pastry Cream

Heat 1 1/2 cups milk and vanilla in a saucepan over high heat until it just begins to simmer.
In a medium bowl, whisk the remaining 1/2 cup milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over high heat, whisking until it thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool completely before frosting the cake.

3: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a cake stand. Spread 1/3 of the pastry cream evenly over it.
Place the second cake layer upside-down to create a flat top.
Spread the remaining pastry cream evenly over the entire cake.
Smooth the edges and decorate as desired.

Serving Suggestions

This yellow butter cake is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more festive:

Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness.
A dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.
Chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent finish.
Whipped cream for extra fluffiness.
Easter-themed decorations, such as pastel-colored sprinkles or edible flowers.

Tips for the Best Easter Homemade Yellow Cake

Use high-quality butter and vanilla for the best flavor.
Sour cream or yogurt helps keep the cake tender.
Cream the butter and sugar properly don’t rush this step!
All refrigerated ingredients should be at room temperature.
For a sheet cake, bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 35 minutes.

FAQs

What is the Traditional Easter Cake?

Traditional Easter cakes vary by culture, but common choices include carrot cake, lamb-shaped cakes, and lemon cakes. This homemade yellow cake is a perfect Easter dessert, pairing beautifully with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or even pastel sprinkles!

What Makes Yellow Cake Taste Like Yellow Cake?

The rich buttery flavor comes from high-quality butter, eggs, and vanilla. The egg yolks give it a distinct golden color and extra moisture, while warm milk and sour cream contribute to its soft, tender crumb.

What is the Secret to a Super Moist Cake?

To achieve a super moist cake:
Use a mix of fats and liquids like sour cream, butter, and warm milk.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.
Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.

Can I Use a Different Type of Milk for This Yellow Cake Recipe?

Yes! While whole milk is best for a classic texture, you can substitute with:
Almond milk for a nutty flavor
Oat milk for a slightly sweeter taste
Buttermilk for extra tanginess
The texture may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

How Can I Make This Yellow Cake Recipe Ahead of Time?

To make the cake ahead:
Bake the cake layers 1-2 days in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Prepare the pastry cream and store it in the fridge.
Assemble the cake just before serving for the freshest taste.

Looking for more Easter dessert ideas? Try these:

This easy vanilla cake Easter recipe is perfect for celebrating with family and friends. If you try it, let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this recipe on Pinterest for later

Homemade Easter Yellow Cake – Soft & Buttery Delight

Enjoy baking and Happy Easter