One Layer Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

There’s something undeniably comforting about a classic yellow cake, especially when it’s topped with rich chocolate frosting. This One Layer Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting is the epitome of simplicity and indulgence, making it the perfect dessert for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat on a Wednesday afternoon. With a tender crumb, buttery flavor, and luscious frosting, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Let’s dive into why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe, what you’ll need, and how to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This One Layer Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting is not only easy to make, but it also delivers on flavor and texture. The combination of eggs, buttermilk, and butter creates a moist, fluffy cake that melts in your mouth. The chocolate frosting is rich yet balanced, making it the perfect complement to the lightness of the cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake is a reliable choice that never disappoints.

Shopping List

• 4 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups cake flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon table salt
• 8 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• For the chocolate frosting: cocoa powder, powdered sugar, butter, milk

Hardware & Gadgets

• Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
• Whisk or electric mixer: To beat the batter until fluffy.
• 9-inch round cake pan: The perfect size for one layer of cake.
• Offset spatula: For spreading frosting evenly.
• Cooling rack: To cool the cake before frosting.

Stepwise Method: One Layer Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of cake flour, 1 ½ cups of sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of table salt. This step ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Oil

In a large bowl, beat 8 tablespoons of softened butter with ½ cup of vegetable oil using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and oil mixture, alternating with the wet ingredients. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Chocolate Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the chocolate frosting. In a bowl, combine ½ cup of softened butter, 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, and 3 cups of powdered sugar. Add 1/3 cup of milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 9: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving platter. Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Feel free to let it spill over the sides for a rustic look.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• For buttermilk: Use 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• For cake flour: Substitute with all-purpose flour, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid a dense texture.
• For butter: Use a dairy-free butter substitute to make it suitable for a dairy-free diet.
• For vegetable oil: You can replace it with melted coconut oil or another neutral oil.

Flavor Logic

The beauty of this One Layer Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting lies in its balanced flavor profile. The yellow cake is subtly sweet and buttery, while the chocolate frosting adds a rich, decadent contrast. The use of eggs and buttermilk enhances the cake’s moistness and depth of flavor, ensuring each bite is satisfying. The vanilla extract is the magic ingredient that ties everything together, adding warmth and depth.

Save It for Later

This cake is delightful fresh, but it also stores well. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months—simply wrap it in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw completely, then frost it as desired!

FAQ

Can I use a different pan size for this cake?

Yes, you can adjust the baking time if you use a different pan size. For example, if you use a 9×13-inch pan, check for doneness at around 25-30 minutes.

What if I don’t have cake flour?

You can make your own cake flour by measuring out 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, removing 5 tablespoons, and replacing them with 5 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift together to combine.

Can I add chocolate chips to the cake batter?

Absolutely! Fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips after mixing your batter for an extra chocolatey treat.

How can I make this cake more festive?

To dress it up, you can add sprinkles on top of the frosting, or layer the cake with fruit or whipped cream for a delightful twist.

Make It Tonight

This One Layer Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting is the perfect project for a cozy night in or a special occasion. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers and impressive enough for seasoned pros. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this delightful cake. Happy baking!