Yellow Cake Layers
Moist yellow cake layers, ideal for birthday cakes or pairing with cream and fruit.
Ingredients
all-purpose flour (spoon flour into a dry-measure cup and level off)
1 cup
baking powder
2 tsp
salt
0.25 tsp
unsalted butter (softened)
12 tbsp (1.5 sticks)
sugar
1 cup
vanilla extract
2 tsp
large eggs
3
milk or buttermilk
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Step 1
Set a rack in the middle level of the oven and preheat to 350°F (180°C).
2
Step 2
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir well to mix.
3
Step 3
Combine the butter, sugar, and vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat with the paddle on medium speed until lightened in color and texture, 3 to 4 minutes.
4
Step 4
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5
Step 5
Decrease the mixer speed to the lowest and add half of the flour mixture. Stop and scrape down the bowl and beater.
6
Step 6
Beat in the milk and after it is absorbed, beat in the remaining flour mixture.
7
Step 7
Stop and scrape the bowl and beater. Increase the speed to medium and beat the batter continuously for 3 minutes.
8
Step 8
Divide the batter equally between the 2 prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake the layers until they are well risen and deep golden, and feel firm when pressed in the center with a fingertip, 25 to 30 minutes.
9
Step 9
Cool in the pans on racks for 5 minutes, then unmold, turn right side up again, and cool completely on racks.
