Easy Ina Garten Yellow Cake Recipe That’s Perfectly Sweet

Yellow cake brings sunshine to any dessert table, dancing with buttery richness and tender crumb that melts on your tongue.

Sweet memories of childhood celebrations often revolve around this golden classic, promising comfort in every slice.

Bakers treasure this versatile recipe for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal, transforming basic ingredients into something magical.

Our yellow cake promises a delightful balance between soft texture and deep flavor, creating an irresistible canvas for frosting and decorations.

Home kitchens come alive with the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla and butter blending seamlessly into a perfect batter.

Professional and amateur bakers appreciate how this recipe bridges nostalgia and contemporary baking techniques, offering a foolproof approach to a timeless dessert.

The magic happens when carefully measured ingredients transform into a fluffy, moist masterpiece that sparks joy at any gathering: prepare to fall in love with baking.

Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Yellow Cake Recipe

• Whip Butter Perfectly: Cream butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy, creating tiny air pockets that guarantee a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake texture.
• Beat Eggs Strategically: Add eggs individually, mixing completely after each addition to ensure smooth batter integration and prevent potential separation.
• Select Buttermilk Wisely: Choose full-fat buttermilk for maximum moisture and subtle tangy flavor that elevates the cake's overall richness.
• Master Pan Preparation: Generously coat pan surfaces with butter and flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking and maintain pristine cake edges.
• Check Baking Precision: Test cake doneness by inserting a clean toothpick – it should emerge with minimal moist crumbs, signaling perfect baking completion.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Yellow Cake Recipe

• Cake Carrier Magic: Invest in a sturdy cake carrier with a tight-sealing lid to lock in moisture and protect the cake's delicate crumb. These specialized containers shield your yellow cake from absorbing refrigerator odors while maintaining its original texture and flavor.
• Freezer Preservation Technique: Carefully wrap each cake layer individually in plastic wrap, then add a protective layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the wrapped layers with the date and type of cake, ensuring you can track storage time and maintain optimal quality for up to 3 months.
• Room Temperature Strategy: Keep unfrosted cake layers at room temperature for 1-2 days by covering them loosely with a clean kitchen towel or placing them in a cake dome. This method works best in cool, dry environments away from direct sunlight or heat sources, helping preserve the cake's softness and preventing premature drying.

Creative Twists on Ina Garten’s Yellow Cake Recipe

• Lemon Zest Celebration: Enhance the cake's flavor by adding fresh lemon zest to the batter and incorporating lemon extract instead of vanilla. Replace buttermilk with fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy profile that complements the tender cake texture.
• Raspberry Chocolate Dream: Spread a layer of raspberry jam between cake layers before adding chocolate frosting. Garnish the cake's exterior with fresh raspberries and dark chocolate shavings for an elegant and fruity variation.
• Nutty Caramel Indulgence: Mix chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the cake batter for added crunch. Drizzle homemade caramel sauce between layers and around the cake's exterior, creating a rich and nutty alternative to the original chocolate frosting.
• Mocha Lover's Edition: Replace some cocoa powder in the frosting with instant espresso powder to create a deep coffee flavor. Sprinkle crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans on top for an extra caffeinated kick that coffee enthusiasts will appreciate.

Final Thoughts on Ina Garten’s Yellow Cake Recipe

Golden memories emerge from Ina Garten’s classic yellow cake, where rich butter and silky chocolate frosting create culinary magic.

Classic baking techniques shine through her precise measurements and thoughtful mixing methods.

Sweet vanilla notes dance alongside tender crumb textures, promising delightful sensory experiences.

Chocolate frosting whispers decadent promises across each delicate layer, inviting passionate bakers into her celebrated kitchen world.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe bridges home cooking with professional elegance.

Passionate bakers, share this delightful creation, comment with your baking adventures, and spread sweet inspiration across social platforms – your kitchen awaits delicious possibilities!

Why Ina Garten’s Yellow Cake Recipe is a Timeless Classic

• Effortless Baking Delight: This yellow cake recipe offers a straightforward approach that makes baking feel like a breeze, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers who want a reliable and delicious dessert.
• Texture-Perfect Layers: The combination of butter, oil, and eggs creates an incredibly moist and tender cake with a light, fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth, promising a luxurious eating experience that's both soft and rich.
• Decadent Chocolate Transformation: The rich chocolate frosting elevates this simple yellow cake into a show-stopping dessert, turning an everyday treat into a special occasion centerpiece that will impress family and friends with its professional-looking finish and indulgent flavor profile.
• Quick and Convenient Celebration: With just 55 minutes from start to finish, this recipe delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it an ideal solution for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute gathering needs.

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Yellow Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the cake's base structure and texture, with ideal protein content for a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cornstarch: Helps create a softer, more delicate cake texture by reducing gluten formation.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.

• Butter, Sugar: Classic creaming combination that creates a rich, tender cake base with excellent flavor and structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and helps keep the cake soft and tender for longer.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, deep flavor that complements the cake's sweetness.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Contribute richness, structure, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess, moisture, and helps activate the baking powder for better rise.

• Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the frosting with rich flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the frosting.
• Semisweet Chocolate: Adds richness and intense chocolate taste to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting to the right consistency.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting's texture and smoothness.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Yellow Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 3 six-inch round cake pans thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Set the dry ingredient mixture aside.

Step 3: Create Butter Base

Using a stand mixer, cream unsalted butter with 1 sugar until light and fluffy. Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix well. Add 3 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks one at a time, mixing completely after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, alternating between ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Frosting

Melt butter. Whisk in cocoa powder. In a separate bowl, melt semisweet chocolate with milk.

Step 7: Finish Frosting

• Cocoa butter mixture
• Powdered sugar
• Melted chocolate mixture

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Assemble And Frost Cake

Once cakes are completely cooled, spread or pipe chocolate frosting between layers and over entire cake. Smooth frosting with an offset spatula for a professional finish.

Ina Garten Yellow Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s classic yellow cake brings sunshine to dessert tables with its rich, buttery crumb and pure homemade charm. Delicate layers promise pure comfort, inviting sweet moments of pure indulgence that you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ Cups (270g) All-purpose Flour
• ¼ Cup (35g) Corn Starch
• 1 ¼ Cups (250g) Granulated Sugar
• 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• ¼ Cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 Pound (450g) Powdered Sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ Cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, room temperature
• ¼ Cup (60ml) Vegetable Oil
• 3 Large Eggs, room temperature
• 2 Egg Yolks
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) Vanilla Extract
• 1 Cup (240ml) Buttermilk
• ½ Cup Milk
• ¼ Cup Unsalted Butter, melted

Chocolate and Additional Ingredients:

• ⅓ Cup Semisweet Chocolate
• ½ Teaspoon Salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and dust three 6-inch (15-centimeter) round cake pans with butter and flour to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt using a whisk. Reserve this dry ingredient mixture.
3. Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the vegetable oil and pure vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
4. Add whole eggs one at a time, then egg yolks, mixing well after each addition to ensure complete integration.
5. Gradually incorporate the reserved dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Mix until a uniform, silky batter forms.
6. Evenly distribute the cake batter among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cakes are golden brown.
8. Allow the cake layers to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the chocolate frosting, melt unsalted butter and whisk in cocoa powder until fully combined.
10. In a separate bowl, gently melt semisweet chocolate with milk, creating a smooth chocolate mixture.
11. In a clean mixing bowl, beat room-temperature butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder mixture, powdered sugar, and melted chocolate mixture.
12. Beat the frosting until it becomes smooth, glossy, and spreadable.
13. Once the cake layers are entirely cooled, apply the chocolate frosting between each layer and generously cover the entire cake’s exterior.

Notes

• Butter and flour pans generously to guarantee clean cake layer release without frustrating sticking.
• Whisk dry ingredients meticulously to eliminate potential clumps and distribute leavening agents seamlessly.
• Create tiny air pockets by thoroughly creaming butter and sugar, ensuring a light, cloud-like cake texture.
• Incorporate eggs individually, allowing each to blend completely before adding the next for silky smoothness.
• Gently fold flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to preserve the batter’s delicate structure and prevent overmixing.
• Bring all ingredients to room temperature for effortless blending and consistent batter development.
• Cool cake layers entirely before frosting to maintain crisp edges and prevent melting or sliding.
• Select semisweet chocolate for frosting to introduce complex, rich undertones that complement the cake’s sweetness.
• Utilize a mixer to whip frosting into a luxurious, velvety consistency that glides across cake layers.
• Choose three 6-inch round pans to achieve an elegant, professional-looking layer cake with perfect proportions.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 466 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg