Golden Baked Cake Recipe

A classic, buttery yellow cake with a tender crumb and golden hue, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups milk

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9×13 inch pan. You can also line the bottom of the pans with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    • Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Start by adding about 1/3 of the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing on low speed until combined.  
    • Add 1/2 of the milk and mix until combined.
    • Add another 1/3 of the dry mixture and mix.
    • Add the remaining milk and mix.
    • Add the final 1/3 of the dry mixture and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  6. Bake:
    • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
    • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  
    • If using a 9×13 inch pan, baking time may be slightly longer.
  7. Cool:
    • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Frost (Optional):
    • Once completely cooled, frost the cake with your favorite frosting. A classic buttercream or chocolate frosting works wonderfully.

Tips for Success:

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.
  • Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
  • Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness.
  • Allow the cake to fully cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

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