How to Make a Yellow Cake from Scratch
Making a yellow cake from scratch can be a rewarding experience, especially when you get to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious and healthy. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making a yellow cake from scratch, including the ingredients, techniques, and tips to ensure a perfect cake.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make a yellow cake from scratch:
- 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (235ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120g) yellow food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let’s move on to the instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Make sure to adjust the oven racks to the middle position to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the pans: Grease two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the softened butter: Add the softened butter to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
- Add the yellow food coloring (optional): If you want to add a pop of color to your cake, now is the time to add the yellow food coloring.
- Divide the batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake the cakes: Bake the cakes for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to help you create the perfect yellow cake from scratch:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting to mix.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, such as real butter and pure vanilla extract, to ensure the best flavor.
- Add flavorings: Consider adding flavorings, such as lemon or orange zest, to give your cake a unique twist.
- Use different types of milk: If you prefer a non-dairy milk, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
The Science Behind the Cake
So, what makes a yellow cake yellow? The answer lies in the color of the food coloring. Yellow food coloring is added to the batter to give the cake its characteristic color. However, if you want to make a cake that’s not colored, you can use lemon or orange zest to give it a yellow flavor.
The Importance of Using High-Quality Ingredients
Using high-quality ingredients is crucial when making a yellow cake from scratch. Using real butter and pure vanilla extract will give your cake a richer, more complex flavor. Additionally, using high-quality flour will result in a cake that’s lighter and more tender.
The Role of Baking Powder
Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps to release carbon dioxide gas and give the cake a light, fluffy texture. Using 3 teaspoons of baking powder is the recommended amount for a yellow cake.
The Importance of Cooling the Cakes
Cooling the cakes is an important step in the baking process. Letting the cakes cool completely will help to prevent them from becoming soggy or developing condensation. This will ensure that your cake turns out light and fluffy.
The Final Touches
Once your cakes are cooled, you can add a glaze or frosting to give them a decorative touch. You can also add fresh fruit or nuts to give them a unique twist.
Conclusion
Making a yellow cake from scratch can be a rewarding experience, especially when you get to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something delicious and healthy. By following the instructions and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a yellow cake that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.