Yellow Cake with Chocolate Buttercream (Classic Birthday Cake Recipe!)

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat option.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Stevia is a low-calorie alternative.

chocolate

🥗Healthier: dark chocolate

💰Cheaper: chocolate chips

Chocolate chips are often less expensive.

Separate two of the eggs, keeping two whole eggs and two egg yolks, and save the egg whites for another recipe.

Let all dairy ingredients sit out for an hour to reach room temperature.

Sift the cake flour into a medium bowl and measure out 210 g (or 2 cups).

Add baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the sifted cake flour and whisk together, then set aside.

In a large bowl, add softened butter and beat on high speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.

Add granulated sugar and vegetable oil to the butter, and mix on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, mixing on low speed for 10 to 15 seconds after each addition.

Add sour cream and vanilla extract, then mix on high speed for one minute.

Add the dry ingredients all at once and mix on low speed until just combined.

Add milk in a steady stream while mixing until incorporated, about 30 seconds.

Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, stirring to ensure no large lumps remain.

Pour batter evenly into greased and parchment-lined cake pans (either two 8-inch or three 6-inch pans).

Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Let the cakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack for a few hours to cool completely.

Level the cake layers if desired for even height and a sneak peek of the crumb.

Prepare the chocolate frosting (recipe not detailed in the video).

Fill and frost the cooled cake layers with the chocolate frosting, creating rustic texture with a small icing spatula.

Decorate with rainbow sprinkles around the bottom edge and swirls of chocolate frosting on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens