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🌸 Easter Homemade Yellow Cake – A Celebration of Sweetness! 🎂✨

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Easter Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe: A Delicious, Moist, and Fluffy Cake for Your Celebration

Easter is a time for family gatherings, feasts, and of course, delicious desserts. One cake that perfectly suits the occasion is a homemade yellow cake. There’s something special about the rich, moist texture of this cake, making it the ideal treat to serve at Easter or any other celebration. This Easter Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, and it’s much better than any store-bought cake mix you can find. The cake is tender, fluffy, and ultra-rich, thanks to its combination of wholesome ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.

In this post, I will walk you through how to create this perfect Easter cake from scratch. We will make a cake that is both comforting and delicious, one that will impress your guests with its moist texture and rich flavor. I’ve also included a luscious pastry cream filling that elevates the cake even further. Whether you’re baking it for Easter, a birthday party, or any other special occasion, this cake will surely stand out.

Why This Easter Homemade Yellow Cake Is Perfect for Celebrations

Before we get started with the recipe, let’s talk about why this Easter Homemade Yellow Cake is perfect for your celebration. The cake is not just any regular yellow cake—it’s made with love and packed with high-quality ingredients that make it stand out from the rest.

  1. Ultra-Rich and Moist Texture: The use of unsalted butter and sour cream ensures that the cake has an ultra-rich and moist texture. It’s the kind of cake that melts in your mouth with each bite. The sour cream adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.

  2. Tender and Fluffy: The cake’s fluffy texture comes from the perfect balance of dry ingredients and wet ingredients. The eggs, along with the baking powder and baking soda, contribute to a light and airy texture that’s perfect for layering.

  3. Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re celebrating Easter, a birthday, or any special event, this cake will definitely make the occasion memorable. The vibrant yellow color makes it a beautiful centerpiece for any table, and the taste is simply heavenly.

  4. Homemade from Scratch: While boxed cake mixes can be convenient, nothing beats the taste of a cake made from scratch. When you bake a cake from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients and flavors. You can avoid any artificial additives, preservatives, or unnecessary chemicals, making this cake a healthier option for your celebration.

Ingredients for the Easter Homemade Yellow Cake Recipe

To make this delicious Easter Homemade Yellow Cake, you will need the following ingredients for the cake and the pastry cream filling.

For the Yellow Cake:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter (at cool room temperature, or 1 cup)
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 2 large egg yolks (at room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or plain full-fat yogurt (at room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)

For the Pastry Cream:

  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar or caster sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions for Making the Easter Homemade Yellow Cake

Now that we have all the ingredients, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to create a cake that will impress everyone at your Easter celebration.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment circles. This step ensures that the cake comes out of the pans easily once it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set this mixture aside as you work on the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the unsalted butter on high speed for about one minute until smooth and creamy. Then add the granulated sugar and beat on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract, mixing until it’s fully incorporated. This ensures that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Add the Sour Cream

Beat in the sour cream (or plain yogurt) until fully combined. The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, contributing to its tender texture.

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, add the dry flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the warm whole milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 minutes before turning them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Instructions for the Pastry Cream

While the cakes are cooling, you can make the pastry cream filling. This creamy filling adds another layer of flavor and makes the cake extra decadent.

Step 1: Heat the Milk and Vanilla

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of whole milk and the vanilla extract. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring often, until it just starts to simmer. Once it reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg Yolks, Sugar, and Cornstarch

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of milk, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Milk and Egg Mixture

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once combined, return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-high heat. Continue whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add Butter and Vanilla

Once the pastry cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and whisk in the butter and the remaining vanilla extract. Let the pastry cream cool before using it as a filling for your cake.

Assembling the Easter Homemade Yellow Cake

Once both the cakes and pastry cream have cooled, it’s time to assemble your Easter Homemade Yellow Cake.

  1. Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving platter.
  2. Spread about one-third of the pastry cream over the top of the cake layer, smoothing it out evenly.
  3. Carefully place the second layer of cake upside down on top of the pastry cream to create a flat surface.
  4. Spread the remaining pastry cream evenly over the top of the cake.
  5. For a festive touch, you can decorate the top with Easter-themed decorations, such as colorful sprinkles, edible flowers, or chocolate eggs.
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There’s nothing like the smell of a homemade cake filling the kitchen, bringing back warm memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations. This ultra-rich, moist, and fluffy yellow cake is a showstopper—perfect for Easter, birthdays, or any special occasion. Made from scratch with love, it’s way better than any boxed mix! Bake this beauty, share it with loved ones, and create delicious moments together. Who’s ready to indulge in a slice of happiness?

  • Author: Jessica Parker
  • Prep Time: 30 min
  • Cook Time: 40 min
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Yellow Cake:

✔️ 2 1/4 cups flour
✔️ 2 tsp baking powder
✔️ 1/4 tsp baking soda
✔️ 1/2 tsp sea salt
✔️ 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cool room temperature
✔️ 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
✔️ 3 large eggs (room temperature)
✔️ 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
✔️ 2 tsp vanilla extract
✔️ 1/4 cup sour cream or full-fat yogurt (room temperature)
✔️ 3/4 cup whole milk (warm)

Pastry Cream:

✔️ 5 egg yolks
✔️ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
✔️ 3 tbsp cornstarch
✔️ 2 cups whole milk
✔️ 1/4 tsp sea salt
✔️ 4 tbsp butter
✔️ 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter, flour, and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute). Add sugar and beat until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
4️⃣ Add eggs, yolks, and vanilla one at a time, beating well between each. Mix in sour cream.
5️⃣ With the mixer on low, alternate adding flour mixture and warm milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined (do not overmix).
6️⃣ Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 20 minutes before removing from pans.

Pastry Cream:

1️⃣ In a saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups milk with vanilla until it starts to simmer, then remove from heat.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup milk, egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch.
3️⃣ Slowly whisk hot milk into egg mixture, then return to the saucepan. Cook over high heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.
4️⃣ Remove from heat, stir in butter, and let cool.

Assembling the Cake:

1️⃣ Place one cake layer on a stand and spread 1/3 of the frosting over it.
2️⃣ Top with the second cake layer (upside-down for a flat top).
3️⃣ Frost the entire cake evenly and smooth out the edges.

Notes

Baking Tips:

  • Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream) are at room temperature for the best texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter—this keeps the cake light and fluffy!
  • If you prefer, you can substitute sour cream with full-fat yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Serving Suggestion: Serve with fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch!

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450 kcal per Slice
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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Conclusion

This Easter Homemade Yellow Cake is a showstopper dessert that will make your celebration extra special. With its moist, tender texture and luscious pastry cream filling, it’s sure to become a favorite at your Easter dinner table. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or attending one, this cake is the perfect way to celebrate the season in style. The best part is that this homemade cake is so much better than any boxed cake mix, and you’ll feel proud to serve something made with love and quality ingredients.

Don’t forget to share this Easter Homemade Yellow Cake recipe with your family and friends. It’s a recipe they’ll cherish for years to come. Happy baking and Happy Easter!

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