Ina Garten Yellow Cake Recipe

The Ina Garten Yellow Cake recipe is a true classic comfort dessert. It tastes soft, buttery and rich. This cake feels warm and joyful, perfect for birthdays and family time.

Ina Garten Yellow Cake recipe is also simple to follow, even for beginners. You only need basic tools and pantry ingredients.

The texture is tender and the crumb is light. You will love learning how to make Ina Garten Yellow Cake at home with ease and confidence.

My Experience With This Recipe

I made this cake on a rainy afternoon and the smell filled my whole home. The butter scent felt cozy and sweet. The batter was smooth and creamy. I loved watching it rise beautifully in the oven.

The golden color made me smile. My family could not wait to taste it. Each bite was soft and moist. This recipe quickly became one of my favorite comfort bakes.

Recipe Card info

• Recipe Name: Ina Garten Yellow Cake
• Servings: 10
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: 360 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Yellow Cake Recipe

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional frosting:

• 1 cup butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons milk

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the pans

Grease pans and line with parchment circles. This keeps the cake from sticking and helps smooth release after baking completely.

2. Preheat the oven

Set oven to 350°F or 175°C. Proper preheating helps cakes rise evenly and bake with perfect golden color throughout.

3. Cream butter and sugar

Beat butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. This step traps air, giving your yellow cake a light tender texture.

4. Add the eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. This keeps batter smooth and prevents curdling while building rich flavor base.

5. Mix dry ingredients

Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in bowl. Mixing first spreads leavening evenly and avoids lumps in batter later.

6. Combine wet and dry

Add dry mix to butter mix in parts, alternating with milk additions. Start and end with dry mix for best texture always.

7. Add vanilla

Stir in vanilla extract gently. It gives that warm bakery aroma and classic Ina Garten Yellow Cake taste everyone loves truly.

8. Fill the pans

Divide batter evenly between pans. Smooth tops with spatula so cakes bake flat and stack easily for frosting later.

9. Bake the cakes

Place pans in center of oven. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean, usually about thirty minutes.

10. Cool and frost

Let cakes cool in pans briefly, then on racks completely. Frost with buttercream or chocolate frosting once fully cooled.

Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Yellow Cake Recipe

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs
• Do not overmix the batter
• Weigh flour for accuracy if possible
• Preheat oven fully
• Cool cakes before frosting
• Use real vanilla extract
• Rotate pans if oven bakes unevenly

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold butter
• Skipping parchment paper
• Overbaking the cake
• Opening oven door too often
• Adding too much flour
• Frosting warm cake layers

Serving Suggestions

This cake tastes wonderful with chocolate frosting, vanilla buttercream or simple powdered sugar dusting. Add fresh strawberries or sliced bananas for extra color and freshness.

A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it feel like a party dessert. The Ina Garten Yellow Cake recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays or simple afternoon tea with friends and family.

Variations You Can Try

• Add lemon zest to batter
• Fill layers with strawberry jam
• Use sour cream instead of some milk
• Make cupcakes instead of layers
• Add chocolate chips to batter

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store cake in airtight container
• Keep at room temperature for two days
• Refrigerate for longer storage
• Freeze unfrosted layers for three months
• Thaw at room temperature before serving

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	360 kcal
Protein	5 g
Fat	15 g
Carbohydrates	52 g
Sugar	34 g

Health Benefits

This cake is a comfort treat that brings joy and sharing. It offers energy from carbs and fats, helping during celebrations and special days.

When enjoyed in moderation with fruit or milk, it can fit nicely in a balanced lifestyle. The emotional happiness from baking at home is also a sweet benefit.

FAQs about Ina Garten Yellow Cake Recipe

1. Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, cake flour gives an even softer crumb. If you use it, measure carefully and avoid overmixing to keep texture light and tender.

2. Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?
Yes, simply divide batter into cupcake liners. Bake for less time, about twenty minutes and check with a toothpick for doneness.

3. What frosting works best with this yellow cake?
Chocolate buttercream is classic and delicious. Vanilla frosting or cream cheese frosting also match well and highlight the buttery Ina Garten Yellow Cake recipe flavor perfectly.

4. Why did my cake turn dense?
Too much flour or overmixing can cause density. Make sure ingredients are room temperature and mix only until smooth and combined fully.

Final Thoughts

The Ina Garten Yellow Cake recipe is warm, simple and deeply comforting. It is perfect for learning how to make yellow cake at home with confidence.

The ingredients for Ina Garten Yellow Cake are easy to find and budget friendly. Bake it for someone you love or just for yourself. Enjoy every soft slice and the happy smiles it brings.