Quick Yellow Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, tender yellow cake with classic vanilla flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday desserts, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/3 cup cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients into a bowl and beat for two minutes at medium speed.
  2. Scrape sides of the bowl while beating.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 8-inch square pan.
  4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it passes the toothpick test.

Tips & Substitutions

For a fluffier cake, ensure your baking powder is fresh. You can substitute the cooking oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, or use applesauce for a healthier version. If you don't have milk, almond or soy milk works well too. Be sure to mix thoroughly but avoid over-beating to prevent a dense texture.

Serving Suggestions

This Quick Yellow Cake is delicious on its own but can be elevated with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate glaze. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Marshmallow Fudge for a delightful dessert spread. Consider serving it with fresh fruits or a scoop of ice cream for a more decadent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Yellow Cake contains roughly 533 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1109mg per serving (48% of the Daily Value).

533 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 34.6g 44% DV
Carbs 47.4g 17% DV
Fiber 0.1g 1% DV
Sugar 10.5g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1108.5mg 48% DV
Potassium 271.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 98mg 33% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 61.2mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 3.7mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 206.2mg 16% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it properly to keep it fresh. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in an airtight container.

What can I use if I don't have an 8-inch square pan?

If you don't have an 8-inch square pan, you can use a 9-inch round pan instead. Just adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness a few minutes earlier, as round pans can bake quicker.

Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the cake?

Absolutely! You can add lemon zest, cocoa powder, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits also work well. Just be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the cake's texture.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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