Simple Yellow Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Cuisine: American

A moist, tender yellow cake with simple ingredients, perfect for shortcakes or topped with your favorite frosting, suitable for any celebration or casual dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. self-rising flour
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 c. oil
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix until well combined.
  2. Pour the batter into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
  3. Bake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, you can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you don't have self-rising flour, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mixing in some citrus zest can add a refreshing twist to the flavor. This cake is versatile and can be used as a base for layered cakes like Pumpkin Walnut Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance its presentation. For a fun twist, try pairing it with Divinity Candy, which complements the cake's sweetness beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Simple Yellow Cake contains roughly 1769 calories, with 12g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 125g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and calcium. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1769 kcal 88% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.5g 25% DV
Total Fat 125.1g 100% DV
Carbs 125.8g 46% DV
Fiber 5.6g 20% DV
Sugar 8.2g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 194.4mg 8% DV
Potassium 694mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 155mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 44.9mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 33.5mg 37% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 188.3mg 14% DV
Iron 4.8mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?

Yes, you can use regular all-purpose flour. Just remember to add 3 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of flour to achieve the same leavening effect as self-rising flour.

What can I do if the cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake often indicates that it was underbaked or the oven temperature was too low. Make sure to preheat your oven properly and check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, it's done; if not, give it a few more minutes.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporating extracts such as almond or lemon. Consider mixing in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and taste.

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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