Starlight Yellow Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, buttery yellow cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, offering classic vanilla flavor loved by all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease and flour the cake pan.
  3. Beat all ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the bowl constantly.
  4. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you don't have baking powder, use 1 teaspoon of baking soda plus 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. For added moisture, try incorporating a bit of sour cream or yogurt into the batter. This cake is versatile and can be flavored with lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delicious dessert experience. It also makes a lovely accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve alongside the Viennese Cherry Cheese Torte during celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Starlight Yellow Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Starlight Yellow Cake contains roughly 266 calories, with 5g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1222mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

266 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 3.4g 4% DV
Carbs 54.5g 20% DV
Fiber 2.4g 9% DV
Sugar 0.6g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1222.5mg 53% DV
Potassium 335.2mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 96.8mg 32% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 16.6mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 234.1mg 18% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
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?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you plan to frost it, wait until the day of serving for the best presentation.

What can I substitute for eggs if I want to make this cake vegan?

You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for moisture. Another option is to use a commercial egg replacer, following the package instructions. The texture may vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.

How can I tell when the cake is fully baked?

To check if the Starlight Yellow Cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, give it an additional 5 minutes in the oven and check again.

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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