Yellow Cake(Scratch Cake; I Use For Coconut Cake)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A classic yellow cake with rich, buttery flavor and moist texture, perfect for celebrations or everyday treats. Its tender crumb pairs beautifully with frosting, making it a versatile dessert suitable for all ages and occasions, especially when topped with your favorite icing.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 level teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup sour or buttermilk
  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 1 2/3 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1/4 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients well until smooth.
  2. Pour the batter into a prepared 350°F oven-safe baking pan.
  3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, approximately 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from oven and let cool.
  5. Use your favorite 7-minute frosting or White Mountain Frosting from Betty Crocker cookbook.
  6. Frost the cooled cake and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, separate the eggs and beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then fold them into the batter gently. You can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you don't have self-rising flour, mix all-purpose flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt. This cake also pairs beautifully with Dark Chocolate Frosting for a decadent twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful yellow cake as a stand-alone dessert or alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant touch. It also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive flair, consider garnishing with toasted coconut or serving it with a rich coconut frosting, making it a perfect choice for celebrations or family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. It can be refrigerated for up to a week. For serving, bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds, ensuring it's not heated too long to avoid drying it out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Yellow Cake(Scratch Cake; I Use For Coconut Cake) contains roughly 682 calories, with 10g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber.

682 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.6g 19% DV
Total Fat 34.8g 45% DV
Carbs 83.6g 30% DV
Fiber 2.8g 10% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 365mg 16% DV
Potassium 336.7mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 82.8mg 28% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33.4mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 5.8mg 6% DV
Calcium 104.6mg 8% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Contains 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 by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt for each cup of flour to mimic self-rising flour. This will help achieve the desired rise in your cake.

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

A sinking cake can be caused by underbaking or using too much liquid. Ensure you measure ingredients accurately and bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it still sinks, consider reducing the liquid slightly in your next attempt.

Can I freeze this yellow cake?

Absolutely! Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →