Description
This classic yellow cake features a rich, golden crumb achieved through a precise balance of egg yolks and buttermilk, finished with a silky chocolate buttercream. Utilizing a specialized folding technique with whipped egg whites, the result is a sophisticated dessert that remains both sturdy and tender.
Ingredients
- 285g cake flour
- 226g unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 large egg whites
- 240ml buttermilk
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream 226g of butter and granulated sugar for 3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter on low speed, starting and ending with the flour.
- In a separate clean bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until they form firm, fluffy peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the cake batter using a silicone spatula until no streaks remain.
- Divide the batter between pans and bake for 27-31 minutes, tenting with foil after 18 minutes; cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the buttercream by beating softened butter with confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, cream, salt, and vanilla until silky.
- Level the cooled cakes, stack with frosting, apply a crumb coat, and finish with the remaining buttercream.
Notes
Ensure all refrigerated ingredients, especially the buttermilk and eggs, reach room temperature before mixing to prevent the batter from breaking. For the cleanest slices, chill the assembled cake for thirty minutes before cutting with a sharp, warm knife.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American