CLASSIC BIRTHDAY CAKE
Birthdays: A time for jazz, singing, and (obviously ) cake. A number people have a favorite, but no cake is much loosely topped with candles compared to the yellow cake with chocolate frosting.
Despite its ubiquity in bakeries nationally (and in combination type on grocery store shelves), excellent homemade variations of the chocolate-on-vanilla duo are somewhat evasive. But after weeks of testing, we believe we have nailed it. This moist, tender vanilla cake with its layers of chocolate frosting is great that we have announced it our 2019 Recipe of the Year. Join us in celebrating also the birthdays as well as this traditional cake that it commemorates.
Baking gluten-free? For good results, substitute King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour for your all-purpose flour in this recipe; for more specifics, see"hints," below.
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AT A GLANCE
PREP:60 mins.
BAKE:26 mins.
TOTAL
YIELD
Nutrition information
Recipe Success Guide
INGREDIENTS
Select Your step: Volume Ounces Grams
CAKE
- 1 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp almond extract; discretionary, for improved flavor
- 1 cup milk (whole milk favored )
- 4 tbsp (1/4 cup) butter, cut into pats
FROSTING
- 1 1/4 cups organic cocoa powder(sifted if lumpy)
- 1 cup + 3 cups confectioners' sugar (sifted if necessary )
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 16 tbsp (1 cup) butter, softened
*See"hints," below to get an alternative to cocoa.