This homemade yellow cake recipe is a reliable go-to for bakers looking to replicate (or even surpass) the moistness and flavor of boxed mixes, but from scratch. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a weekend treat, it’s versatile and can be adapted into chocolate, white, or spice cake variations. With pudding, sour cream, and butter for richness, it’s a favorite among home bakers and professionals alike.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups cake flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 (3.5-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened

• 6 tablespoons butter-flavored shortening

• 1 ½ cups milk

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

• 4 eggs

Directions

1. Cream together butter, shortening, sugar, and pudding mix until smooth.

2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

3. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture.

6. Pour batter into a well-greased and floured 13×9 inch pan.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Variations:

• White Cake: Use 4 egg whites instead of 4 whole eggs.

• Spice Cake: Add 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon allspice, and ¼ + ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves to the flour mixture.

• Chocolate Cake: Use chocolate pudding mix and add ⅓ cup cocoa powder. Increase milk slightly for desired consistency.

Nutrients (per serving, approx. for 20 servings)

• Calories: ~270

• Total Fat: ~13g

• Saturated Fat: ~5g

• Cholesterol: ~50mg

• Sodium: ~180mg

• Total Carbohydrates: ~35g

• Sugars: ~20g

• Protein: ~4g

The Secret to Superior Moistness and Texture

What sets this recipe apart is its attention to moisture, texture, and flavor complexity. Unlike many traditional scratch cakes, this version leans on a combination of instant pudding mix, sour cream, and a blend of butter and shortening to ensure every bite is soft and rich. The pudding mix adds more than just flavor; it contributes to the moist structure of the cake, making it nearly impossible to end up with a dry crumb.

Sour cream enhances the richness and tenderness of the cake while introducing a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness. This trifecta—pudding, sour cream, and fats—ensures the cake remains fresh and soft even a day or two after baking, making it perfect for parties or events where prep time might occur in advance.

A Flexible Base for Multiple Cake Variations

Versatility is another standout feature of this yellow cake recipe. With just a few small modifications, it can be transformed into a variety of flavors without compromising texture or structure.

For a white cake, replacing whole eggs with egg whites creates a lighter color and slightly more delicate texture. This variation is ideal for weddings or when a cleaner visual presentation is desired.

The spice cake adaptation brings in warming spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, making it ideal for autumn or winter gatherings. These additions infuse the cake with a cozy, aromatic flavor profile that pairs well with cream cheese frosting or a brown sugar glaze.

For chocolate lovers, a chocolate version swaps vanilla pudding for chocolate and introduces cocoa powder into the dry mix. The result is a cake with a deep, rich flavor and a moist crumb that stands up beautifully to ganache, fudge frosting, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This cake isn’t just for birthdays—though it certainly shines with a colorful buttercream swirl and a handful of sprinkles. Its adaptable flavor and satisfying texture make it a crowd-pleaser for anniversaries, school functions, potlucks, or a quiet Sunday dessert. Serve it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, layer it with jam and whipped cream for a trifle, or stack it with chocolate ganache and berries for an elegant presentation.

Its dependable structure also makes it ideal for layering, carving, or shaping into custom designs. Whether you’re creating a tiered celebration cake or a novelty design for kids, the cake holds up well under frosting and fondant, making it as functional as it is delicious.

An Easy Win for Home Bakers

One of the biggest draws of this recipe is how forgiving it is. The method isn’t fussy, the ingredients are easy to find, and the results are consistent. Creaming the fats and sugars together ensures air is incorporated for lightness, while the alternating addition of dry and wet ingredients promotes a smooth, lump-free batter.

This cake is an excellent confidence-builder for new bakers, as it combines reliable technique with forgiving ingredients. Even small missteps, like slightly under-mixing or baking a few minutes too long, often result in a still-tasty product thanks to the built-in moisture from the sour cream and pudding.

Flavor Profile That Appeals to All Ages

This yellow cake has a warm, buttery profile balanced by vanilla and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s not overly sugary, making it the perfect canvas for a variety of frostings and fillings—from classic chocolate buttercream to tangy lemon curd or fresh fruit compotes.

For adults, the flavor pairs wonderfully with coffee or a dessert wine. For kids, it’s everything they want in a birthday cake: soft, sweet, and easy to love. Because the recipe avoids any niche ingredients or bold flavors, it appeals to a wide range of palates.

Storage and Make-Ahead Friendliness

Another practical advantage is how well this cake stores. When wrapped tightly, it stays moist for several days at room temperature. It can also be refrigerated or frozen without sacrificing texture. This makes it ideal for make-ahead baking, especially when planning for larger events where time management is key.

You can bake the cake layers ahead of time, wrap and freeze them, and then thaw and decorate when ready. This convenience adds to the recipe’s appeal for professional bakers and hobbyists alike.

Nutritional Considerations

While not exactly diet food, this cake offers a balanced indulgence. At around 270 calories per slice (based on 20 servings), it’s a reasonable treat when enjoyed in moderation. The fat and sugar content reflect its rich texture, but they’re not excessive when compared to commercial alternatives. For those who are concerned with nutrition, small adjustments—like using reduced-fat sour cream or substituting part of the sugar—can be made without dramatically impacting the final result.

Why Homemade Wins

There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from baking a cake from scratch. Beyond the superior taste and customizable nature, there’s an emotional reward in the process itself. Mixing ingredients, smelling the cake as it bakes, and serving it to appreciative friends or family adds a layer of joy you simply can’t get from a pre-made mix.

Moreover, homemade baking allows you to control quality and avoid preservatives or artificial flavors. You know exactly what’s going into your dessert, and you have full creative freedom when it comes to decoration, flavor tweaking, and presentation.

Conclusion

This homemade yellow cake recipe isn’t just a replacement for boxed cake mix—it’s a substantial upgrade. With its moist texture, rich flavor, and easy adaptability, it serves as the perfect base for nearly any celebration cake. Whether you choose to make it as-is or explore one of its many variations, it’s a recipe that rewards both the baker and the lucky recipients. Simple enough for beginners and reliable enough for professionals, it strikes the ideal balance between ease and elegance. Add it to your baking repertoire, and you’ll always have the perfect cake at your fingertips—no box required.