This yellow cake recipe 3 layers is perfect for birthdays, holidays, and any celebration that needs a tall, delicious homemade dessert
If you’ve been searching for a truly classic, bakery-style dessert, this yellow cake recipe 3 layers is exactly what you need. Each layer is soft, buttery, moist, and sturdy enough to stack beautifully without crumbling. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply craving an old-fashioned homemade cake, this recipe will deliver the perfect slice every single time.
Jump to RecipeYellow cake has been a beloved American classic for generations. Its rich flavor, tender crumb, and perfect balance of sweetness make it the foundation of countless birthday cakes and family celebrations. But instead of using a boxed mix, today you’ll learn how to make a homemade 3-layer yellow cake from scratch and trust me, it’s easier than you think.
If you enjoy homemade cakes, you’ll also love the smooth and creamy No-Bake Cheesecake over on MagmaKitchen
If you’ve never made a yellow cake recipe 3 layers before, this step-by-step guide makes it incredibly easy and foolproof.
Before we dive into the full instructions, let’s explore what makes this yellow cake recipe so reliable and why home bakers return to it again and again.
Why This Yellow Cake Recipe 3 Layers Works So Well
1. Perfect Moist Texture
The combination of butter, eggs, and buttermilk gives the cake a soft, luscious crumb that stays moist for days. Buttermilk tenderizes the batter naturally, helping the cake rise high and stay fluffy.
2. Stable Enough for Layering
Some cakes collapse when you try to stack them — not this one. This yellow cake recipe 3 layers is sturdy yet soft, making it ideal for birthdays, weddings, or tall celebration cakes.
3. Classic Vanilla-Butter Flavor
The rich vanilla and butter notes shine through in every bite. No artificial “yellow cake mix” flavor — just clean, homemade goodness.
4. Works with Any Frosting
Although this recipe includes a rich chocolate frosting, you can also pair it with:
- Vanilla buttercream
- Cream cheese frosting
- Strawberry frosting
- Peanut butter frosting
- Whipped chocolate ganache
5. Beginner-Friendly and Foolproof
Even if you’ve never made a layered cake before, this guide breaks every step down simply so you get perfect results every time.
Ingredients for the Yellow Cake (3 Layers)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk, room temperature
How to Make the Yellow Cake (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Butter and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat:
- Butter
- Sugar
Mix for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter and creates a lighter texture.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Add Dry Ingredients & Buttermilk
Alternate adding:
- ⅓ dry mixture
- ½ buttermilk
- ⅓ dry mixture
- Remaining buttermilk
- Final dry mixture
Mix until just combined. Do not overmix or the cake will be dense.
6. Bake the Layers
Divide the batter evenly between the three pans.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes
Let the cakes cool:
- 10 minutes in the pan
- Completely on wire racks
Your yellow cake recipe 3 layers is perfectly baked and ready to assemble!
Chocolate Frosting (Rich, Smooth & Creamy)
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (plus extra if needed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat the butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and mix until smooth.
- Alternately add powdered sugar and milk.
- Add vanilla and salt.
- Adjust consistency with a spoonful of milk if needed.
This frosting is silky smooth, spreads easily, and pairs perfectly with the yellow cake.
How to Assemble the 3-Layer Cake
1. Level the Cakes (Optional)
If the tops are domed, gently trim them with a serrated knife for perfect layers.
2. Frost Layer by Layer
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
- Spread a generous amount of frosting.
- Add the second layer + frosting.
- Add the third layer.
3. Frost the Top & Sides
Swirl thick, rich frosting all over the cake.
For a smooth professional finish, chill the cake for 20 minutes, then smooth with an offset spatula.
4. Decorate
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
- Fresh fruit
- Piped borders
- Cake crumbs
Whatever matches your style!
Serving Suggestions
This yellow cake recipe 3 layers is perfect for:
- Birthdays
- Family gatherings
- Holidays
- Special celebrations
- Weekend baking
Serve it with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Hot coffee or tea
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberries
Its soft, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with anything.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Keeps well for 3 days in an airtight container.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 5 days.
Let slices come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Freezer
Freeze:
- Whole cake (wrapped)
- Individual slices
Good for up to 2 months.
Yellow Cake Recipe (3 Layers)
Ingredients
- First
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, room temp
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups buttermilk, room temp
- Second
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
5 cups powdered sugar
½ cup whole milk (plus extra if needed)
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
- first
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 min).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans 10 min, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
- Chocolate Frosting (Rich & Creamy)
- Second
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add cocoa powder and mix well.
- Alternate adding powdered sugar and milk, beating after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and salt. Adjust with a splash more milk if too thick.
- Assembly
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly over the top.
- Add the second layer, frost again.
- Add the third layer, then frost the top and sides generously.
- For a smooth finish, chill the cake for 20 minutes, then go over with an offset spatula.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why use buttermilk?
It gives the cake a tender, moist structure and helps it rise higher.
2. Can I make cupcakes?
Yes! Bake at 350°F for about 18–20 minutes.
3. Can I use 9-inch pans?
Yes, but the layers will be slightly thinner. Reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes.
4. Can I use different frosting?
Absolutely. This yellow cake recipe 3 layers works with almost any frosting flavor.
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Final Thoughts
This yellow cake recipe 3 layers is the perfect balance of soft, moist, buttery, and rich — the kind of classic cake that belongs in every home baker’s recipe book. Whether you top it with chocolate frosting or something lighter, it always delivers the nostalgic flavor of a true homemade yellow cake.
If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll end up with a tall, beautiful 3-layer cake that slices like a dream and tastes even better than bakery versions.