13 Golden Yellow Cake Recipes for Basics

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a golden yellow cake— that perfect, sunny hue that screams comfort and celebration. I still remember the scent of my grandmother’s kitchen on Sundays, where she’d whip up her signature yellow cake from scratch, using just a few pantry staples. The cake would emerge from the oven with a tender crumb and that irresistible golden crust, slathered in chocolate frosting for family gatherings. Those slices were pure joy, evoking simpler times when baking was about love, not perfection.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking classic recipes to highlight that vibrant yellow color from egg yolks and butter, while keeping things basic for busy weeknights. With rising interest in from-scratch baking amid our fast-paced lives, these recipes remind us how easy it is to create bakery-quality treats at home. Whether you’re a beginner or just craving that homemade magic, golden yellow cakes are versatile bases for any occasion.

Classic Golden Yellow Cake

This timeless recipe delivers a fluffy, buttery cake with a beautiful golden hue from fresh egg yolks. Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp salt.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch pans. Cream butter and sugar, beat in yolks and vanilla, then alternate adding dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) with milk. Bake 25-30 minutes until golden. It’s beginner-friendly, moist without add-ins, and perfect for layering with frostings—rich in beta-carotene for a subtle nutritional glow.

Buttermilk Golden Yellow Cake

Tangy buttermilk ensures extra tenderness in this basic staple. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ¾ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup buttermilk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla, pinch salt.
Mix wet (butter, sugar, yolks, vanilla) then fold in dry sifted with buttermilk gradually. Bake at 350°F in two 8-inch pans for 28-32 minutes. The buttermilk tenderizes for superior moistness, aids digestion, and yields a vibrant golden color ideal for everyday cakes.

Moist Oil-Based Golden Cake

Swap butter for oil to lock in moisture without sacrificing that sunny yellow. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ¾ cup vegetable oil, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla, ¼ tsp salt.
Whisk oil, sugar, yolks, and vanilla; add dry ingredients alternately with milk. Bake 30 minutes at 350°F in a 9×13 pan. Oil keeps it ultra-moist for days, budget-friendly, and naturally golden—great for potlucks.

Sour Cream Golden Yellow Cake

Sour cream adds richness and stability for pro-level results. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, ½ cup sour cream, 4 egg yolks, ¾ cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla, salt.
Beat butter, sugar, yolks; mix in sour cream and vanilla, then flour-milk mix. Bake 25-28 minutes at 350°F. It stays fresh longer, boosts flavor depth, and enhances golden tint for foolproof basics.

Lemon Zest Golden Cake

A hint of citrus brightens this basic yellow cake without overpowering. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, zest of 2 lemons, 1 tsp vanilla, salt.
Cream butter-sugar-zest-yolks; alternate flour and milk. Bake 27 minutes at 350°F. Lemon zest amps vitamin C, cuts richness, and intensifies golden color for refreshing twists.

Almond Extract Golden Cake

Nutty almond elevates the vanilla base subtly. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 ½ tsp almond extract, ½ tsp vanilla, salt.
Combine wet, fold dry with milk. Bake in rounds at 350°F for 25 minutes. Almond adds sophisticated aroma, pairs with berries, and maintains classic golden appeal.

Honey-Sweetened Golden Cake

Natural honey swaps some sugar for wholesome sweetness. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar + ½ cup honey, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, ¾ cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla, salt.
Warm honey with butter-sugar-yolks; mix batter and bake 28 minutes at 350°F. Honey hydrates for softness, offers antioxidants, and deepens golden hue naturally.

Coconut Golden Yellow Cake

Shredded coconut infuses tropical flair into basics. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup coconut milk, ½ cup shredded coconut, 2 tsp baking powder, vanilla, salt.
Blend all, fold coconut. Bake 30 minutes at 350°F. Coconut milk ensures dairy-free moisture, adds fiber, and enhances sunny yellow vibrancy.

Spice Golden Yellow Cake

Warm spices make this cozy for fall basics. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg, vanilla, salt.
Mix spices into creamed base, bake 26 minutes at 350°F. Spices aid digestion, add depth without complexity, and complement the golden base perfectly.

One-Bowl Golden Cake

Minimal cleanup for ultimate basics. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter (melted), 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, vanilla, salt—all in one bowl.
Stir everything together vigorously. Bake in sheet pan 25 minutes at 350°F. Effortless, foolproof moistness, and pure golden simplicity for novices.

Orange Golden Yellow Cake

Citrus zest for a zingy, basic upgrade. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup orange juice, 2 tsp baking powder, zest of 2 oranges, salt.
Incorporate zest-juice into batter. Bake 28 minutes at 350°F. Oranges boost immunity, tenderize batter, and amplify golden-orange glow.

Chocolate Chip Golden Cake

Studded chips for fun without fuss. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup milk, 1 cup chocolate chips, 2 tsp baking powder, vanilla, salt.
Fold chips last into batter. Bake 27 minutes at 350°F. Chips add indulgence, melt perfectly, keeping the yellow base golden and basic.

Yogurt Golden Yellow Cake

Greek yogurt for protein-packed tenderness. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 ½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, ¾ cup Greek yogurt, 4 egg yolks, ½ cup milk, 2 tsp baking powder, vanilla, salt.
Whip yogurt into wet mix, bake 25 minutes at 350°F. Yogurt adds probiotics, superior rise, and lush golden crumb for healthy basics.

These 13 golden yellow cake recipes are your go-to for effortless baking that wows—grab your apron, pick one (or three!), and fill your home with that warm, inviting aroma today. Your taste buds (and family) will thank you!