Did you know I bake a lot of cakes? I mean a LOT of cakes. While I’ve always had a favorite homemade white cake recipe in my back pocket, I’ve been on the hunt for a truly amazing yellow cake. Not just good—GREAT. And finally, I’ve found it.
This Homemade Yellow Cake Mix is the perfect solution if you’re tired of box mixes and want something made from scratch that still feels easy and convenient. It’s also a thoughtful, delicious gift for your cake-loving friends. And yes—this mix bakes up into the perfect birthday cake!
Why You’ll Love This Yellow Cake Mix
This cake mix ticks all the boxes:
- One bowl is all you need to mix it up.
- It uses whole eggs—no separating out a dozen yolks.
- And most importantly? It’s absolutely delicious.
It’s moist, buttery, rich in flavor, and pairs beautifully with just about any frosting. Personally, I love it with a generous layer of chocolate buttercream—classic and irresistible.
Make-Ahead Magic
This recipe is designed to be prepped ahead. Simply mix the dry ingredients and store them in a jar in your pantry. When you’re ready to bake, just add the wet ingredients and you’re good to go.
It’s a great time-saver for busy weeks, birthday parties, or anytime you need a quick and reliable cake.
Ingredients for Homemade Yellow Cake Mix
To store:
- 2 ¼ cups (281 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
To bake (add these when ready):
- ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) butter, softened
- ⅛ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
How to Make Yellow Cake Mix
- In a Quart Jar: Add flour first, then sugar, baking powder, and salt. Seal with a lid. The ingredients will just fit!
- Label your jar with the wet ingredients and baking instructions (or print them out and attach with ribbon if you’re gifting it!).
When You’re Ready to Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, a 9×13-inch pan, or line a muffin tin for cupcakes.
- In a stand mixer (or large bowl with hand mixer), cream the softened butter for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
- Add the dry mix and blend with the butter for 30 seconds.
- Pour in milk, oil, vanilla, and eggs. Beat on medium-high for about 1 minute, until the batter is light and fluffy.
- Pour into prepared pans and bake:
- 8-inch rounds: 20–25 minutes
- Cupcakes: Start checking at 15 minutes
- 9×13 pan: 30–38 minutes
- Cool completely before frosting.
Gift It!
Want to gift a jar of this homemade cake mix? Print out the wet ingredients and instructions, tie them on with a pretty ribbon, and don’t forget to add a note:
“Once the cake is baked and cooled, call me—I’ll be right over with a fork!” 😄
Want More Cake?
Love cake as much as I do? Check out a few more of my favorites:
- Cream Cheese Pound Cake – Ultra rich and buttery.
- Chocolate Craving Cake – For those times when nothing but chocolate will do.
- Chocolate Brownie Cake – So easy and full of surprise flavor.
- Perfect Chocolate Cake – Moist, fluffy, and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re making it for a birthday, a celebration, or just because it’s Tuesday, this Homemade Yellow Cake Mix is a keeper. Simple to prep, easy to bake, and always delicious