Yum Yum Cake Recipe

Moist Yum Yum Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Yum yum cake is one of those desserts that instantly makes everyone at the table smile with pure delight.

It has a way of turning ordinary moments into celebrations, no matter the occasion or season.

The name alone tells you everything you need to know about how fun and satisfying it tastes.

What makes it so beloved is how it manages to feel both comforting and exciting at the same time.

You can serve it at potlucks, family dinners, or weeknight gatherings, and it always disappears fast.

It’s approachable enough for casual bakers but impressive enough to earn you compliments from everyone who takes a bite.

When you need a dessert that guarantees smiles and second helpings, this one never disappoints.

Why Yum Yum Cake Always Delivers

  • Simple Baking: This cake comes together easily with basic ingredients most kitchens already have, making it perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Your family and friends will adore this soft, tender cake that works beautifully for casual gatherings or weekend treats.
  • Versatile Dessert: Whether serving after dinner or bringing to a potluck, this cake adapts perfectly to any occasion without complicated preparation.
  • Comfort Classic: The traditional recipe delivers a comforting, nostalgic taste that reminds you of delightful homemade baking from childhood kitchens.

Essential Ingredients for Yum Yum Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The foundation of your cake’s structure, creating a tender and soft base.
  • Unsalted Butter (1 cup): Brings rich, creamy flavor and helps create a smooth, moist texture in your cake.
  • Granulated Sugar (2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps your cake achieve a beautiful golden color.
  • Large Eggs (4): Bind the ingredients together and provide essential structure and richness.
  • Milk (1 cup): Ensures your cake remains soft and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
Supporting Ingredients:
  • Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds extra moisture and a subtle tangy flavor that makes your cake exceptionally tender.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder (2 teaspoons): Helps your cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in your cake.
  • Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, classic flavor that makes your cake taste wonderfully homemade.

Kitchen Tools Needed for Yum Yum Cake

  • 9×13 inch Baking Pan: Essential for creating the perfect cake shape and size, this pan helps your cake bake evenly and come out with beautiful edges.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Grab your favorite spacious bowl to cream butter and sugar, blend ingredients, and mix the cake batter smoothly.
  • Medium Bowl: Use this for combining dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt before adding them to your main mixture.
  • Electric Mixer: A handheld or stand mixer makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze, helping you achieve that light and fluffy texture.
  • Whisk: Perfect for thoroughly blending dry ingredients and ensuring no lumps remain in your flour mixture.
  • Rubber Spatula: Helps you fold in sour cream gently and spread batter evenly in the pan without deflating the mixture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to getting the recipe just right, so have these ready for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Wire Rack: Allows your cake to cool completely, preventing condensation and keeping the bottom crisp after baking.
  • Toothpick: Your trusty tool for checking cake doneness by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.

Making Yum Yum Cake From Start to Finish

Making Yum Yum Cake From Start to Finish
1

Prep the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking pan. Coat every single inch of that pan with butter or cooking spray so nothing sticks.

2

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, grab your ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Whisk these together until they look completely blended.

3

Cream Butter and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar

Beat these together until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud – about 3-4 minutes.

4

Add Eggs

Drop in 4 large eggs, one at a time. Blend each egg completely before adding the next. Your mixture should look smooth and creamy.

5

Splash in Vanilla

Pour 1 tsp vanilla extract into the bowl and stir until it’s evenly mixed.

6

Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add your dry flour mixture and 1 cup milk to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed, alternating between dry ingredients and milk. Keep the mixer slow to prevent flour from flying everywhere.

7

Fold in Sour Cream

Gently stir in 1/2 cup sour cream. Mix just until it’s incorporated – no need to beat it to death.

8

Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula so it looks smooth on top. Slide the pan into the 350°F oven.

9

Check for Doneness

Bake for 35-40 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick – if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

10

Cool Down

Pull the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen Notes For Yum Yum Cake

  • Make sure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • When adding dry ingredients and milk, mix on low speed to prevent overworking the batter and creating a tough cake.
  • Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter evenly in the pan, ensuring consistent baking and a beautiful final result.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – when it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to help it set and develop a perfect, tender crumb.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour, ensuring your cake stays moist and tender while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter for coconut oil and milk with almond milk, creating a lighter cake perfect for those avoiding dairy products.
  • Chocolate Transformation: Mix in 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and add chocolate chips for a rich, decadent chocolate version that transforms the original recipe.
  • Lemon Zest Variation: Fold in fresh lemon zest and replace vanilla with lemon extract to give the cake a bright, citrusy flavor that feels refreshing and light.

Best Ways To Serve Yum Yum Cake

  • Serving Size: Cut this cake into 12 generous squares that are perfect for sharing at a family gathering or potluck.
  • Plate Presentation: Dust the top with powdered sugar or add a simple vanilla glaze to make your cake look extra special.
  • Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk to complement the cake’s rich, tender texture.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How To Store Yum Yum Cake

  • Store your Yum Yum Cake covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping the cake moist and fresh.
  • Refrigerate the cake in an airtight container if you want to extend its shelf life to 5-7 days, letting it come to room temperature before serving.
  • Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months, perfect for later sweet cravings.
  • When freezing the whole cake, wait until completely cool, wrap carefully in multiple layers of plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve its delicate texture.

Yum Yum Cake Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter provides the best flavor and texture. Margarine might work, but the cake won’t have the same rich taste and tender crumb that butter delivers.

FAQ

Is sour cream absolutely necessary?

Sour cream helps create a moist, tender cake with incredible softness. Replacing it with Greek yogurt works as a great substitute if that’s what your pantry has available.

FAQ

What if my eggs are cold?

Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter. Take eggs out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking to help them incorporate better and create a more uniform cake texture.

FAQ

Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results. The texture might be slightly different, but the cake should still taste delicious.

FAQ

How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

The toothpick test is foolproof – insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry.

Print
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Yum Yum Cake Recipe

Yum Yum Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes – 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Whipping up Yum Yum Cake brings pure delight to family gatherings with its simple charm and comforting taste. Grab your mixing bowl and prepare a dessert that’ll make everyone smile and ask for seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk

Supporting Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sour cream

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm your oven to precisely 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter, ensuring every corner gets greased thoroughly.
  2. Grab a medium bowl and whisk together 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt until no lumps remain.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup butter and 2 cups sugar together for 3-4 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
  4. Crack 4 eggs into the butter mixture, adding them one at a time and mixing completely after each egg.
  5. Pour 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the batter and blend smoothly.
  6. Gradually incorporate your dry ingredient mixture and 1 cup milk, mixing on low speed to maintain a silky texture.
  7. Tenderly fold ½ cup sour cream into the batter, stirring just until combined.
  8. Transfer your batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for exactly 35-40 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
  10. Once baked, remove the cake and let it rest in the pan for 15 minutes to settle.
  11. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest, most even cake texture.
  • Check cake doneness by gently pressing the center – it should spring back when touched.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.
  • Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness for 3-4 days.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Cakes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 471 kcal
  • Sugar: 41 g
  • Sodium: 223 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Logan Lemaster

Logan Lemaster

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe Development and Innovation, Menu Design and Optimization, Fine Dining Techniques, Ingredient Pairing and Flavor Science

Education

Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute

  • Degree: Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Advanced culinary techniques, kitchen management, and diverse cuisine mastery.

Logan’s culinary journey kicked off in his vibrant Chicago family kitchen, where fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavors were always front and center.

After graduating from the Metropolitan Culinary Arts Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and honing his skills in renowned restaurants, Logan mastered the art of blending classic techniques with exciting, modern twists.

His kitchen is a dynamic lab for flavor exploration. Through Yum Utopia, Logan aims to empower you to cook with both confidence and creativity, turning simple ingredients into spectacular meals.

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