Classic Yellow Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need.

Yellow Cake Mix: Using Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix guarantees soft, fluffy layers every time—perfect for building a classic two-tier cake without the fuss of baking from scratch.

Eggs, Oil, and Water: The essentials called for on the box help create that tender crumb and moist texture everyone loves in a yellow cake.

Powdered Sugar: This fine sugar is key to achieving a smooth, creamy frosting that spreads beautifully over each layer.

Butter: Softened butter gives the frosting its rich, velvety base—bringing both flavor and structure to every bite.

Vanilla: Just a splash balances the chocolate, enhancing the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.

Unsweetened Baking Chocolate: Melted and cooled, it delivers a deep, classic chocolate taste that perfectly complements the yellow cake.

Milk: A few tablespoons bring the frosting together, adjusting it to that just-right spreadable consistency.

Candy Sprinkles: A fun, colorful finishing touch—Betty Crocker™ sprinkles add instant celebration to your cake.

How to Make Classic Yellow Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting

It takes just a couple of easy steps to create this impressive layer cake.

1. Prepare the Pans

Greasing only the bottoms of your cake pans keeps the batter rising evenly while ensuring easy release once baked. This small step makes a big difference in achieving level, fluffy layers.

2. Mix and Bake

Follow the directions on the yellow cake mix box to create a light, tender crumb. Baking in round pans gives you the classic two-layer look.

3. Cool Completely

Allowing the cakes to cool for at least an hour prevents the frosting from melting and sliding, which means a neat, bakery-style finish.

4. Make the Frosting

Combining powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla creates a smooth base. Stirring in melted chocolate brings deep cocoa richness, while just enough milk ensures spreadable perfection.

5. Frost and Decorate

Once layers are stacked and frosted, a sprinkle of colorful rainbow sprinkles instantly transforms your cake into a festive centerpiece.

How to Store Classic Yellow Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting

If you are lucky enough to have leftover layer cake, here are some easy storage tips.

Refrigerator

Store leftover cake tighly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. A cake dome or airtight container helps keep it moist. Let slices sit out for about 30 minutes before serving so the cake can return to its soft, tender texture.

Freezer

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place in a resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.

Classic Yellow Layer Cake with Chocolate Frosting Variations

While we love this cake just how it is, there are many ways to add variety and make it your own.

Flavor Swaps: Switch vanilla for almond extract in the frosting for a subtle nutty twist or stir in a little espresso powder to create a mocha-inspired finish.

Frosting Fun: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth or try a dash of peppermint extract during the holidays for a festive flavor boost.

Mix-In Magic: Fold mini chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles right into the batter for added texture and color—perfect for birthday celebrations.

Topping Twist: Instead of sprinkles, top with shaved chocolate, toasted coconut, or chopped nuts for a custom finish that fits any occasion.