How to Make Homemade Yellow Cake Mix from Scratch

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A simple homemade yellow cake mix recipe that rivals the convenience of boxed cake mixes—but tastes even better! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a ready mix whenever you are. 

Suppose you’ve ever craved the ease of a box of cake mix but wanted the flavor and quality of homemade. In that case, this homemade yellow cake mix from scratch is about to become your go-to! With simple ingredients, pantry staples, and just a few minutes of prep, you can make a moist cake with a fluffy texture perfect for birthday cakes, layer cakes, or a quick yellow sheet cake.

Furthermore, I even included the full recipe in this blog post with directions on making a delicious yellow cake from the mix, so you can skip the grocery store and go straight to baking a soft, moist, made-from-scratch cake that everyone will love.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!

Skip the trip to the grocery store and the long list of additives in store-bought cake mix—this simple homemade yellow cake mix gives you the convenience of a boxed cake mix with the taste of a classic yellow cake baked from scratch.

There is Nothing Like a Great Recipe That is Homemade

Once you make this homemade yellow cake recipe, you will never return to box cake mix again! The flavor is richer, the texture is fluffier, and you’ll love knowing exactly what’s in your cake—no preservatives or artificial ingredients, just simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. 

Plus, the dry homemade mix is just as convenient as store-bought. With a jar of this ready-to-go in your kitchen, you’ll always be a few steps away from baking the perfect birthday cake, an easy weeknight dessert, or a nostalgic classic yellow cake that tastes just like grandma used to make.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!

Equipment Needed

For Cake Mix:

• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container or mason jar (for storing mix)
• ​Whisk

​Making the Cake

• Small bowl (for mixing wet ingredients)
• Stand mixer with paddle attachment or electric hand mixer
• 8-inch cake pans, round pans, or a prepared baking dish
• Wire rack (for cooling)
• Parchment paper, cooking spray, or plastic wrap

Homemade Yellow Cake Mix Ingredients

Please note: This cake mix will replace a 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix. Once wet ingredients are added, this amount is designed to make one full cake recipe (like a 2-layer 8-inch cake or 24 cupcakes).

Dry Ingredients (store in advance as a mix)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Wet Ingredients (added when ready to bake)

• ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted stick of butter
• 4 large eggs (or 3 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks for a rich yellow color)
• 1 cup whole milk

How to Make Homemade Cake Mix

1. Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour mixture: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Then add the Vegetable shortening and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. (The mixture will be in small crumbs once combined.)
3. Store the mix. Transfer the homemade cake mix to an airtight container or mason jar. Label with date and instructions.
4. For best results, use within 2-3 months.

How to Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line your 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix with wet ingredients: milk, eggs, vanilla, and oil.
3. Beat at low speed for 30 seconds, then at medium-high speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the cake batter between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Frost with chocolate frosting, vanilla buttercream, or your favorite topping.

Check out my delicious recipes for Strawberry Banana Dessert and Triple Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. 

Variations & Ideas

• Chocolate cake mix: Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry mix.
• White cake: Use only egg whites instead of whole eggs.
• Brown sugar twist: Replace ¼ cup white sugar with brown sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
• Tropical: Use ½ cup pineapple juice instead of milk and top with maraschino cherries.
• Lemon cake: Add 2 tsp lemon extract for a bright, citrusy twist.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make the most of your homemade yellow cake mix with these simple storage and prep tips:

Storing the Dry Cake Mix

• Container: Store the dry mix in an airtight container, mason jar, or sealed plastic bag.
• Shelf Life: Keeps fresh in a cool, dry pantry for up to 2 months.
• Label Tip: Add a tag or sticker with the date made and baking instructions for easy use later.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options

• Mix Only: Prep several batches of the dry mix at once for future baking days or last-minute cakes.
• Baked Cake Layers: Bake the cake, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Cupcakes: Cupcakes freeze beautifully! Store in a zip-top freezer bag once fully cooled.
• Frosting Note: For best texture, frost after thawing the cake, not before freezing.

Quick Grab-and-Bake

• Keep a few jars of homemade cake mix on hand to match the convenience of a boxed cake mix—perfect for busy weeks, surprise guests, or a spontaneous, perfect birthday cake.

FAQs

Continue to Content

How to Make Homemade Yellow Cake Mix from Scratch

Yield: 3.5-4 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 3 minutes

Total Time: 8 minutes

A simple homemade yellow cake mix recipe that rivals the convenience of boxed cake mixes—but tastes even better! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a ready mix whenever you are. 

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!

Print

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour mixture: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Then add the Vegetable shortening and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. (The mixture will be in small crumbs once combined.)
3. Store the mix. Transfer the homemade cake mix to an airtight container or mason jar. Label with date and instructions.
4. For best results, use within 2-3 months.

Notes

Equipment Needed

• Large bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight container or mason jar (for storing mix)
• ​Whisk

Storing the Dry Cake Mix

• Container: Store the dry mix in an airtight container, mason jar, or sealed plastic bag.
• Shelf Life: Keeps fresh in a cool, dry pantry for up to 2 months.
• Label Tip: Add a tag or sticker with the date made and baking instructions for easy use later.

How to Bake the Cake

Wet Ingredients (added when ready to bake)

• ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted stick of butter
• 4 large eggs (or 3 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks for a rich yellow color)
• 1 cup whole milk

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line your 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix with wet ingredients: milk, eggs, vanilla, and oil.
3. Beat at low speed for 30 seconds, then at medium-high speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
4. Divide the cake batter between the pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Frost with chocolate frosting, vanilla buttercream, or your favorite topping.

Nutrition Information

Yield 4 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 810Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 14mgSodium 659mgCarbohydrates 136gFiber 2gSugar 75gProtein 8g

Calculated Nutrition is an estimate.

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Final Thoughts

This homemade yellow cake mix recipe combines the ease of box mixes and the flavor of a from-scratch homemade cake mix. Whether baking for a party, a weeknight treat, or simply stocking up your pantry, this easy recipe is a must-have. Say goodbye to store-bought cake mix, and hello to your new favorite yellow cake! It’s the perfect go-to for creating moist cake layers, fluffy cupcakes, or even a simple yellow sheet cake—all with that nostalgic, homemade taste.

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