Soft Yeasted Cake for Family Gatherings
A soft yeasted cake with a light, fluffy crumb and gentle sweetness. Perfect for family gatherings, brunch tables, and easy sharing with coffee or tea.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Cake pan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
Yeasted Cake Dough
- 3/4 cup whole milk warmed until just warm
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar divided
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Finishing
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Warm the milk until just warm to the touch, not hot.
- Stir yeast and 1 tablespoon of the sugar into the warm milk. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs, remaining sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and citrus zest until combined.
- Add the yeast mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Cover and let rise in a warm place for 60 to 90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Gently stir down the dough and spread into a parchment lined cake pan.
- Cover and let rise 20 minutes while oven preheats to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes until lightly golden and set.
- Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Rise time can vary depending on room temperature. If your kitchen is cool, allow extra time for the dough to double. For make ahead, let the dough rise overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before baking.