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Who knew you could make a soft, buttery yellow cake right in your Instant Pot? This recipe gives you a perfectly moist cake with a classic vanilla flavor—no oven required! Whether you’re short on time or just love a hands-off baking method, this Instant Pot yellow cake is a game-changer. Serve it as is, or take it up a notch with chocolate ganache, buttercream, or a dusting of powdered sugar!
👉 Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For Serving (Optional)
- Chocolate ganache
- Buttercream frosting
- Powdered sugar
👉 How to Make It
1️⃣ Prepare the Batter
- Grease a 7-inch round cake pan that fits inside your Instant Pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until combined.
2️⃣ Cook in the Instant Pot
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Cover with foil.
- Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
- Set the cake pan on the trivet and seal the lid.
- Cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes.
- Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then open the lid.
- Carefully remove the cake and let it cool before serving.
3️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Top with chocolate ganache, buttercream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Slice and enjoy your easy Instant Pot yellow cake!
FAQ & Troubleshooting
1. Can I use a cake mix instead?
Yes! Just follow the box instructions and use the same Instant Pot cooking method.
2. What size Instant Pot do I need?
A 6-quart or larger Instant Pot works best. Make sure your cake pan fits inside with space around it.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered at room temp for 2 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for vegan butter and the milk for almond or oat milk.
5. Why did my cake turn out dense?
✔️ Check your baking powder—expired powder won’t help the cake rise.
✔️ Don’t overmix the batter—a light hand keeps it fluffy.
✔️ Make sure to use natural release—quick release can cause the cake to collapse.
This Instant Pot yellow cake is soft, buttery, and ridiculously easy—no oven needed! If you try it, let me know how it turns out. 🍰✨
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