Description
This Easy Birthday Cake is a classic, fluffy, and moist vanilla cake topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for birthdays or any celebration, this homemade cake is simple to make and tastes way better than boxed mixes. Let’s bake some happiness!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides. Decorate with sprinkles or other toppings as desired.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve this delightful homemade birthday cake!
Notes
- For a chocolate version, replace ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of cocoa powder.
- Use buttermilk instead of regular milk for an extra tender crumb.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12-16 slices
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 120mg
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Homemade Birthday Cake Easy Vanilla Cake Classic Birthday Cake Moist Vanilla Cake Creamy Frosting Celebration Dessert Kid-Friendly Recipe