Introduction
A birthday celebration isn’t complete without a beautiful cake! This classic vanilla birthday cake is soft, moist, and layered with rich buttercream frosting. Easy to make at home, it’s a bakery-style cake that will impress your family and friends.
⭐ Key Highlights
- Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
- Flavor Profile: Vanilla with creamy buttercream
- Perfect For: Birthdays, parties, and special occasions
📝 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups (500 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles or decorations of your choice
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
Step 2: Make the Buttercream
- Beat butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add cream and vanilla; whip until light and fluffy.
- Add food coloring if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting evenly.
- Add the second cake layer on top, then frost the entire cake.
- Decorate with sprinkles, candles, or themed toppers.
🎉 Tips for Success
- For extra moisture, brush cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- To make a chocolate version, replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder.
- Bake cake layers a day ahead for easier frosting and decorating.
📌 Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
🧁 Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sugar: 42 g