When it comes to celebrations, nothing steals the show quite like a beautifully decorated birthday cake. The cakes in the photo above are stunning examples of buttercream artistry — with intricate piping, vibrant colors, and floral details that make each cake look like a masterpiece.
Today, we’ll share a complete recipe for a classic vanilla layered cake with buttercream frosting, plus tips for decoration so you can create a cake just as elegant at home.
Vanilla Birthday Cake Base
Ingredients (for 3 cake layers, 8-inch pans):
- 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). - Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. - Alternate Dry & Milk
Gradually add dry ingredients and milk in alternating batches, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. - Bake
Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups (600 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring (gel-based for vibrant colors)
Instructions:
- Beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- Add vanilla extract and cream; whip until light and fluffy (3–5 minutes).
- Divide frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.
Cake Assembly & Decoration
- Level & Stack
Trim cake tops if needed. Place the first layer on a cake board, spread with buttercream, then stack with the next layers. - Crumb Coat
Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake to lock in crumbs. Chill for 20 minutes. - Final Frosting
Apply a smooth, even layer of buttercream. Use a scraper for clean edges. - Decorating Ideas (inspired by the image):
- Piping Patterns → Use a star tip, leaf tip, or petal tip to create floral details.
- Color Gradients → Blend ombré shades of buttercream (pink, yellow, or peach).
- Floral Accents → Pipe roses, daisies, or add fresh edible flowers.
- Geometric Designs → Use stencils or freehand patterns for modern looks.
Pro Tips for Stunning Cakes
- Chill the cake between frosting layers to prevent sliding.
- Use gel food coloring for rich, vibrant designs.
- Practice piping on parchment paper before decorating the cake.
- Garnish with fresh fruit, edible flowers, or gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance.
Final Thoughts
This vanilla buttercream birthday cake is not just a dessert — it’s a centerpiece. With a moist, fluffy sponge and silky buttercream, it tastes as good as it looks. Plus, with a little creativity, you can design cakes that rival professional bakeries.