Birthday Cake
Discover the ultimate Birthday Cake recipe that’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any celebration. Treat yourself to this delightful cake today
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups 315g all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the cake. Proper measurement of the flour ensures the best outcome.
- 2½ tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Adds a little extra lift and balances the acidity.
- ½ tsp salt – It provides flavor and offsets the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a tender crumb. The temperature of butter needs to be at room temperature to achieve proper mixing.
- 1¾ cups 350g granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps it brown beautifully.
- 4 large eggs room temperature – Give the cake structure and moisture while helping it hold its shape.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – The essence of the traditional cake taste. Use high-quality vanilla for the best results.
- 1 cup 240ml whole milk – Keeps the cake moist and fluffy. You can also substitute with buttermilk for a slightly tangier flavor.
Optional Add-ins (Customize Your Bliss!)
- Sprinkles – For that funfetti magic kids and adults adore.
- The use of almond extract at ½ tsp creates a delicate nutty depth in the recipe.
- Zest of one lemon or orange – Brightens the flavor and adds a fresh twist.
Ingredient Notes & Tips:
- Room temperature ingredients mix better and help the batter bake more evenly. Remove eggs butter, and milk from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes prior to commencing.
- Sift your dry ingredients if you want an ultra-light cake texture.
- Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It’s what gives the cake that nostalgic bakery-style flavor we all remember from childhood celebrations.
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start.
- The preparation requires two 9-inch round cake pans to be greased or to use parchment paper for lining. This helps your cake release cleanly after baking.
Make the Cake Batter
- Cream the butter and sugar.
- Combine one cup of soft butter with one and three-quarters cups of sugar in a large mixing bowl to create a light and fluffy mixture which will require 2–3 minutes of beating time. This step creates air pockets, giving your cake that dreamy, airy texture.
- Add the eggs one at a time.
- Add four eggs one by one mixing thoroughly between each addition. This helps emulsify the mixture and keeps the batter smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla.
- Add 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract and stir to combine. Smells amazing already, right?
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Whisk dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Combine 2½ cups flour, 2½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, and ½ tsp salt.
- Alternate adding flour and milk.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with 1 cup whole milk. Start and end with the flour.
- (Tip: Mix on low speed or gently by hand to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense cake.)
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Use an equal portion of batter to fill both pans then level the surface of the batter.
- The oven needs 25–30 minutes to bake the dough until a toothpick placed in the center emerges without any residue.
- After the cake cools for ten minutes in the pans you should transfer it onto a wire rack to finish cooling down.
- (Pro tip: Don’t frost until the cake is fully cooled to avoid a melty mess.)
Ready to Frost and Decorate!
- Once your cake layers are cool, it’s time to bring it all together with your favorite frosting—classic vanilla buttercream, whipped cream, or even chocolate ganache. Top it off with sprinkles, fruit, or festive candles.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 3g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 4%