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Dorothy Thomas

Birthday Cake Recipe

A classic, moist, and fluffy vanilla birthday cake with creamy buttercream frosting—perfect for celebrations! This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a delicious homemade cake that everyone will love.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 minute
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ½ cups  300g All-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 400g Granulated sugar
  • 1 cup 226g Unsalted butter
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1 cup  240ml Milk
  • 2  tsp Vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ tsp Baking powder
  • ½ tsp Salt
For the Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 ½ cups  340g Unsalted butter
  • 4 cups 480g Powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp Heavy cream/milk
  • As needed Food coloring (optional)
  • For decoration Sprinkles (optional)

Equipment

  • 2 x 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Spatula
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Parchment paper
  • Cake turntable (optional for frosting)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
  3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (~3 mins).
  5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
  6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between pans.
  8. Bake for 25-30 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pans for 10 mins, then transfer to a wire rack.
  10. Beat butter until creamy (~2 mins).
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cream. Beat until smooth.
  12. Tint with food coloring if desired.
  13. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top.
  14. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake.
  15. Decorate with sprinkles and serve!

Notes

✔ For a taller cake, use 3 pans and reduce baking time slightly.
✔ Room-temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter.
✔ Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze unfrosted layers.
✔ Substitute milk with buttermilk for extra moisture.