Description
This Simple Birthday Cake Recipe is a classic, moist, and fluffy vanilla cake perfect for any celebration. Featuring a buttery vanilla-flavored sponge paired with a creamy, sweet homemade vanilla frosting, this cake is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. It’s made with basic pantry staples and baked to golden perfection, making it an ideal choice for birthdays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
Frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps ensure a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.
- Alternate mixing dry and wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly but without overmixing.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in pans.
- Prepare frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the butter for the frosting until smooth using an electric mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating continuously until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and proceed to frost the entire outside of the cake evenly.
- Set and serve: Allow the frosted cake to sit for a while to let the frosting set before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade simple birthday cake!
Notes
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use fresh baking powder to ensure proper rise.
- You can tint the frosting with food coloring to match party themes.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- For extra moistness, brush cake layers with a little simple syrup before frosting.
