birthday cake recipe
This birthday cake recipe isn’t just a treat—it’s a heartfelt tradition that creates lasting memories with every slice. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or just indulging in something sweet, this cake will make any occasion feel even more special.
Equipment
- 2 round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag
Ingredients
For the cake
- ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp lemon zest
For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles for easy removal.
- Make the Cake Batter:In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3–5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract (and lemon zest if using).Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in alternating batches, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Add the milk in between, mixing until just combined after each addition
- Bake the Cake:Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gradually add the heavy cream to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- Assemble the Cake:Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Add the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate with optional toppings like fresh berries, edible flowers, or a chocolate drizzle
- Serve and Enjoy:Slice and serve the cake at room temperature. Enjoy the love and care that went into making it, and savor the joy it brings to your special occasion
Related Video
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better cake texture. Cold ingredients can result in a dense cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake tough and dense.
- Oven Temperature: Every oven is different! If you’re unsure about your oven’s temperature, use an oven thermometer to make sure it’s set to the right temperature. Overbaking can cause the cake to dry out.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream (a little at a time) to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it.
- Cake Toppings: Be sure to decorate your cake just before serving to avoid wilting fresh flowers or soggy fruit. You can also freeze the decorated cake (without toppings) and add them just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
birthday cake recipe
Serving Size
80 g
Amount per Serving
Calories
330
% Daily Value*
Fat
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
9
g
56
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
5
g
Cholesterol
60
mg
20
%
Sodium
140
mg
6
%
Potassium
75
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
45
g
15
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
30
g
33
%
Protein
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
540
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
60
mg
6
%
Iron
0.6
mg
3
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!