Description
This classic birthday cake is soft, moist, and perfect for any celebration! With a fluffy vanilla sponge and rich buttercream frosting, it’s a timeless favorite that brings joy to every party.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the buttercream frosting by beating butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Frost the cake by spreading an even layer of buttercream between the cake layers, then covering the top and sides.
- Decorate with sprinkles, candles, or fresh fruit!
Notes
- For extra moisture, brush each cake layer with simple syrup before frosting.
- To make a chocolate version, substitute ½ cup flour with ½ cup cocoa powder.
- Buttercream can be tinted with food coloring for a festive look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 40 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: birthday cake, vanilla cake, buttercream frosting, celebration, homemade cake