Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake

by

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 2 ¾ 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 Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (to desired consistency)
  • Sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions:

For the Cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
    In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
    Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract.
  5. Combine Mixtures:
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Bake:
    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool:
    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Frosting:

  1. Beat Butter:
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla:
    Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Add more cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

  1. Layer the Cakes:
    Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
  2. Add the Second Layer:
    Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  3. Decorate:
    Decorate with sprinkles or any other desired toppings.

Serve:

Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade birthday cake!