Birthday Cake

Introduction Story

Every birthday has a magical moment when the lights dim, the candles flicker, and the sweet aroma of cake fills the air. For many families, this tradition is the highlight of the celebration. As a young girl, Ella chef always admired how her grandmother carefully decorated birthday cakes with love and creativity. Today, Ella continues that legacy, bringing joy to gatherings with her recipes. She believes a birthday cake is not just a dessert but a memory carved into every slice. Whether simple or extravagant, it carries warmth, laughter, and the sweetness of togetherness.

Recipe JSON

birthday cake

Classic Birthday Cake

A soft, fluffy vanilla sponge layered with buttercream and topped with colorful sprinkles—perfect for any birthday celebration!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling & Decorating Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk room temperature
Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • sprinkles for decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Cake pans

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
  5. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
  6. For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Layer cakes with buttercream, frost sides and top, then decorate with sprinkles.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 650IUCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

You can personalize this cake with different colors of frosting or fillings like jam or chocolate ganache.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

How to Make Recipe

To create a perfect birthday cake, start by preparing your baking pans with grease and parchment paper to ensure easy release. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt—this ensures even distribution of leavening. In another bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this step traps air and helps the cake rise. Add the eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Start and finish with dry ingredients for a smoother batter. Mix gently until everything is just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake. Pour the batter into two 9-inch pans, smoothing the tops, and bake for 25–30 minutes. The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

For the buttercream, beat softened butter until creamy, then add powdered sugar slowly to avoid clumps. Mix in vanilla and milk until smooth and spreadable. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting generously, then place the second layer on top. Cover the entire cake with frosting, smoothing as desired. Finally, add colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. This birthday cake is light, fluffy, and filled with joy—ready to be the centerpiece of any celebration.

Conclusion

A birthday cake is more than just flour, sugar, and butter—it’s a tradition filled with love, laughter, and celebration. The simple act of baking and decorating it, as Ella chef believes, turns a gathering into a cherished memory. With this classic recipe, you can create a cake that not only delights the taste buds but also warms the heart. Each slice becomes a sweet reminder of the special day, making birthdays truly unforgettable. Whether for children or adults, this cake is a timeless symbol of joy and festivity.

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