Introduction
Birthdays are more than just dates on a calendar — they’re a celebration of life, love, and sweet memories. I still remember when Ella Chef baked her first birthday cake for her niece — a colorful, frosted masterpiece that filled the room with joy and laughter. The air smelled of vanilla and sugar, and every layer told a story of care and happiness. That cake wasn’t just dessert; it was the heart of the celebration. This recipe captures that same spirit — a moist, fluffy birthday cake with creamy frosting and vibrant sprinkles that make every moment magical.
Classic Birthday Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until the batter is smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- To make frosting, beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in heavy cream and vanilla until smooth. Tint portions with food coloring if desired.
- Frost and decorate cooled cakes with colorful swirls and sprinkles. Chill before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Recipe
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter with sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy — this ensures your cake turns out light. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for that classic aroma.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until you get a smooth batter without overmixing. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the buttercream frosting. Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Pour in heavy cream and vanilla extract to create a smooth, fluffy texture. You can divide the frosting and add different food colorings to each portion for a rainbow effect. Once the cakes are cooled, spread a layer of frosting between them, then cover the top and sides evenly. Decorate with colorful frosting swirls and a sprinkle of vibrant confetti sprinkles. Chill slightly before serving to let the frosting set perfectly.
Conclusion
Ella Chef’s birthday cake is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration of joy and creativity. Each layer is moist and buttery, balanced by a creamy, dreamy frosting that melts in your mouth. The colorful decorations make it perfect for kids and adults alike, turning any gathering into something special. Whether you’re baking it for a loved one or treating yourself, this birthday cake brings happiness in every slice. It’s the kind of recipe that makes memories, one candle-lit moment at a time.