Introduction
Every year, birthdays bring a reason to smile, celebrate, and of course—eat cake! Ella Chef vividly remembers baking her first birthday cake for her little sister, layering colors of joy and frosting happiness into every bite. The kitchen was filled with laughter, sweet aromas, and a sprinkle of chaos, but the result was pure magic—a vibrant cake that became the centerpiece of every celebration. To Ella, a birthday cake isn’t just dessert; it’s a heartfelt gift wrapped in buttercream and love. This recipe captures that same festive spirit, bringing sweetness and color to your most cherished moments.
Classic Birthday Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mix.
- Divide batter evenly into bowls, tint with food coloring for rainbow layers if desired.
- Pour into pans and bake 25–30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream and vanilla.
- Layer cakes with frosting between each tier, then cover the top and sides smoothly.
- Decorate with sprinkles and candles. Chill briefly before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make a Birthday Cake
A homemade birthday cake is the centerpiece of every celebration, and making one from scratch is easier than it seems! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your cake pans with butter and parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy—this step gives the cake its signature soft texture. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture. This ensures a smooth, well-balanced batter. For a fun twist, divide the batter into several bowls and add food coloring to each for vibrant rainbow layers. Pour the batter into your pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once baked, allow the layers to cool completely before assembling.
To make the frosting, whip softened butter until light, then slowly incorporate powdered sugar. Add cream and vanilla to achieve a fluffy, spreadable texture. Stack the cooled cake layers, spreading frosting evenly between each. Cover the entire cake with a smooth coat of buttercream and finish with colorful sprinkles and candles. For an extra touch, chill the cake briefly before slicing—it helps the frosting set beautifully. When you finally cut into it, each slice will reveal layers of joy and color, perfect for any birthday celebration.
Conclusion
Birthdays are meant to be celebrated with sweetness, laughter, and love—and nothing captures that better than a homemade cake. With this delightful recipe by Ella Chef, you can bring color and flavor to life’s special moments. Each slice tells a story of care, creativity, and celebration. Whether it’s your first attempt or a family tradition, this birthday cake is a beautiful reminder that joy truly comes layered—in frosting, color, and love.