Birthday Cake Recipe
There’s something magical about a homemade birthday cake that can light up the room. This classic birthday cake recipe strikes the perfect balance between soft, tender layers and a luscious, creamy frosting. It’s everything you want in a celebratory dessert—moist, rich, and beautifully frosted. Whether it’s for a child’s birthday, a friend’s surprise party, or just a treat for yourself, this cake brings joy to any occasion.
Ingredients Breakdown
Cake Ingredients
The foundation of any cake lies in the quality of its ingredients. This recipe starts with all-purpose flour, providing the necessary structure for the cake to rise beautifully. The sugar adds a gentle sweetness that complements the buttery richness. Land O Lakes® Butter is chosen for its smooth texture and depth of flavor, which, when combined with eggs, gives the cake its signature moistness. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, bringing warmth and fragrance, while baking powder ensures that the cake rises light and fluffy. The touch of salt balances the sweetness, making the flavors more vibrant. Milk is the final touch that helps the batter achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Frosting Ingredients
For the frosting, you’ll use a generous amount of powdered sugar, which creates the perfect, silky sweetness. Paired with Land O Lakes® Butter, the frosting achieves that rich, creamy texture essential for a celebratory cake. A splash of heavy whipping cream adds lightness and helps create that luxurious mouthfeel. Vanilla extract rounds out the frosting with its aromatic, slightly floral notes, while a pinch of salt cuts through the sweetness, giving the frosting a well-rounded flavor that complements the cake perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating the perfect birthday cake starts with careful preparation. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing two 9-inch round pans with a coating of butter and flour to ensure the cakes release easily once baked.
Batter Preparation
To prepare the batter, combine your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl. Set this mixture aside. Next, cream the softened butter and sugar together. This process of beating until fluffy is critical, as it incorporates air into the batter, ensuring a light texture. When adding the eggs, make sure to do so one at a time, allowing each egg to fully blend before the next. This gradual incorporation ensures a smooth batter. Vanilla extract is then added for that deliciously warm aroma.
Mixing the Batter
Gradually, the flour mixture is folded in, alternating with milk. Be careful not to overmix; doing so could result in a dense cake. The goal is a smooth, well-incorporated batter that isn’t too heavy or overworked.
Baking the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops for an even bake. The cakes should be baked for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be cautious not to overbake, as that could dry out your cake layers. Once done, allow the cakes to rest in their pans for about 10 minutes before gently turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting Preparation
While the cakes cool, it’s time to make the frosting. Start by beating the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with whipping cream, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Don’t forget to add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. The final result should be a frosting that’s easy to spread and perfectly sweet without being overwhelming.
Assembling the Cake
When the cake layers have cooled completely, place one layer bottom-side up on your serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top before placing the second layer, bottom-side down, over it. Frost the top and sides of the cake, ensuring an even, smooth finish. Decorate the cake as desired, whether you prefer a classic, clean look or something more extravagant with sprinkles and piping.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my cake from drying out?
Make sure not to overbake the cake. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Also, tightly wrap leftover cake in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
Can I make the cake ahead of time and freeze it?
Yes! Once the cake layers have cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. Just thaw and frost when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store leftover frosting?
Leftover frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and beat again until smooth.
How can I adjust the recipe for high-altitude baking?
At higher altitudes, cakes tend to dry out more easily. Consider reducing the baking powder slightly and adding an extra tablespoon of milk to maintain moisture.
Can I use a different pan size for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a square or rectangular pan. Just keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly, so keep a close eye on the cake while it bakes.
What to Serve With This Recipe
A cake this rich deserves some delicious accompaniments. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, offer a bright contrast to the cake’s sweetness. A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream never fails to enhance the experience, while a cold glass of milk makes for the perfect pairing. If you’re serving this at a party, consider a tray of cookies, macarons, or even chocolate truffles to add a touch of elegance to the dessert table.
For drinks, pair the cake with a variety of options—sparkling lemonade, coffee, or even champagne for a more adult celebration. The key is to balance the richness of the cake with something light and refreshing.
Customizing Your Birthday Cake
The beauty of this birthday cake recipe is its versatility. For a chocolate lover’s dream, add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate cake, or swirl in some melted chocolate for added decadence. If you prefer fruity flavors, lemon or almond extract can be substituted for vanilla, or try folding fresh berries into the batter for a summer twist.
When it comes to frosting, the possibilities are endless. Add food coloring to match the theme of the party, or experiment with different flavors like caramel, strawberry, or even peanut butter. Sprinkles, edible glitter, and fondant decorations can all bring your birthday cake to life, making it a true centerpiece for your celebration.
If you need to make this cake gluten-free or dairy-free, consider using gluten-free flour and non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter. Just be sure to adjust the consistency of the batter or frosting as needed to achieve the right texture.
When it comes to decorating your birthday cake, let your imagination run wild. Whether you prefer a simple and elegant look or something more extravagant, there are countless ways to personalize this cake. Use a piping bag to create intricate designs, or top the cake with fresh flowers, edible gold leaf, or even mini birthday candles to make the cake shine.
For serving, cut the cake into generous slices and place them on decorative plates for an added touch of festivity. If you’re hosting a large party, consider serving the cake alongside a dessert table with a variety of treats for guests to enjoy. The key is to make the cake the highlight of the event, ensuring everyone leaves with sweet memories of a delicious celebration.
Ingredients
Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
4 large Land O Lakes® Eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk
Frosting:
6 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting them with flour, ensuring they’re thoroughly coated. Set the pans aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar at medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and blend well.
Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix at low speed, only until the batter is smooth and combined.
Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen them. Gently remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl at medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, alternating with the heavy whipping cream. Stir in the vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, with the bottom facing up. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top, bottom side down, and frost the top and sides. Feel free to add decorative touches of your choice.
Birthday Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter softened
- 4 large Land O Lakes® Eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
Frosting:
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup Land O Lakes® Butter softened
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup Land O Lakes® Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting them with flour, ensuring they’re thoroughly coated. Set the pans aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar at medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and blend well.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix at low speed, only until the batter is smooth and combined.
- Evenly divide the cake batter between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen them. Gently remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl at medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and salt, alternating with the heavy whipping cream. Stir in the vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving plate, with the bottom facing up. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top, bottom side down, and frost the top and sides. Feel free to add decorative touches of your choice.