Go Back

Birthday Cake Recipe

Make every birthday special with this moist and fluffy birthday cake recipe! Layers of tender vanilla cake and creamy buttercream frosting are perfect for celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake:
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • For the Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Food coloring optional
  • Sprinkles optional

Equipment

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cake Pans:
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  5. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
  6. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
  8. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  9. Bake the Cake Layers:
  10. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. Make the Frosting:
  12. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add food coloring if desired.
  13. Assemble the Cake:
  14. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate with sprinkles or other toppings.