Classic Birthday Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Icing
Celebrate life's sweetest moments with this Classic Birthday Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Icing—a timeless recipe that's perfect for any special occasion! This crowd-pleasing dessert begins with two layers of fluffy, moist vanilla cake, made from a simple yet flavorful combination of pantry staples like all-purpose flour, whole milk, and a touch of pure vanilla extract. The cake is then enveloped in a rich, creamy vanilla buttercream icing, whipped to perfection for a lusciously smooth finish. Customizable with your favorite food coloring or festive decorations, this cake offers endless possibilities to make every birthday extra special. With just 30 minutes of prep time and a beautiful homemade charm, this recipe is your go-to for an iconic and irresistibly delicious celebration cake. Keywords: classic birthday cake, vanilla buttercream frosting, homemade birthday dessert, easy layer cake, celebration recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1.25 cups whole milk
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- as desired food coloring
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the vanilla buttercream icing. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat at medium-high speed until the buttercream is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
If desired, add food coloring to the buttercream and mix until evenly distributed.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of buttercream on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
Decorate as desired and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6782 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 234.7 g | 301% | |
| Saturated Fat | 139.6 g | 698% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1327 mg | 442% | |
| Sodium | 2532 mg | 110% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1131.6 g | 411% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.2 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 886.0 g | ||
| Protein | 67.0 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.3 mcg | 51% | |
| Calcium | 584 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 18.4 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 1133 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
