Something Special Birthday Cake
Celebrate life’s sweetest moments with the "Something Special Birthday Cake," a show-stopping dessert that’s as versatile as it is delicious. This moist and tender layer cake combines classic chocolate and vanilla flavors in a single masterpiece, offering a delightful twist for those who can’t pick just one. The rich, velvety batter is made even more indulgent with a touch of boiling water for ultimate moisture, while the whipped buttercream frosting provides a creamy, airy finish. Personalize this cake with your favorite food coloring and festive sprinkles to match any party theme, making it the ultimate centerpiece for any birthday celebration. With its easy-to-follow instructions and stunning presentation, this cake will wow guests of all ages and ensure that every slice is unforgettable.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 0.75 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1.5 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- food coloring (optional)
- sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder (divide this step into two if you want one vanilla and one chocolate layer), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth and lump-free.
Stir in the boiling water slowly until the batter is thin and well incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. For a vanilla and chocolate mix, hold back half the batter from the cocoa and pour one layer as vanilla and the other as chocolate.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer until creamy and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to incorporate.
Add the heavy cream and continue beating on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring at this point.
When the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
Place one cake layer on your serving plate or stand, spread a generous amount of frosting over it, and top it with the second layer.
Frost the outside and top of the cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing it with a spatula.
Decorate with sprinkles or other decorative toppings if desired.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6317 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 476.1 g | 610% | |
| Saturated Fat | 217.9 g | 1090% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 101.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1563 mg | 521% | |
| Sodium | 2844 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 503.7 g | 183% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 492.6 g | ||
| Protein | 40.1 g | 80% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.5 mcg | 62% | |
| Calcium | 642 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 914 mg | 19% | |
*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.
