Traditional Birthday Cake with Chocolate Icing Kitchenette Cake
Celebrate life’s sweetest moments with a Traditional Birthday Cake with Chocolate Icing—a timeless classic that brings joy to any occasion. This recipe features moist, buttery vanilla layers made from scratch, perfectly complemented by a luscious, glossy homemade chocolate icing crafted from rich semi-sweet chocolate and warm heavy cream. With just 30 minutes of preparation and simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract, this approachable yet celebratory dessert delivers a bakery-quality finish right from your kitchen. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or special gatherings, this versatile cake is an indulgent centerpiece that serves 12 and can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or festive candles. Whether shared with loved ones or savored as a nostalgic treat, this homemade birthday cake truly elevates any celebration.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 0.75 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 pieces large eggs
- 2.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
To prepare the chocolate icing, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer over medium heat; do not let it boil.
Pour the hot heavy cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully incorporated.
Let the chocolate icing cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly and is spreadable, about 15-20 minutes.
Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of the icing on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining icing evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
If desired, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for garnish.
Slice and serve your Traditional Birthday Cake with Chocolate Icing. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
648 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.7 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.1 g | 105% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 132 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 328 mg | 14% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 78.6 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.1 g | ||
| Protein | 8.0 g | 16% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 40 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.1 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 81 mg | 2% | |
*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.
