Name: Classic Birthday Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 teaspoons salt (balances sweetness and enhances flavor); 3 teaspoons baking powder (provides necessary lift); 2 cups all-purpose flour (forms the structure of the cake); 1 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup granulated sugar (sweetens the cake); 4 large eggs (binds ingredients); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (infuses flavor); 1 cup buttermilk (keeps the cake moist); 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (adds a festive touch); 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for rich chocolate flavor); 4 cups powdered sugar (sweetens the frosting); 1 teaspoon salt (enhances frosting flavor); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds depth to frosting); 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (adjusts frosting consistency); More sprinkles (for decorating)

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There’s something truly magical about a classic birthday cake. It’s not just about the flavors but also the memories created around it—family gatherings, laughter, and the joy of blowing out candles. This Classic Birthday Cake Recipe is your go-to for any celebration, complete with a moist, fluffy texture and a delightful frosting that will make every birthday extra special. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a stunning cake ready to impress!

Why It Works Every Time

The beauty of this Classic Birthday Cake Recipe lies in its balance of ingredients. The combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder creates a light and airy texture, while the buttermilk ensures moisture and richness. The melted butter enhances the cake’s flavor, making every slice a delight. Not to forget the sweet surprise of rainbow sprinkles, which not only add color but also a hint of nostalgia.

Ingredient Breakdown

3 teaspoons salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
3 teaspoons baking powder – Provides the necessary lift for a fluffy cake.
2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour – Forms the structure of the cake.
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and moisture.
1 cup (300g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly.
4 large eggs – Binds ingredients and contributes to the cake’s structure.
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract – Infuses delicious flavor.
1 cup (296 ml) buttermilk – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
1 cup rainbow sprinkles – Adds a fun and festive touch.
1 cup (339g) unsalted butter, softened – Used in frosting for a creamy texture.
1 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives the frosting a rich chocolate flavor.
4 cups (486g) powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting and gives it the perfect consistency.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the frosting flavor.
2-3 tablespoons (15-45ml) heavy whipping cream – Adjusts the frosting’s consistency for easy spreading.
More sprinkles for decorating – Because who doesn’t love extra sprinkles?

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Mixing bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons – Ensure accurate ingredient measurements.
Whisk – For mixing batter smoothly and evenly.
Rubber spatula – Great for folding in ingredients and scraping bowls.
Cake pans (two 9-inch round) – Essential for shaping the cake layers.
Cooling rack – Helps cool cakes evenly after baking.
Offset spatula – Ideal for spreading frosting smoothly.
Decorating knife or bench scraper – For achieving clean edges on the cake.

Mastering Classic Birthday Cake Recipe: How-To

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure easy removal once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, alternating with the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the cream as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.

Step 9: Decorate

Finish off by decorating with additional rainbow sprinkles on top and around the sides for that festive touch.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

Butter: You can substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free option.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative, though it may affect the cake’s color.
Cocoa Powder: For a vanilla frosting, simply omit the cocoa powder and increase the powdered sugar slightly for sweetness.

Steer Clear of These

To achieve the best results with your Classic Birthday Cake Recipe, avoid the following pitfalls:

Overmixing the batter, which can make the cake dense.
Using cold ingredients, as they can affect the batter’s texture. Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature.
Skipping the cooling step, as frosting a warm cake will melt the frosting.
Using expired baking powder, which can prevent the cake from rising properly.

Save It for Later

This Classic Birthday Cake Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on the cake. For longer storage, freeze the layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before frosting!

See You at the Table

Nothing brings people together quite like a delicious cake. This Classic Birthday Cake Recipe is a timeless treat that celebrates the joy of birthdays and special moments. Whether it’s a milestone birthday or just a casual celebration, this cake is sure to delight. Gather your loved ones, slice into this fluffy creation, and make some unforgettable memories!