There’s nothing quite as timeless and delightful as a Vanilla Birthday Cake! 🎂 Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or any special occasion, this cake is a crowd-pleaser with its moist, fluffy texture and rich vanilla flavor. Topped with a creamy buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles, it’s the ultimate festive dessert.
This recipe ensures a bakery-style vanilla cake that’s soft, tender, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, you’ll love how easy and foolproof this cake is to make!
Equipment Needed
✔ Two 9-inch round cake pans – For even layers.
✔ Mixing bowls – For wet and dry ingredients.
✔ Electric mixer – Helps cream butter and sugar to create a light texture.
✔ Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy in baking.
✔ Whisk – To evenly mix dry ingredients.
✔ Cake spatula – For smooth frosting.
✔ Cooling rack – To allow the cake to cool properly.
Ingredients for Vanilla Birthday Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Ensures a fluffy cake.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake while keeping it light.
- 4 large eggs – Gives structure and stability.
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract – The key ingredient for a rich vanilla flavor.
- 1 cup whole milk – Adds moisture for a soft crumb.
- ½ cup sour cream – Makes the cake extra tender.
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened – For a creamy base.
- 4 cups powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and fluffiness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the vanilla flavor.
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream – Adjusts the consistency.
- Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.
- Sprinkles for decorating – For a fun, festive touch.
How to Make Vanilla Birthday Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the two cake pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Beat the Butter
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Cream
Mix in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. If needed, add more cream for a thinner consistency.
Assembling the Vanilla Birthday Cake
Step 1: Layer the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top.
Step 2: Stack and Frost
Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Let it chill for 15 minutes, then apply a final, smooth coat of frosting.
Step 3: Decorate with Sprinkles
Finish by adding colorful sprinkles for a festive look! 🎉
Tips for the Best Vanilla Birthday Cake
✔ Use room temperature ingredients – This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
✔ Sour cream is key – It makes the cake extra moist and soft.
✔ Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing leads to a dense cake.
✔ Use pure vanilla extract – For the best, richest vanilla flavor.
✔ Chill before slicing – Cooling the cake before cutting helps maintain clean layers.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Birthday Cake
🎂 Light, fluffy, and moist – The perfect cake texture!
🎉 Classic vanilla flavor – A timeless favorite.
🍰 Easy to customize – Add food coloring, fillings, or different decorations.
🥳 Perfect for any celebration – Great for birthdays, anniversaries, and parties.
🧁 Pairs well with any frosting – Try chocolate, cream cheese, or fruit fillings!
The Science Behind Its Unique Texture
The combination of butter, sugar, and eggs creates a cake that’s light yet rich. The baking powder gives it lift, while sour cream ensures a moist crumb. By alternating dry and wet ingredients, the cake batter stays smooth and well-incorporated without becoming too dense.
The Magic of Vanilla Birthday Cake
This classic cake holds a special place in every celebration. The aroma of vanilla, the soft, buttery texture, and the joy it brings make it a timeless tradition. Whether it’s a first birthday, a milestone, or just a reason to celebrate, this Vanilla Birthday Cake is always a hit!
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the unfrosted cake layers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Substitute 2 ¾ cups cake flour for a softer texture.
Why is my cake dense instead of fluffy?
Overmixing the batter or not measuring ingredients accurately can cause density. Be sure to mix just until combined.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
How do I make a three-layer cake?
Use three 8-inch cake pans and reduce the baking time to 25-28 minutes.
Conclusion
A Vanilla Birthday Cake is the perfect way to celebrate any occasion. With its soft, moist crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it’s a timeless favorite that never disappoints. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a cake that’s light, fluffy, and beautifully frosted. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, party, or just because, this cake will bring smiles all around. So grab your whisk and sprinkles, and let’s bake some sweet memories! 🎂✨
Vanilla Birthday Cake
This moist and fluffy vanilla birthday cake is a celebration classic! With a rich buttery flavor and smooth vanilla frosting, it’s perfect for birthdays and special occasions.
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Frosting
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 –4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
✔ Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
✔ Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
✔ Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
✔ Combine Wet & Dry
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
✔ Bake the Cake
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 28–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
✔ Make the Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth.
✔ Assemble & Decorate
- Spread frosting between cake layers and cover the outside. Decorate with sprinkles or candles!
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Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
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Customization: Add food coloring to the frosting or mix in sprinkles for a funfetti effect.
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Make Ahead: Cake layers can be baked a day in advance and stored wrapped at room temperature.
