Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake
A timeless, fluffy Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake with a tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, perfect for any celebration. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups 300g
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Unsalted butter: ¾ cup 170g, softened
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¾ cups 350g
- Large eggs: 3 room temperature
- Pure vanilla extract: 1 tbsp
- Whole milk: 1 cup 240ml, room temperature
- For American Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup 225g, softened
- Powdered sugar: 4 cups 480g
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Milk: 2-3 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C); grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla; mix well.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans; bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; mix until smooth.
- Level cakes, frost, and decorate as desired.
Equipment
- Two 8-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Cake leveler (optional)