Birthday Cake
A bright and playful vanilla layer cake decorated with a fun drip, sprinkles, and easy fondant shapes, perfect for birthday celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2.5 cups 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon flour into the cup for accuracy.
- 2.5 tsp 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1.75 cups 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup 1 cup whole milk, room temperature Can substitute with a nut milk.
- 0.5 cup 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt Adds tenderness.
Buttercream
- 1.5 cups 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5 cups 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp 2–3 tbsp milk or cream Adjust for spreadability.
- 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
Chocolate Ganache Drip
- 4 oz 4 oz dark chocolate
- 1/3 cup 1/3 cup heavy cream Adjust for desired consistency.
Decorations (Optional)
- ~200 g ~200g fondant for shapes
- Food gel colors (optional), sprinkles
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer on medium-high until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between additions, then stir in the vanilla.
- With the mixer on low, alternately add the flour and milk until fully combined.
Baking
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 24–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let sit for 10 minutes, then turn out to cool completely on a rack.
Buttercream Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add milk, vanilla, and salt, beating to desired spreadable consistency.
Assembly
- Level cakes if domed, then place the first layer on a cake board, pipe a buttercream ring, and fill with buttercream.
- Top with the second layer.
- Apply a thin crumb coat and chill for 20–30 minutes.
- Apply a final smooth layer of buttercream, then prepare ganache and pour over chilled cake edges for the drip effect.
- Decorate with sprinkles and fondant shapes, then chill until set.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and nut milk. Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.