Classic Birthday Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Icing

Celebrate any special occasion with this Classic Birthday Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Icing, a timeless recipe that will impress both kids and adults alike. This two-layer vanilla cake boasts a soft, tender crumb, thanks to a perfect balance of all-purpose flour, whole milk, and creamy butter. Topped with a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting that's whipped to a fluffy perfection, this dessert is as charming as it is delicious. Easily customizable with food coloring or decorative sprinkles, it’s the ultimate birthday centerpiece. With just 30 minutes of prep time and straightforward steps, you’ll create a beautiful, bakery-quality cake right in your kitchen. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration, this crowd-pleaser is destined to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 37/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.25 cups whole milk
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 0 as desired food coloring

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the vanilla buttercream icing. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.

Step 11

Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and beat at medium-high speed until the buttercream is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 12

If desired, add food coloring to the buttercream and mix until evenly distributed.

Step 13

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of buttercream on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.

Step 14

Decorate as desired and serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1973.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6782.3

Total Fat 234.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 139.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 1327.3mg	0%
Sodium 2532.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1131.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.2g	0%
Total Sugars 886.0g
Protein 67.0g	0%

Vitamin D 410.9IU	0%
Calcium 584.0mg	0%
Iron 18.4mg	0%
Potassium 1132.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.6%

Protein: 3.9%

Carbs: 65.5%