Magnolia Bakery's Vanilla Birthday Cake and Frosting

Bring the charm of a classic celebration to your kitchen with Magnolia Bakery's Vanilla Birthday Cake and Frosting. This iconic recipe delivers a tender, moist vanilla cake layered with a rich, creamy frosting that’s irresistibly fluffy. Perfect for any occasion, this show-stopping dessert is crafted with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, butter, and vanilla extract, combined to create a bakery-worthy treat at home. The frosting is a luscious blend of confectioners' sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, whipped to perfection for effortless spreading and decorating. Ready in under an hour and serving up to 12, this cake is a timeless favorite that pairs nostalgic flavors with a professional finish—ideal for birthdays and beyond. Celebrate in style with this elegant yet approachable recipe that’s guaranteed to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 30/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3.0 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1.5 cups unsalted butter (softened)
• 2.0 cups granulated sugar
• 4.0 large eggs
• 1.5 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 1.0 cup whole milk
• 1.0 cup unsalted butter (softened, for frosting)
• 8.0 cups confectioners' sugar
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• 1.0 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 0.25 teaspoons salt (for frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour three 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together and set aside.

Step 3

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 5

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Alternately add the dry ingredients in three parts and the milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

To make the frosting, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Gradually add the confectioners' sugar, mixing at low speed until fully incorporated.

Step 11

Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add a little more cream if the consistency is too thick.

Step 12

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top.

Step 13

Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with frosting. Add the third layer and spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake evenly.

Step 14

Decorate the cake as desired. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2899.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	11702.5

Total Fat 531.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 327.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 2124.9mg	0%
Sodium 2883.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1697.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 1411.0g
Protein 73.8g	0%

Vitamin D 592.4IU	0%
Calcium 596.1mg	0%
Iron 21.1mg	0%
Potassium 1187.9mg	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: 40.3%

Protein: 2.5%

Carbs: 57.2%