Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Alternate adding flour mixture and milk into the batter, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined — don’t overbeat.
Step 6: Bake
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Make the frosting: beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt. Beat until fluffy. Spread frosting between layers and over the entire cake. Decorate with sprinkles, fruit, or candy.
Tips for Success
- Room temperature ingredients: They mix more evenly for a better cake texture.
- Level layers: Trim tops if needed for a flat, stackable surface.
- Double it: Make more layers for a taller, bakery-style cake.
- Flavor twist: Swap vanilla for almond, lemon, or coconut extract.
Why This Cake Belongs at Every Party
This Easy Birthday Cake is proof that you don’t need a fancy recipe to create something magical. Its soft vanilla crumb, creamy frosting, and festive sprinkles make it the perfect centerpiece for any birthday celebration. Plus, it’s simple enough to bake even if you’re short on time.
Final Slice
Soft, fluffy, sweet, and topped with sprinkles, this Easy Birthday Cake Recipe is exactly what celebrations are made of. It’s the kind of cake that makes kids smile, adults nostalgic, and birthdays unforgettable.
So light those candles, make a wish, and dig into a slice of happiness.