Birthday cake

Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist and fluffy birthday cake that’s infused with sweet vanilla flavors and a hint of buttery aroma. The moment you take that first bite, the tender crumbs melt in your mouth and transport you to a world of pure delight.

A classic birthday cake is a timeless treat that’s sure to put smiles on faces, and for that reason, we love baking it. Whether it’s for a family member’s special day or just an excuse to indulge in something sweet, Birthday cake is an essential dessert that deserves a spot in your recipe book.

Why This Recipe Works

• The combination of cake flour and cornstarch ensures a tender crumb structure and prevents the cake from becoming dense.
• By avoiding the use of mixers and instead relying on gentle folding, we prevent over-working the batter and maintain the delicate texture of the cake.
• The simple yet elegant buttercream frosting adds a rich and creamy element to the cake, balancing out its sweetness.

Key Ingredients

To make this birthday cake truly special, focus on using high-quality ingredients. Fresh, real butter and pure vanilla extract will give your cake a deep, rich flavor that’s unmistakable. For an in-depth look at what makes a classic birthday cake, head over to How to make a classic Birthday cake.

Additionally, it’s crucial to use the right type of flour when baking this cake. Cake flour is finely milled and contains less protein than all-purpose flour, which makes it perfect for producing a tender crumb. If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing all-purpose flour with cornstarch.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

2 cups cake flour

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 large egg whites

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting

Fresh berries for garnish

Directions

1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. As you work, keep an eye on the oven to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for even baking.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Watch as the dry ingredients come together, creating a well-balanced mixture that’s crucial for this cake’s structure.

3

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to over-whisk, as this can lead to a dense cake.

4

With the mixer on low speed, gradually pour in the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat just until combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage & Reheating

Once the birthday cake is completely cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the cake in the oven at 200°F (90°C) for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired warmth. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with fresh berries before serving.