Birthday cake

Imagine sinking your fork into a moist and fluffy birthday cake, the sweetness of the vanilla and the richness of the chocolate filling your senses as the crumbs melt away. The experience is elevated by the subtle aroma of butter and the hint of sweetness that wafts from each bite. This classic birthday cake recipe is a masterclass in sensory delight, enticing your taste buds and leaving you wanting more.

Birthday cakes hold a special place in our hearts, often being the centerpiece of our most cherished celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, a well-crafted birthday cake can be the perfect way to express your love and appreciation for others. And, with a recipe like this, you don’t have to choose between taste and aesthetics – you can have both. Take a look at our Birthday cake recipe collection for more inspiration on how to make a birthday cake that everyone will love and enjoy.

Why This Recipe Works

• Using a combination of all-purpose flour and confectioners’ sugar helps create a tender crumb and a smooth, even texture that complements the richness of the chocolate filling.
• The simple yet efficient technique of using an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar, then beating in the eggs one by one, eliminates the risk of human error and saves time in the kitchen.
• The subtle balance of vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest adds depth and complexity to the cake, making each bite a masterclass in flavor.

Key Ingredients

For the best results, use high-quality cocoa powder and pure vanilla extract. If you’re looking for a detailed guide on making a classic birthday cake, we recommend checking out the recipe on Epicurious, which offers a comprehensive guide to making this iconic dessert. When it comes to butter and eggs, choosing the freshest ingredients will make all the difference in the flavor and texture of your cake. Opt for unsalted, European-style butter and farm-fresh eggs for the richest, most complex flavor.

For an added touch of elegance, garnish your cake with fresh berries or a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar. Whichever way you choose to decorate it, this timeless recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, making it the perfect addition to any birthday celebration.

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs, room temperature

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups whole milk, at room temperature

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions

1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, tapping out any excess flour. Set aside.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt. Set aside.

3

Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

4

Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to fully incorporate before adding the next. Beat in the vanilla extract.

5

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture and milk in alternating additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat just until combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pans before transferring it to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, remove from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours or until thawed. Once thawed, the cake can be refrigerated for an additional 2-3 days or frozen again if desired.