Vanilla Birthday Cake Recipe: A Classic Celebration

Planning a birthday bash? A vanilla birthday cake is a timeless classic that never disappoints. This recipe delivers a moist, fluffy cake with a delicate vanilla flavor that's perfect for any celebration. We'll walk you through each step, ensuring you bake a cake that's as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes a two-layer 9-inch cake. Adjust as needed for different sized pans.

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a light and airy cake.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, resulting in a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don't overmix! Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.

6. Bake the Cakes:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the Cakes:

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before frosting to prevent melting.

Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

1. Cream the Butter:

Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.

2. Add Powdered Sugar Gradually:

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents a sugar cloud!

3. Add Milk and Vanilla:

Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.

4. Frost the Cake:

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of buttercream. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Tips for the Perfect Vanilla Birthday Cake:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for optimal mixing and even baking.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing leads to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
• Cool Completely: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Get Creative with Decorations: Decorate your cake with sprinkles, fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or anything else that suits your style!

This vanilla birthday cake recipe is a surefire way to impress your guests. Enjoy baking and happy celebrating! Remember to share your baking creations using #VanillaBirthdayCake.