How to Make a Birthday Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Celebrating a birthday is not complete without a delicious cake! In this tutorial, we'll walk you through making a classic vanilla birthday cake from scratch. Let's get started!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4. Large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Food coloring (optional)

Tools Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Cake turntable (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Then, add the milk and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until fluffy. If you want to add color, mix in food coloring at this stage.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 10: Decorate

Get creative with your decorations! You can add sprinkles, fruit, or even candles for the birthday celebration.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake and enjoy it with friends and family. Happy birthday!