A birthday cake is a quintessential part of any birthday celebration. It is the highlight of the party, and everyone eagerly waits for it. Making a birthday cake from scratch can seem like a daunting task, but with the right recipe, it can be easy and enjoyable. In this article, we will be sharing an easy birthday cake recipe that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
For the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
For the frosting:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans with butter and lightly flour them. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. 5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. 7. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. 8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the milk, and beat until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt. 9. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake on top of the frosting. Spread a layer of frosting on the top and sides of the cake. 10. Decorate the cake with your favorite toppings, such as sprinkles or fresh fruit.
Nutrition
This recipe yields 12 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
Calories: 451
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 234mg
Total Carbohydrates: 67g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 53g
Protein: 3g
Tips for Making the Perfect Birthday Cake
1. Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before you start baking. This will ensure that they mix together easily and the cake bakes evenly. 2. Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the butter and vanilla extract. This will make a difference in the taste and texture of the cake. 3. Don't overmix the batter. Mix it until just combined, or you risk making the cake tough. 4. Grease and flour the cake pans, or use parchment paper, to prevent the cake from sticking. 5. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them. This will prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off. 6. Use a cake stand or plate to display the cake. This will make it look more festive and special.
Variations
1. Chocolate Birthday Cake: Replace 1/2 cup of the flour with cocoa powder and add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. 2. Lemon Birthday Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon zest to the batter and replace the vanilla extract with lemon extract. 3. Funfetti Birthday Cake: Add 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles to the batter and sprinkle more on top of the frosting.
Conclusion
This easy birthday cake recipe is perfect for anyone looking to make a delicious cake without too much fuss. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this cake is sure to impress your guests and make your birthday celebration even more special. Try out different variations to customize the cake to your taste, and don't forget to have fun while baking!