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Happy Birthday Cakes

Discover the ultimate guide to a happy birthday cake with tips on flavors, decorating ideas, and storage advice for the perfect celebration.
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These Happy Birthday Cakes are moist, fluffy, and perfect for celebrations! Whether you’re making a classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or funfetti cake, this recipe delivers bakery-quality results. Top with creamy frosting, sprinkles, and candles for the ultimate birthday treat! 🎂🎉

Ingredients

Scale

For the Vanilla Birthday Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

For the Chocolate Birthday Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (for vanilla frosting) or ¼ cup cocoa powder (for chocolate frosting)
  • Food coloring (optional)

For Decoration:

  • Sprinkles
  • Birthday candles
  • Fresh fruit or edible glitter

Instructions

  • Preheat & Prepare Cake Pans:

    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

  • Make the Cake Batter:

    • For vanilla cake: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
    • For chocolate cake: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
    • In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, then gradually mix in milk (or buttermilk for chocolate cake).
    • Alternate adding dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.

  • Bake the Cake Layers:

    • Divide batter evenly into pans.
    • Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
    • Let cakes cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

  • Make the Frosting:

    • Beat butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
    • Mix in milk and vanilla extract (or cocoa powder for chocolate frosting).
    • Add food coloring for a custom design.

  • Assemble & Decorate:

    • Place the first cake layer on a plate and frost the top.
    • Add the second layer and frost the entire cake.
    • Decorate with sprinkles, fruit, candles, or edible glitter.

  • Chill & Serve:

    • Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing for clean layers.
    • Light candles and celebrate!

Notes

  • For a funfetti cake, fold ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles into the vanilla batter.
  • For extra moisture, add 2 tbsp sour cream to the batter.
  • To make it dairy-free, use almond milk and vegan butter.

Find it online: https://kenzierecipes.com/happy-birthday-cake-tips-flavors-ideas/