Simple Birthday Cake
This Simple Birthday Cake is soft, moist, and easy to make—perfect for beginners or experienced bakers alike. With classic vanilla flavor, tender crumb, and endless customization options, it’s the ideal cake for celebrating life’s special moments.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Wire Rack
- Spatula
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1.75 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar together with a mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks until fully cooled.
- Frost with your choice of buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream. Decorate with sprinkles or candles.
Notes
This cake is highly versatile—make it chocolate by swapping in cocoa, confetti by adding sprinkles, or turn it into cupcakes. Layers can be baked ahead, wrapped, and stored at room temp or frozen for later use.