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Homemade Classic Birthday Cake Recipe photo

Classic Birthday Cake Recipe

This Classic Birthday Cake is a showstopper! With its moist crumb and vibrant sprinkles, it’s perfect for any celebration!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 3 teaspoons salt
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (310g)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (melted, 226g)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (300g)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 1 cup buttermilk (296 ml)
  • 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened, 339g)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (60g)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (486g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (15-45 ml)
  • More sprinkles for decorating

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cake Pans
  • Offset spatula
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
  2. Step 2: Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, beat the melted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Step 6: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, which will add a fun pop of color to your cake.
  7. Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Step 8: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Step 9: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add in the salt, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Step 10: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with additional rainbow sprinkles.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: Measure out all your ingredients before starting to streamline the baking process.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
  • Cooling Time: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.