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Birthday Cake

This homemade birthday cake is buttery-soft, golden-yellow, and celebrates the joy of baking from scratch, making it perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Birthday, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar Not too sweet, just right.
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Softened, not melted.
  • 4 large Eggs Bring structure and lift.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract Go for the real stuff.
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour Measure it with care.
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder For rising.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Keep flavors balanced.
  • 1 cup Whole Milk Room temperature helps.
  • 1 cup Sprinkles Optional for decoration.
For the Frosting
  • 1 cup Soft Butter Room temperature.
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar Sift if patient.
  • 1 cup Milk Add slowly for thickness.
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla or Butter Flavoring Depends on desired flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a large bowl until pale and airy, about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
  2. Add the eggs one by one, mixing after each. Then, add the vanilla extract.
  3. In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the milk, alternating between them, starting and ending with the flour.
  5. If desired, gently fold in the sprinkles.
  6. Prepare your cake pans by greasing them well.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Start the buttercream frosting by creaming soft butter with a portion of the powdered sugar until combined.
  2. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar along with half the milk and flavoring. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
Decorating
  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top and sides with the prepared buttercream frosting, adding sprinkles if desired.

Notes

This cake is forgiving and flexible. Feel free to play with flavors or frosting styles. It's more about the process and enjoying the moment.