Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake with Buttercream Frosting (Print version)
Soft vanilla layer cake with fluffy vanilla buttercream, sprinkles, and a tender crumb that works for birthdays, potlucks, and family celebrations.
# Ingredients:
For the vanilla cake
01 -
Baking spray or softened butter and flour, for the pans
02 -
2 1/2 cups (285 g) cake flour, spooned and leveled
03 -
2 teaspoons baking powder
04 -
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon fine salt
06 -
3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
07 -
1/4 cup (60 ml) neutral oil
08 -
1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
09 -
3 large eggs, room temperature
10 -
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
11 -
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
12 -
1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
For the buttercream
13 -
1 1/2 cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened
14 -
5 cups (600 g) powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
15 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
16 -
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
17 -
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
18 -
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, for decorating
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment, and grease the parchment.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
03 -
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter, oil, and sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes, until pale and fluffy.
04 -
Beat in the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, scraping the bowl as needed. Mix in the vanilla extract.
05 -
Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk in two additions. Mix on low just until smooth, then divide the batter between the pans.
06 -
Bake for 28-32 minutes, until the tops spring back and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto racks and cool completely.
07 -
Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar in batches, then beat in vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons cream. Add more cream as needed for a fluffy spreading texture.
08 -
Place one cake layer on a plate and spread frosting over the top. Add the second layer, apply a thin crumb coat, chill for 15-20 minutes, then frost the top and sides. Decorate with sprinkles.
# Good to know:
01 -
Cool the cake layers completely before frosting.
02 -
Room-temperature ingredients give the smoothest batter.
03 -
The finished cake serves 12 generous slices.