Get ready to transform your kitchen into a celebration of flavor with the most irresistible birthday cake that will make everyone's taste buds dance! This isn't just another cake recipe - it's a culinary journey that promises to turn any ordinary day into an extraordinary memory. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of homemade comfort, Kate's Favorite Birthday Cake is about to become your new go-to dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- Cake flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Butter
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Frosting of choice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cake flour, 1 ½ cups of sugar, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In another bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter and the sugar mixture until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You can use an electric mixer for best results.
- Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Stir in 1 cup of milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the batter, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare your frosting of choice. You can use store-bought frosting or make your own from scratch using butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top of the first layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Decorate the cake as desired with sprinkles, fruit, or chocolate shavings for a festive touch. Allow the cake to set for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve the cake to your guests and enjoy the deliciousness of Kate's Favorite Birthday Cake!
Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and optimal cake texture.
- Invest in good quality cake flour for a lighter, more tender crumb.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent a tough cake.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements for consistently perfect results.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- For extra moisture, you can brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Rotate your cake pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and golden color.
- Use an offset spatula for smooth, professional-looking frosting application.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 598kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg