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Favorite Classic Birthday Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

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A reliable, moist, and tender classic vanilla birthday cake with rich vanilla buttercream. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a specific mixing method to ensure maximum moisture and flavor, coming together in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • ½ cup Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (for frosting), softened
  • 3–4 cups Powdered Sugar (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons Milk or Cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of Salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly combined.
  3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk in two parts. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until flour disappears.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. While cakes cool, beat 1 cup of softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk/cream. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for 3 minutes until fluffy.
  9. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Add second layer. Frost top and sides. Decorate as desired.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk) are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough cake. Spoon and level flour for accuracy. If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar, rested for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: birthday cake, vanilla cake, buttercream, easy cake recipe, classic dessert, homemade cake, vanilla buttercream, quick baking

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/favorite-classic-birthday-cake-10-min-vanilla-buttercream/