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Best Classic Birthday Cake: Easy Homemade Vanilla Buttercream

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A moist, tender vanilla cake made with the creaming method, topped with a silky, fluffy vanilla buttercream. This reliable recipe yields perfect layers for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375 grams) All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups (400 grams) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Whole Milk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with butter or spray and dust with flour.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high 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. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk in two parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops and tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. While cakes cool, beat 1 cup of softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for 3 minutes until fluffy.
  10. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Place second layer on top. Frost top and sides with remaining buttercream.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) are at room temperature for proper emulsion. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid a tough cake. Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the buttercream.

Nutrition

Keywords: birthday cake, vanilla cake, buttercream, homemade cake, easy baking, classic vanilla cake, vanilla buttercream

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