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A decorated birthday cake with colorful frosting, lit candles, and sprinkles on top.

Birthday Cake

This classic birthday cake is soft, buttery, and filled with rainbow sprinkles for a fun festive look. Finished with a smooth vanilla buttercream and even more sprinkles, it is perfect for celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • Cooling Rack
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla, salt, and enough cream or milk to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
  11. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate and spread with frosting. Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  12. Decorate with additional sprinkles before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, make sure the eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. If the frosting becomes too thick, add a little more cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time.