Birthday Cake from Scratch Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Birthday Cake from Scratch Recipe

Are you looking to create a mouthwatering birthday cake from scratch? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through a delectable birthday cake recipe that will surely impress your loved ones. From mixing the batter to decorating the final masterpiece, we've got you covered every step of the way.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 4 large eggs

- 1 cup whole milk

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

- Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Now comes the fun part – decorating your birthday cake!

For the frosting, you can use your favorite buttercream recipe or try this simple vanilla buttercream:

Ingredients for Vanilla Buttercream:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 4 cups powdered sugar

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions for Vanilla Buttercream:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Once your cakes are cooled and your frosting is ready, it's time to assemble and decorate!

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Get creative with your decorations! You can use sprinkles, chocolate shavings, fresh fruit, or edible flowers to add a personal touch to your birthday cake.

Finally, slice and serve your delicious homemade birthday cake to your guests and watch as they marvel at your baking skills!

This birthday cake from scratch recipe is sure to be a hit at any celebration. So go ahead, bake up a storm, and make someone's special day even sweeter with this irresistible treat!