Birthdays are special occasions that call for indulgent treats and celebrations. One of the highlights of any birthday party is the cake, and finding the perfect recipe can make the day even more special. Here are the top five birthday cake recipes that are sure to delight everyone at your next celebration.
1. Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting:
Use your favorite vanilla buttercream frosting recipe to frost and decorate the cake as desired.
2. Rich Chocolate Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the boiling water (the batter will be thin).
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting:
Frost with a rich chocolate ganache or your favorite chocolate buttercream.
3. Funfetti Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
- Fold in the sprinkles.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting:
Use a vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting, and decorate with extra sprinkles.
4. Red Velvet Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp red food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp white vinegar
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting:
Frost with a classic cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the rich cake.
5. Lemon Blueberry Cake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat until just combined.
- Fold in the blueberries gently.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frosting:
Frost with a lemon cream cheese frosting and garnish with extra blueberries and lemon zest.