The Perfect Vanilla Birthday Cake for Any Kid!
Birthdays are special, and what's a birthday without cake?
Today, I'm sharing my go-to recipe for a classic vanilla birthday cake that's
perfect for celebrating kids of all ages—whether they love trucks or tiaras!
This cake is simple to make, wonderfully moist, and a blank canvas for any fun
decorations your little one desires.
Why Vanilla is Always a Winner
Vanilla is a timeless flavor that appeals to pretty much
everyone. It's sweet, comforting, and pairs perfectly with just about any
frosting or filling. Plus, a classic vanilla cake is so versatile – you can
keep it simple or dress it up with sprinkles, candies, fruit, or their favorite
characters.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Don't let fancy cakes intimidate you. This recipe uses
everyday ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The key to a
delicious vanilla cake is using good quality vanilla extract and not overmixing
the batter.
The Recipe:
Yields: 1 two-layer 8-inch cake
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Ingredients:
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon
juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
For the Frosting (Basic Buttercream):
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk or cream
Instructions:
For the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two
8-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper
circles to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder,
baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter
and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take 2-3 minutes with an
electric mixer.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each
addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a small bowl, whisk the buttermilk (or milk mixture).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients,
alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can
lead to a tough cake.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted
into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before
inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until
light and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time,
beating well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you
reach your desired consistency. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
Assembly and Decoration:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a
serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top
of the first layer.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining
buttercream.
Now for the fun part – decorating! Let your child's
imagination run wild with sprinkles, colored frosting, candies, small toys, or
whatever their heart desires. Candles are a must, of course!
Tips for Success:
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for
a smoother batter.
Don't overmix the batter! Mix until just combined to keep
the cake tender.
Use good quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
Let the cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent
the frosting from melting.
This simple vanilla birthday cake is a guaranteed
crowd-pleaser and the perfect centerpiece for any child's special day. Enjoy
baking and celebrating!
What are your favorite birthday cake decorations? Share
your ideas in the comments below!
No comments:
Post a Comment