17th Birthday Cake Recipe
This 17 birthday cake is soft, rich, and celebratory — perfect for marking a special milestone. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers but elegant enough to feel meaningful. Customize the layers, fillings, and frosting to suit your birthday star.
Equipment
- 2 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Hand or Stand Mixer
- Mixing Bowls
- Spatula
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 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
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
Optional Add-Ins
- Food coloring for tinting the frosting
- Sprinkles or edible glitter
- Jam or chocolate ganache for filling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar using a mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix gently until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans to cool completely.
- To make the frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, then mix in vanilla and cream until desired consistency.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a plate, add filling or frosting, top with the second cake, and frost the outside.
- Decorate with sprinkles, candy, fruit, or a “17” design using candles or piped frosting.
Notes
Want to switch it up? Add jam between layers, cocoa powder to make it chocolate, or a drop of food coloring for a themed look. This cake is perfect for beginners and pros alike — a flexible favorite for every birthday table.