19 Birthday Cake Recipe – A Simple Beautiful Dessert for Milestone Celebrations
This layered chocolate cake with creamy vanilla buttercream is made for milestone moments like a 19th birthday—rich, celebratory, and beautifully simple.
Equipment
- Two 9‑inch round cake pans
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 0.75 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs large
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water to bloom cocoa
Buttercream Frosting
- 1.5 cups unsalted butter softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2‑3 tbsp milk or cream adjust for desired frosting consistency
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9‑inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
- Stir in hot coffee or hot water; batter will be thin but this helps the chocolate deepen and the texture stay moist.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30‑35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the buttercream: beat softened butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla and milk/cream to adjust consistency until smooth and spreadable.
- Once cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a cake stand or plate. Frost the top, add the second layer, then frost sides and top. Smooth with spatula or offset knife.
- Decorate with sprinkles, edible flowers, or milestone candles (“19”). Personalize it to suit the celebration.
Notes
This cake can be baked a day ahead. Store unfrosted layers wrapped in plastic; frost and decorate just before serving. Leftovers freeze well—wrap slices and foil, store up to 3 months.