21st Birthday Cake
This elegant and easy 21st Birthday Cake is soft, fluffy, and lightly sweet — perfect for minimalist celebrations or glam gatherings. Layered with Greek yogurt and cream cheese frosting, it’s a versatile and meaningful treat.
Equipment
- Two 8-inch cake pans
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Offset Spatula
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup organic sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk any kind
Frosting
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- Edible flowers or gold flakes optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in the Greek yogurt. Then add the dry ingredients in two batches, alternating with milk. Stir until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Frost the cake as desired — smooth it on for a minimalist look, or swirl with an offset spatula. Decorate with edible flowers or gold flakes if using.
Notes
To make ahead, bake the layers and freeze for up to a month. Frost after thawing. You can also add a layer of jam or lemon curd between the layers for extra flavor.