Boy Birthday Cake
This playful chocolate boy birthday cake is moist, kid-approved, and easy for parents to bake at home. With rich chocolate layers, creamy frosting, and endless decoration options, it’s the perfect centerpiece for a child’s special day—fun, festive, and full of love.
Equipment
- Two 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Parchment Paper
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Wire Racks
Ingredients
The Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk whole or 2%
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water to bloom cocoa
The Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup heavy cream adjust for consistency
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Swaps & Add-Ins
- vanilla buttercream if preferred over chocolate
- Greek yogurt swap for half the butter in frosting
- almond or oat milk for dairy-free option
- 1 tsp instant coffee stir into boiling water to boost cocoa flavor
- sprinkles, candies, edible glitter, or themed toy toppers for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and lump-free.
- Slowly pour in boiling water while stirring. Batter will be thin—this keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Cool completely before frosting.
- For frosting: beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, cocoa, and vanilla. Drizzle in cream until fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble cake: place one layer, spread frosting, add second layer, then frost top and sides.
- Decorate with sprinkles, candies, or themed toppers to match the birthday celebration.
Notes
Variations: superhero, animal adventure, sports themes, candy overload, or galaxy cake. Tips: avoid overbaking, cool layers fully, don’t skip parchment, and adjust frosting consistency. Can also be made into 24 cupcakes (18–20 min bake). Serves 12–16, perfect for kids’ parties.