A straightforward yet meaningful cake that balances sweetness, flavor, and style. This simple male birthday cake uses pantry staples and easy techniques to create a moist, tender crumb that pairs beautifully with minimal buttercream or bold chocolate finishes.
Grease and line a 9-inch round pan with parchment paper.
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to wet mixture alternately with milk until combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool cake completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Frost with chocolate or vanilla buttercream for a simple finish, or drizzle with chocolate for extra impact.
Notes
Keep it minimal with buttercream and cocoa dusting, or elevate it with espresso, zest, or a splash of bourbon. Perfect for husbands, boyfriends, or fathers who appreciate a classic, unfussy cake.