Simple Birthday Cake Recipe for Any Celebration
Simple Birthday Cake is soft, moist, and perfect for any celebration. Whether you decorate it with sprinkles, fruit, flowers, or keep it minimalist, this reliable recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all ages and occasions.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- 9-inch Round Cake Pans
- Parchment Paper
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Notes
Swap vanilla with almond extract for a nutty twist, or use buttermilk for extra tenderness. For a chocolate version, replace part of the flour with cocoa powder. Decorate simply or lavishly—the cake adapts to your celebration style.