Unique Birthday Cake for Husband
This rich and tender yellow cake with decadent chocolate frosting is the perfect way to celebrate your husband's birthday. With a soft crumb, creamy layers, and heartfelt details, it’s more than dessert — it’s love baked into every bite.
Equipment
- 2x 9-inch Cake Pans
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Offset Spatula
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 cups cake flour
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.75 cup unsalted butter softened (1½ sticks)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1.5 cups buttermilk room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 1.5 cups unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 1.5 cups Dutch-process cocoa powder sifted
- 0.75 tsp kosher salt
- 0.375 cup buttermilk plus 2 Tbsp
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 together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add softened butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low until the texture is sandy.
- Add eggs, egg yolks, buttermilk, and vanilla. Beat on medium-high until smooth and fluffy.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat butter and salt until creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder in batches, alternating with buttermilk. Beat until soft and spreadable.
- Level cakes if needed. Spread frosting between layers, then over the top and sides. Decorate as desired. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for clean slices.
Notes
For a personalized touch, top with berries, shaved chocolate, or gold sprinkles. Add a splash of espresso to deepen the frosting flavor. This cake freezes beautifully if made ahead.