Description
A classic vanilla birthday cake that is incredibly moist, tender, and cloud-like. This recipe uses buttermilk, sour cream, and cake flour techniques to ensure a perfect crumb that stays fresh for days.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (375g) All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups (400g) Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup (225g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 4 large Eggs, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup (120g) Sour Cream
- 2 cups (450g) Unsalted Butter (for frosting)
- 6–7 cups Powdered Sugar (for frosting)
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two or three 9-inch round cake pans with butter, dust with flour, and line bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add vanilla extract.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk and sour cream. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cakes cool, make frosting: Beat butter until smooth, gradually add powdered sugar, then add heavy cream and vanilla. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy.
- Once cakes are cool, level tops if needed. Place one layer on serving plate, spread frosting, add next layer, and repeat. Frost top and sides.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Do not overmix the batter once flour is added to prevent a tough texture. Cool cakes completely before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free option, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 85
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: birthday cake, moist cake, vanilla cake, homemade cake, buttercream, baking recipe, celebration cake