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Vanilla Birthday Cake

Vanilla Birthday Cake Recipe

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 644
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 to 5 cups (480-600g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tbsp heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Method
 

  1. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
  3. On low speed, add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk in two parts. Mix just until combined.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Divide batter between two greased and floured 8-inch pans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
  5. Beat butter for frosting until smooth. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, cream, and salt. Whip until fluffy. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides. Decorate as you like.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, run a large knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. If your kitchen is warm and the frosting gets too soft, pop the whole cake in the fridge for 15 minutes before finishing.