Simple and delicious birthday cake 🎂

 Here is a standard recipe for a simple and delicious birthday cake:

Ingredients

Flour (all-purpose or cake flour): 3 cups (375g)

Sugar: 2 cups (400g)

Butter: 1 cup (225g), softened

Eggs: 4 large

Milk: 1 cup (240ml)

Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons

Baking powder: 2 teaspoons

Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

For Frosting (Optional)

Butter: 1 cup (225g), softened

Powdered sugar: 4 cups (500g)

Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons

Milk or cream: 2-3 tablespoons (as needed)

Food coloring: Optional

Step-by-Step Instructions for a Birthday Cake

1. Prepare the Ingredients and Tools

Gather all ingredients listed above and ensure they are at room temperature.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).

4. Add Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix gently after each addition until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.

6. Pour Batter into Pans

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.

7. Bake the Cake

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cake

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.

Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting the Cake

1. Make the Frosting

Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while mixing.

Stir in the vanilla extract and add milk/cream a tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Add food coloring if you like.

2. Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top.

Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Decorate as desired with sprinkles, fruits, or piping.

Your homemade birthday cake is now ready!