Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
Few things bring out smiles and happy memories quite like a Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream. This is the classic cake that graces celebrations, brimming with nostalgia and irresistible vanilla flavor. Each bite is fluffy, sweet, and generously swirled with creamy, dreamy buttercream—the kind that reminds you of homemade cakes from childhood. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just want to make any occasion extra special, this recipe is the one you’ll want to share with friends and family for years to come.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simple ingredients in this Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream come together like magic. Every item plays a starring role, working in harmony to create a cake that’s tender, flavorful, and picture-perfect for decorating.
- All-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy yet tender base for the cake’s classic crumb.
- Baking powder: Adds essential lift, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the vanilla flavor.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Gives richness, flavor, and that melt-in-your-mouth texture for both cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and adds to its moistness.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Bind the batter together and help the cake rise beautifully.
- Pure vanilla extract: The star of the show, creating that irresistible vanilla aroma and taste in every bite.
- Whole milk (room temperature): Adds tenderness and ensures a soft, airy crumb.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the buttercream, it creates a silky, sweet, spreadable frosting.
- Heavy cream or milk: Loosens the buttercream just enough for a creamy, dreamy consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Just a hint in the buttercream brings all the sweet flavors into balance.
- Colorful sprinkles (optional): For that joyful, festive finish—no birthday cake is complete without them!
How to Make Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This keeps your layers from sticking, giving you perfect, easy-to-release cakes every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking ensures that the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the batter, setting the stage for a balanced, fluffy cake.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes, until it’s light, pale, and airy. This step is crucial for that signature soft crumb and helps the cake rise evenly while baking.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition so the batter stays smooth and cohesive. Then mix in the vanilla extract to let that classic flavor shine through every bite of your Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Set your mixer to low and add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the whole milk—start and end with the flour. Mix just until the last streak of flour disappears. This gentle approach keeps the cake tender and avoids overmixing.
Step 6: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The cakes should be golden and springy, perfect for stacking and frosting.
Step 7: Cool the Cake Layers
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. Starting with completely cool cakes is key to a smooth, even layer of buttercream.
Step 8: Make the Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream
In a fresh bowl, beat the butter until creamy—about 2 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting on low and increasing to medium-high for a fluffy texture. Pour in the heavy cream or milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is smooth, spreadable, and irresistibly creamy.
Step 9: Assemble and Decorate the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of buttercream over the top. Gently set the second layer on top, frost the top and sides, and (if you’re feeling festive) shower the cake with colorful sprinkles. Your Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream is celebration-ready!
How to Serve Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream
Garnishes
Nothing beats a thick layer of rich, creamy frosting studded with a rainbow of playful sprinkles. For a pretty touch, you can also use fruit, edible flowers, or colorful candles for an extra birthday sparkle.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, a handful of fresh berries, or an ice-cold glass of milk. For grown-up celebrations, serve it alongside a flute of bubbly or a cup of strong coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it your own! Try using fun cake toppers, piping extra buttercream rosettes, or layering jars with cake and frosting for adorable “cake parfaits.” A slice of Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream also makes a delightful party favor when wrapped in parchment and pretty ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, so it stays moist and inviting. Refrigerate for up to a week, making sure it’s well wrapped to preserve that luscious buttercream and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
Cake layers and buttercream both freeze well! Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. For frosted leftovers, place slices in an airtight container or wrap well before freezing. Thaw in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If your cake has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving to let the buttercream soften and come back to its perfectly creamy state—no heating up required!
FAQs
Can I make this Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend to create a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check all other ingredient labels for possible gluten sources.
What’s the best way to get perfectly flat cake layers?
Bake the cakes on the center rack and rotate them halfway through baking. If you want extra-flat layers for decorating, trim a smidge off the tops with a serrated knife once cooled.
Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
Absolutely! This batter makes about 24 cupcakes. Fill liners two-thirds full and bake at the same oven temperature for 18–22 minutes. Top with swirls of buttercream and a shower of sprinkles—and enjoy bite-sized celebration.
How do I keep my cake super moist?
If you want the ultimate in tender cake, brush each cooled cake layer with a little simple syrup before frosting. This old bakery trick locks in moisture and adds a subtle layer of sweetness.
Can I make the Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream in advance?
Definitely! Bake the cake layers a day or two ahead, wrap them tightly, and keep them at room temperature or in the fridge. You can also prep the buttercream in advance; just re-whip it briefly before assembling your cake.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the pure joy of sharing a homemade Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream. It’s simple, classic, and always a showstopper at any celebration. Gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and treat yourself and your loved ones—you truly can’t go wrong with this timeless favorite!
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Vanilla Birthday Cake with Old-Fashioned Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling and decorating)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic flavor of a vanilla birthday cake with rich, creamy old-fashioned vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Colorful sprinkles for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
- Prepare the Batter: Mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla, alternate flour and milk.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make the Buttercream: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble: Frost the cake layers with buttercream, stack, and decorate with sprinkles.
Notes
- For a moist cake, lightly brush layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
