Classic Vanilla Cake Recipe | How to Make Birthday Cake

Summary

This recipe guide walks you through making a classic vanilla cake with a creamy frosting. It starts with a smooth cake batter, made by combining softened butter, sugar, and eggs, and then incorporating dry ingredients and buttermilk. Once the cake layers are baked, cooled, and removed from the pans, they’re layered with a rich frosting of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. The cake is then frosted on the top and sides, optionally decorated with sprinkles, and chilled for at least two hours before serving.

Takeaways

• 🍰 The recipe is for a vanilla cake.
• 🥄 Use 2 1/3 cups (290g) of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and sift these together.
• 🧈 Cream 1/2 cup (115g) of softened butter with 1 1/2 cups (300g) of sugar.
• 🥚 Add 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• 🛢️ Add 1/2 cup (120ml) of oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
• 🥛 Alternate adding the flour mixture and 1 cup (240ml) of buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix each time.
• 🎂 Divide the batter between two 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes.
• 🧁 Allow cakes to cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan, then remove and cool completely.
• 🧀 For the frosting, beat together 2/3 cup (150g) softened butter and 1 3/4 cups (400g) cream cheese.
• 🍶 Add 1 1/4 cups (160g) powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup (120ml) cold heavy cream, beating until stiff peaks form, then use this to frost and layer the cake.

Q & A

What is the main recipe described in the script?

The recipe is for a vanilla cake with a cream cheese frosting.

What are the key dry ingredients for the cake?

The key dry ingredients include 2 1/3 cups (290g) of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

How is the butter and sugar incorporated into the cake batter?

1/2 cup (115g) of softened butter is creamed together with 1 1/2 cups (300g) of sugar until light and fluffy.

How are the eggs added to the cake batter?

Three eggs are added one at a time, beating until combined after each addition.

What liquid ingredients are used in the cake batter?

The liquid ingredients include 1/2 cup (120ml) of oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup (240ml) of buttermilk, which is added in two parts.

At what temperature and for how long is the cake baked?

The cake is baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

What steps are taken after the cake finishes baking?

After baking, the cakes are allowed to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then removed from the pan and left to cool completely.

What are the ingredients for the cream cheese frosting?

The frosting is made with 2/3 cup (150g) softened butter, 1 3/4 cups (400g) cream cheese, 1 1/4 cups (160g) powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup (120ml) cold heavy cream.

How is the frosting applied to the cake?

The frosting is spread on the first cake layer, then the second layer is placed on top, and the frosting is spread evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Is there any optional decoration suggested for the cake?

Yes, the cake can be decorated with sprinkles, which is an optional step.