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Classic Homemade Vanilla Birthday Cake Recipe with Rich Chocolate Frosting

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A tender, buttery vanilla cake paired with rich, creamy chocolate frosting, perfect for celebrations big or small. This recipe is quick, easy, and uses simple pantry ingredients for a nostalgic and delicious treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3½ cups (440g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¾ cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. With mixer on low speed, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with whole milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed.
  10. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high for about 3 minutes until fluffy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more cream or sugar if needed.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  12. Place second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides evenly.
  13. Chill cake for 30 minutes, then apply a final thin frosting layer (crumb coat) and finish frosting for a smooth finish.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter after adding flour to avoid toughness. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes. For uneven cake layers, slice domed tops before stacking. Baking times may vary with pan size and altitude.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla birthday cake, chocolate frosting, homemade cake, celebration cake, easy vanilla cake, classic cake recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/classic-homemade-vanilla-birthday-cake-recipe-with-rich-chocolate-frosting-perfect-for-celebrations/