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A simply decorated birthday cake with white frosting and minimal sprinkles, photographed in bright, natural light.

Simple Birthday Cake

A classic, easy-to-make birthday cake recipe perfect for any celebration. This simple vanilla cake is moist, fluffy, and provides a delicious base for your favorite frosting and decorations.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Baking, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 306
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup milk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once completely cool, frost with your favorite frosting and decorate as desired for a birthday celebration.

Notes

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients like butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, well-emulsified batter.