Birthday Cake Recipe

Vanilla Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. 2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. 3. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, with 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 5. Mix in 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract. 6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with 1 cup of whole milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. 7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. 8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. 9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.

Buttercream Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter, softened, until creamy. 2. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. 3. Mix in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and creamy. 4. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached. 5. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. 6. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. 7. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.