An overhead view of a sunlit marble kitchen counter with arranged baking ingredients, including softened butter, farm-fresh eggs, crystalline sugar, and sifted flour in ceramic bowls, a mint green stand mixer, measuring spoons, a 9-inch cake pan, vanilla bean pods, a wooden sifter, and a glass milk bottle, all beautifully lit and composed.

Simple Birthday Cake: The Ultimate Homemade Celebration Delight

Key Info

Prep Time: 15-25 minutes

Cook Time: 25-40 minutes

Total Time: 45-70 minutes

Servings: 8-12

Difficulty: Easy

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Diet: Vegetarian

Equipment Needed

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring tools
  • 9-inch cake pan
  • Cooling rack
  • Toothpick/cake tester

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • Pinch of salt

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Prepare your cake pan
  • Grease pan thoroughly
  • Optional: Line with parchment paper
3. Cream butter and sugar
  • Beat until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes)
  • Mixture should look pale and increase in volume
4. Add eggs one at a time
  • Beat thoroughly after each addition
  • Mix in vanilla extract
5. Combine dry ingredients
  • Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together
  • This prevents lumps and ensures even mixing

Overhead view of a sunlit kitchen countertop with neatly arranged baking ingredients, including softened butter, farm-fresh eggs, crystalline sugar, and sifted flour, alongside a vintage electric mixer and gleaming measuring cups and spoons.

6. Build the batter
  • Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk
  • Start and end with dry ingredients
  • Mix just until combined (do not overmix!)
7. Pour batter into prepared pan
  • Smooth top with spatula
  • Tap pan to release air bubbles
8. Bake perfectly
  • Bake 25-40 minutes
  • Check doneness with toothpick test
  • Cake should be golden and spring back when touched

Close-up of a perfectly baked golden birthday cake in a professional oven, featuring a domed shape, caramelized edges, and steam rising in dramatic lighting.

9. Cool completely
  • Rest in pan 10 minutes
  • Transfer to cooling rack
  • Wait until fully cool before frosting

Crucial Tips

  • Room temperature ingredients mix better
  • Don’t overmix after adding flour
  • Check cake early to prevent overbaking

Variations

  • Chocolate: Replace 1/2 cup flour with cocoa powder
  • Funfetti: Fold in rainbow sprinkles
  • Lemon: Add lemon zest, swap some milk with lemon juice

Storage

  • Room temperature (unfrosted): 2 days
  • Refrigerated (frosted): 5 days
  • Freezer (unfrosted): Up to 2 months

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using cold ingredients
  • Overmixing batter
  • Overbaking
  • Frosting before cake is completely cool

Pro Tips

  • Use a light hand when mixing
  • Always test for doneness early
  • Let ingredients reach room temperature
  • Invest in good vanilla extract

Nutritional Heads Up

  • High in sugar and carbohydrates
  • Contains common allergens: wheat, dairy, eggs

Dietary Adaptations

  • Gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
  • Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and margarine
  • Egg-free: Use flax eggs (note: texture will change)

This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration in every bite. Simple, delicious, and sure to bring smiles to any gathering!

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