A photorealistic three-tiered pink ombré birthday cake adorned with fresh flowers and gold accents, displayed on an antique cake stand against a soft cream backdrop, showcasing natural lighting and rich textures.

Pretty in Pink: The Ultimate Birthday Cake Recipe

Pretty in Pink: The Ultimate Birthday Cake Recipe

Key Info

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1.5 hours

Servings: 12-16

Difficulty: Moderate

Dietary: Vegetarian-friendly

Equipment Needed
  • 3 round cake pans (8-inch)
  • Stand mixer
  • Parchment paper
  • Offset spatula
  • Cake turntable (optional)
Ingredients
Cake Layers:
  • 2¼ cups self-raising flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup salted butter, softened
  • 3 medium eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring
  • ¼ cup sour cream
Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
Decorations:
  • Sprinkles
  • Edible flowers (optional)
  • Candles
Method
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line cake pans with parchment.
  2. Sift dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
  3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
  6. Fold in vanilla and gradually add pink food coloring until desired shade is achieved.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
  10. For buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
  11. Add vanilla, cream, and pink coloring. Beat until smooth.
  12. Once cakes are completely cool, layer and frost with buttercream.

Close-up of glossy pink cake batter being poured into lined pans, showcasing its smooth texture and pastel hue, with vintage mixing bowls and a marble countertop in a soft natural light setting.

Crucial Tips
  • Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter
  • Don’t overmix – this creates tough cake
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant color without affecting texture
Storage
  • Room temperature: 2 days in airtight container
  • Refrigerate: Up to 5 days
  • Freeze unfrosted layers: Up to 2 months
Variations
  • Vegan: Replace eggs with aquafaba
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blend
  • Flavor twist: Add almond extract or rose water
Pro Tips
  • Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumpy frosting
  • Use a turntable for smoother frosting application
  • Natural pink options: Beet powder, pitaya powder

A three-tiered pink birthday cake on a white stand, adorned with fresh flowers and sprinkles, with glowing candles and soft smoke in an elegant setting.

Common Mistakes
  • Overmixing batter
  • Incorrect oven temperature
  • Not letting cake cool completely before frosting
Special Notes

Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any celebration needing a touch of pink magic! Customize with your favorite decorations and make it uniquely yours.

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