A beautifully styled square birthday cake with smooth white buttercream frosting, adorned with delicate rosettes and metallic sprinkles, topped with a single gold candle, displayed elegantly on a white ceramic pedestal in soft natural light.

Ultimate Square Birthday Cake: Your Perfect Party Centerpiece

Ultimate Square Birthday Cake: Your Perfect Party Centerpiece

KEY INFO:

Prep Time: 60 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 2.5–3 hours

Servings: 16–20 slices

Difficulty: Intermediate

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Optional Vegan

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
  • 8″ or 9″ square cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Offset spatula
  • Cake board
  • Parchment paper
  • Bench scraper (optional)
INGREDIENTS:

Cake Base:

  • 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2–3 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
PREPARATION METHOD:
  1. Prep Station
    • Bring ingredients to room temperature
    • Preheat oven to 350°F
    • Grease and line square pan with parchment paper
  2. Mix Cake Batter
    • Combine dry ingredients in one bowl
    • Whisk wet ingredients separately
    • Gently fold wet into dry until just combined
    • Avoid overmixing
  3. Bake Perfectly
    • Pour batter into prepared pan
    • Smooth top with spatula
    • Bake 35–45 minutes
    • Test with toothpick: should come out clean
  4. Cool Completely
    • Remove from pan after 10 minutes
    • Cool on wire rack for 1 hour
    • Ensure cake is room temperature before frosting
  5. Buttercream Magic
    • Beat butter until creamy
    • Gradually add powdered sugar
    • Mix in milk and vanilla
    • Achieve smooth, spreadable consistency
  6. Cake Assembly
    • Level cake layers if needed
    • Apply thin crumb coat
    • Chill for 30 minutes
    • Add final frosting layer
    • Use offset spatula for smooth finish

A bright kitchen with a marble countertop displaying ingredients in glass bowls, a stand mixer, and flour dust illuminated by sunlight, creating a warm and inviting baking atmosphere.

CRUCIAL TIPS:
  • Chill cake between frosting layers
  • Use cardboard guide for sharp corners
  • Room temperature ingredients = better texture
STORAGE:
  • Refrigerate up to 5 days
  • Freeze up to 3 months (unfrosted)
  • Bring to room temperature before serving
VARIATIONS:
  • Chocolate version: Add ½ cup cocoa powder
  • Vegan option: Use plant milk, egg replacer
  • Flavor additions: Lemon zest, almond extract
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
  • Overmixing batter
  • Frosting warm cake
  • Uneven layer application
  • Skipping crumb coat
DECORATING IDEAS:
  • Sprinkles
  • Piped borders
  • Fresh fruit
  • Chocolate shavings
NUTRITIONAL NOTE:

High in carbohydrates, best enjoyed in moderation. Customize for dietary needs.

Enjoy your picture-perfect square birthday cake!

A square birthday cake with smooth white buttercream frosting, adorned with delicate piped rosettes and metallic sprinkles, displayed on a minimalist white stand with a single candle, set against a soft-focus background.

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