The Best Homemade Birthday Cake Recipe

Spread the love

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Making your own birthday cake at home is not only fun, but it also lets you create something truly special. You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and delivers a cake that’s moist and delicious.

Perfectly Moist: This cake stays soft and fluffy, just like the ones from your favorite bakery.
Customizable Frosting: Choose any flavor or color to match your celebration vibe.
Made with Love: Baking your own cake adds a personal touch that store-bought treats just can’t beat.

Recipe

Nothing beats the joy of a homemade birthday cake, made with love and care. This simple yet delicious recipe will help you bake a classic birthday cake that’s perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients:

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes:

Confirm all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Decorate with your favorite frosting and sprinkles.

Equipment:

2 round 9-inch cake pans
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Electric mixer
Wire rack

Time:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: Serves 12

Nutrition

The nutrition facts provided below are based on the ingredients used in a homemade birthday cake recipe. Values may vary depending on specific brands or substitutions.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	55mg
Sodium	220mg
Total Carbs	48g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	32g
Protein	4g

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade birthday cake with a scoop of ice cream—vanilla’s classic, but chocolate or strawberry can add a fun twist. Fresh fruit, like berries or sliced peaches, gives a light, invigorating contrast to the rich cake. You can’t go wrong with either, and mixing both makes it even more special.

Ice Cream Pairings

Ever wondered how to take your homemade birthday cake from great to unforgettable? Pair it with the perfect ice cream! Trust me, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to a slice of chocolate cake is pure magic. For a citrus-flavored cake, try tangy lemon or orange sorbet—it’s invigorating. Carrot cake? Cream cheese ice cream is a dream. If you’ve baked a rich red velvet cake, a scoop of classic vanilla balances the sweetness. Don’t forget cookie dough or mint chocolate chip for chocolate lovers. Experiment, but always keep it simple—sometimes, the classic pairings are the best!

Fresh Fruit Choices

While a homemade birthday cake is delicious on its own, adding fresh fruit can make it even more special. I love pairing berries like strawberries or raspberries with vanilla cake—their tartness balances the sweetness perfectly. For chocolate cake, try sliced bananas or juicy cherries; they add a fun contrast. If you’re feeling fancy, arrange kiwi or mango slices on top for a tropical twist. Don’t forget citrus, either—orange segments brighten up any flavor. Just wash and dry your fruit well, and maybe toss berries in a little sugar to draw out their juices. It’s an easy way to make your cake feel extra celebratory!