Birthday Cake Easy Recipe

Whether you’re baking for your kiddo, a best friend, or yourself (go you!), this easy birthday cake is soft, fluffy, and topped with a generous swirl of buttercream and sprinkles. No cake mix needed—just simple pantry ingredients, one bowl, and lots of birthday love.

Perfect for first-time bakers or when you want a classic celebration cake without the fuss. Customize it with your favorite frosting colors and decorations—it’s a party on a plate! 🥳

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Cake:

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

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• Pinch of salt
• Food coloring (optional)
• Rainbow sprinkles and candles for decorating

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for the Perfect Easy Birthday Cake

1. Room temperature butter and eggs = lighter, fluffier cake!
2. Don’t overmix the batter—stop when it’s just combined.
3. Let cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting your buttercream.
4. Use parchment paper rounds to make cake removal a breeze.
5. Add sprinkles to the batter for a funfetti vibe!

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy-free? Use plant-based milk and vegan butter.
• Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Want chocolate cake? Replace ¾ cup flour with cocoa powder.
• Top with fruit, mini cookies, or candy instead of sprinkles.

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

• 2 x 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans
• Electric or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Offset spatula (for frosting)

🕒 Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• Bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead—wrap tightly and refrigerate.
• Frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
• Leftover cake stays moist in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.

🔥 How to Make an Easy Birthday Cake

1️⃣ Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).
4. Add eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

2️⃣ Bake the Cakes

1. Divide batter evenly between pans.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

3️⃣ Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
3. Add vanilla, salt, and milk one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
4. Tint with food coloring, if using.

4️⃣ Frost and Decorate

1. Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread with frosting.
2. Top with second layer and frost the top and sides.
3. Add sprinkles generously, and top with candles if celebrating!

🎉 Celebrate Big with a Cake That’s Easy to Love

This easy birthday cake is soft, fluffy, buttery, and totally customizable. Whether you keep it classic or go wild with decorations, it’s the perfect way to celebrate someone special (including you!).

Baked it? Leave a comment and let me know what color frosting and decorations you used! 🎂💛