Gathering the Ingredients
Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of milk
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. Mix until everything is well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix as it may result in a dense cake.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter equally between the pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 3: Frosting and Decorating
Now comes the fun part – frosting and decorating your homemade birthday cake! You can use store-bought frosting or make your own. If you choose to make your own, try a classic buttercream frosting.
To make a simple buttercream frosting, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Cream the softened butter, then gradually add powdered sugar while mixing. Add milk and vanilla extract and continue mixing until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
Once your frosting is ready, frost the cooled cakes using a spatula or piping bag. You can get creative with your decorations by adding sprinkles, candies, or edible flowers.
The Final Touch
After decorating, step back and admire your homemade birthday cake masterpiece! Remember, a homemade cake is made with love, so even if it doesn’t look perfect, its taste will surely make up for it.
Wrap a ribbon around the cake or place some candles on top to make it more festive. Now, it’s time to light those candles, sing “Happy Birthday,” and enjoy a delicious slice of the cake you lovingly baked.
Happy baking and happy birthday!