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Dessert

Classic Homemade Vanilla Birthday Cake

A simple and fluffy vanilla cake that is perfect for any birthday celebration.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 22, 2026
Classic Homemade Vanilla Birthday Cake
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Total
50 minutes
Serves
12

There is something so special about baking a birthday cake from scratch. This classic vanilla recipe is light, moist, and pairs beautifully with your favorite buttercream frosting. It is the kind of cake that makes everyone smile when you bring it to the table with candles glowing.

My favorite trick for success is making sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps the batter become smooth and gives the cake a wonderful rise every single time.

Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 and 1/2 cups white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease two 9 inch round cake pans.

  2. 2

    Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

  3. 3

    In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

  4. 4

    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  5. 5

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, while mixing on low speed until just combined.

  6. 6

    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

  7. 7

    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  8. 8

    Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

💡 Tips

Store your frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to get ahead, you can bake the layers in advance and freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to one month.

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