Description
This artisanal Bday Cake offers a sophisticated take on the classic celebration sponge, featuring a tender crumb and a rich, buttery profile. Designed for modern bakers, this recipe provides a reliable foundation for any festive occasion, ensuring a professional-grade result with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon butter flavoring or vanilla extract
- 3 cups confectioner’s sugar (for frosting)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch cake pans with non-stick spray and a light dusting of flour.
- Using an electric mixer, cream the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, and combine the eggs, milk, and flavoring in another separate bowl.
- Alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients to the creamed butter in two batches, mixing on low speed until the batter is smooth and just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the tops are golden and spring back when touched.
- Cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the buttercream by whipping together the softened butter, sugar, and flavoring until a cloud-like, spreadable consistency is reached.
- Assemble the cooled layers and apply the buttercream in rustic swirls for a modern, sophisticated finish.
Notes
To ensure a perfectly level cake, use a kitchen scale to divide the batter exactly between pans and consider using cake strips for even heat distribution. If you prefer a more intense flavor, try using high-quality European-style butter, which has a higher fat content and provides a deeper golden color to the final crumb.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American