Introduction
Nothing brings people together like a delicious cake, especially on a special occasion like a birthday. And what better way to celebrate than with a classic birthday cake with pink icing? This recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests with its moist, fluffy texture and sweet, creamy frosting. So let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, cream the butter in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring and beat until fluffy and pink.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on one cake and top with the other cake.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with sprinkles or other toppings, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 220mg
Total Carbohydrates: 66g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 55g
Protein: 3g
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Equipment
- 2 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Wire racks
- Spatula
Serving Suggestions
This birthday cake with pink icing is perfect for any celebration, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a fun gathering with friends. Serve it with a tall glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try adding different flavors to the cake batter, such as lemon or almond extract. You can also mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or fresh fruit for added texture and flavor. For a different frosting flavor, you can substitute the vanilla extract with other extracts like almond or peppermint.
Substitutions
If you don’t have whole milk, you can substitute it with 2% or skim milk. You can also use margarine instead of butter, but the flavor may be slightly different. If you don’t have pink food coloring, you can use red or other colors to achieve the desired shade.
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe for best results.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the cake may become tough.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the cake for clean, even slices.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream or milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- For a smoother frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.
Notes
This recipe makes a classic yellow cake with pink buttercream frosting, but feel free to experiment with different flavors and colors to create your own unique cake creation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
- Can I use a different type of frosting?
- Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers and make the frosting up to 2 days ahead of time. Store the cake layers and frosting separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and frost the cake when ready to serve.
Yes, you can use any type of frosting you prefer, such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache.
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter, more tender cake. Use 2 1/4 cups of cake flour instead of 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
This birthday cake with pink icing recipe is a must-try for any cake lover. It’s simple to make, yet impressive and delicious, making it the perfect dessert for any celebration or special occasion. So go ahead and give it a try, and be prepared to wow your guests with your baking skills!