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30th Birthday Cake Simple

30th Birthday Cake Simple

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This is a simple yet stunning 30th Birthday Cake recipe, designed to be easy, homemade, and stress-free. It features a rich, moist cake with a light, fluffy buttercream frosting, making it an ideal choice for celebrating milestones. The recipe is highly customizable in terms of flavors and decorations, offering a personal touch to any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

2.5 cups All-purpose flour
1.75 cups Granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Baking powder
0.5 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted butter
4 Large eggs
1 cup Whole milk
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
1 cup Unsalted butter
4 cups Powdered sugar
34 tablespoons Whole milk or cream
1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Pinch Salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for extra assurance
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined
  3. In a separate, larger bowl (or stand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the room temperature large eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed
  4. Begin adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the whole milk in two additions. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until *just* combined after each addition. Do not overmix!
  5. Stir in the pure vanilla extract. Give it one final gentle mix
  6. Divide the cake batter evenly between your two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clea
  7. Remove the cakes from the oven. Let them cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely
  8. While the cakes cool, make your frosting. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each additio
  9. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the milk or cream (starting with 3 tablespoons and adding more if needed), pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable
  10. Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on top. Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Cover the entire cake with the remaining buttercream, using an offset spatula to create smooth sides and a pretty top
  11. Add your desired decorations, such as fresh berries, sprinkles, or a custom message

Notes

Ensure all ingredients (butter, eggs, milk) are at room temperature for a smoother, more uniform batter and a moist cake. Plan ahead by taking them out of the fridge at least an hour before you start.

Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added; mix just until combined to avoid a dense, tough cake.

Sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and powdered sugar to remove lumps, incorporate air, and ensure a lighter cake and smoother frosting.

If cake layers bake with domes, use a long, serrated knife to carefully level them for a stable, even stack.

For a professional finish, apply a thin 'crumb coat' of frosting, chill the cake for 15-20 minutes, then apply the final, thicker layer of frosting to trap loose crumbs.

Invest in good quality pure vanilla extract for a noticeable difference in flavor.

Always taste your buttercream and adjust sweetness or add more vanilla as needed.

Store the cake, covered, at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.

Individual frosted slices can be frozen tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature.

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