Ingredients
3 cups All-purpose flour
2 cups Granulated sugar
1 tablespoon Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
4 Large eggs, room temperature
1 1/4 cups Whole milk, room temperature
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups Unsalted butter, softened
6–8 cups Powdered sugar
1/4 – 1/2 cup Heavy cream or milk
2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line bottoms with parchment paper and grease sides
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt
- In a separate, larger bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes)
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Scrape down bowl sides ofte
- Stir in the vanilla extract
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing
- Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clea
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure they are completely cool before frosting
- For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy and light (3-4 minutes)
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each additio
- Pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract. Add the salt
- Beat on high speed for another 3-5 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar if needed
- Assemble and Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cool, level any domed tops with a serrated knife
- Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of frosting evenly over the top
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top
- Apply a thin layer of frosting all over the entire cake – this is your 'crumb coat.'
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat
- Remove the cake from the fridge. Apply the remaining frosting, decorating as desired for your 50th Birthday Cake Designs
- Add any final decorations – sprinkles, fresh flowers, a special topper – to bring your cake to life!
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Softened butter, room temperature eggs, and milk emulsify better, creating a smooth, cohesive batter and a lighter, more even cake crumb.
Do Not Overmix: Once dry ingredients are added, mix just until flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough, dense cake.
The Crumb Coat is Your Best Friend: This thin layer of frosting seals in any loose crumbs, preventing them from mixing into your final, visible frosting layer. Chill the cake after the crumb coat.
Chill Between Steps: Chilling the cake after the crumb coat and before final frosting, or even chilling the entire frosted cake briefly, provides stability and makes it easier to work with.
Bring Refrigerated Cake to Room Temperature: For ideal texture and flavor, always bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for at least 30-60 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 mins
- Cook Time: 32 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 675 kcal
- Sugar: 67.5 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 37.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 23.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 82.5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6.5 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg