Save A festive, moist vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy buttercream and topped with colorful sprinkles—a joyful treat perfect for any celebration.
I have always enjoyed baking this happy birthday cake slice for special occasions because it brings smiles to every celebration.
Ingredients
- For the Sponge Cake: 1 2/3 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3 large eggs, at room temperature, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- For Decoration: 1/4 cup (40 g) colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake the cake:
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting:
- For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble cake:
- Once the cake is completely cool, slice it horizontally to create two layers. Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides.
- Decorate and serve:
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.
Save My family always gathers around and enjoys this cake, creating wonderful celebration memories together.
Required Tools
8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, rubber spatula, wire rack, serrated knife
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and dairy. Check all packaged decorations for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 430, Total Fat: 21 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 4 g per serving
Save This happy birthday cake slice is a delightful treat sure to brighten any celebration with its moist texture and festive look.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the sponge moist?
The combination of softened butter, eggs, and whole milk adds richness and moisture, resulting in a tender crumb.
- → How is the buttercream frosting prepared?
Butter is whipped until creamy, then powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt are gradually incorporated to achieve a smooth, fluffy texture.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients for variations?
Yes, you can replace part of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or add fruit jam layers for extra flavor.
- → What is the best way to decorate the cake?
After spreading frosting on and between layers, decorate with colorful sprinkles to add visual appeal and a subtle crunch.
- → How should the cake be sliced for layering?
Once cooled completely, slice the cake horizontally with a serrated knife to create even layers for spreading the frosting.