Perfect Birthday Cake

Name: Perfect Birthday Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 16 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. (3 sticks) butter, softened; 2 1/4 c. granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp. pure vanilla extract; 3 c. all-purpose flour; 1/4 c. cornstarch; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1 tsp. kosher salt; 1 1/4 c. milk; 1/2 c. sprinkles, plus more for garnish, if desired; 1 1/2 c. softened butter; 6 c. powdered sugar; 1/4 c. sour cream; 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 1/4 c. heavy cream; Pinch of kosher salt

By Lena AbrahamUpdated: Apr 29, 2022

4.8

12 Ratings

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preview for You're Never Too Old For This Funfetti Birthday Cake

This adult Funfetti-inspired cake is basically the birthday cake of our dreams. Three layers of tender vanilla cakes are covered with a not-too-sweet and slightly tangy buttercream. The sour cream in the frosting adds a delicious, subtle tang that compliments the colorful cake really well. Top it off with colorful sprinkles and a handful of candles and you've got a classic birthday cake that is guaranteed to make the recipient smile.

This recipe is very simple and can be as exact or as casual as you like. Some folks trim their cake tops and go nuts on the decorating, but for us, we think a bit of a rustic cake is perfect for a hearty celebration. Speaking of decorating, using a rotating cake stand is awesome, but if you don't have one you can use anything that spins, from a lazy Susan to a bar stool!

Not a fan of vanilla on vanilla? We've got tons of delicious frostings you could swap in! Try our classic chocolate buttercream or our peanut butter frosting for an irresistible take on the classic.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comment section below!

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Yields:: 16 serving(s)
Prep Time:: 30 mins
Total Time:: 2 hrs
Cal/Serv:: 759

Ingredients

For the cake

1 1/2 c.
(3 sticks) butter, softened
2 1/4 c.
granulated sugar
4
large eggs
1 tbsp.
pure vanilla extract
3 c.
all-purpose flour
1/4 c.
cornstarch
2 tsp.
baking powder
1 tsp.
kosher salt
1 1/4 c.
milk
1/2 c.
sprinkles, plus more for garnish, if desired

For buttercream

1 1/2 c.
softened butter
6 c.
powdered sugar
1/4 c.
sour cream
1 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
1/4 c.
heavy cream
Pinch of kosher salt

Directions

1. Step 1Make cake: Preheat oven to 350° and line three 8" cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Step 2In a large bowl using hand mixer (or in the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
3. Step 3In another large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined. Pour in the milk and mix until fully incorporated. Add remaining dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in sprinkles.
4. Step 4Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake until slightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Let cool completely.
5. Step 5Meanwhile, make buttercream: in a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add powdered sugar, sour cream, vanilla, heavy cream, and salt and beat until smooth.
6. Step 6Assemble cake: Place the bottom layer of the cake on your serving platter and spread with buttercream; repeat with the second layer of cake. Place the last layer of cake on top, then frost the entire cake with buttercream. Garnish with more sprinkles, if desired.