Ingredients

Cake:

• Unsalted butter : 1 cup + 2 tbsp (265g), softened
• Granulated sugar : 3 cups (600g)
• Eggs : 3 large, preferably at room temperature
• Vanilla extract : 1 tbsp
• All-purpose flour : 4 cups (500g) (cake flour can be used as a substitute)
• Baking soda : 1 ½ tsp
• Baking powder : 1 ½ tsp
• Salt : 1 ½ tsp
• Buttermilk : 2 cups (475ml), at room temperature
• Colorful sprinkles : ½ cup

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Unsalted butter : ¾ cup (175g), softened
• Cream cheese : 12 oz (340g), softened
• Vanilla extract : 1 ½ tsp
• Salt : ¼ tsp
• Powdered sugar : 5 ¼ cups (656g)
• Natural cocoa powder : ¾ cup (90g)

How to Make a Birthday Cake

Preparing the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the sides and bottoms of three 8” or 9” cake pans. For extra assurance, line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy using a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer.
3. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
7. Using a spatula (not the mixer), mix about a quarter of the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined.
8. Pour in roughly a third of the buttermilk and stir gently. Continue alternating between adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk until the batter is fully mixed, ensuring to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl for even incorporation.
9. Gently fold in the sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
10. Divide the batter evenly among the cake pans. Bake for approximately 28 minutes if using 9” pans or 32-34 minutes for 8” pans, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
11. Let the cakes rest in their pans for about 10 minutes before running a knife around the edges. Carefully turn each cake out onto a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing until fully combined.
3. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent a mess.
4. Add the cocoa powder and continue mixing, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure a uniform consistency.