Description
Delightful and approachable cake designs perfect for birthdays and cozy gatherings, featuring simple decoration ideas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh seasonal fruit, edible flowers, or sprinkles
- Optional streusel: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 3 tablespoons cold butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line bottoms with parchment.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with dry, folding gently until just combined.
- Stir in sour cream for moisture.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 22–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
- Beat butter until smooth for frosting, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk for a spreadable consistency.
- Level cakes if needed, add a thin crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes.
- Apply a final even layer of frosting.
- For a clean look, smooth frosting with an offset spatula and add a small cluster of fruit or flowers in the center.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for better incorporation. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American