Save to Pinterest A festive, moist vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy buttercream and topped with colorful sprinkles—a joyful treat perfect for any celebration.
This cake has been a hit at every birthday party I have brought it to, always earning compliments for its light texture and vibrant appearance.
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 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 Mixtures:
- 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:
- Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool 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:
- Decorate with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this cake at family birthdays always fills our home with joy and celebration, creating wonderful memories.
Notes
For a chocolate variation replace 1/3 cup (40 g) of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. Add a layer of fruit jam for extra flavor. Pairs well with sparkling wine or fresh lemonade.
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.
Save to Pinterest This birthday cake is sure to impress your guests and make any celebration extra special.
Recipe FAQs
- → What makes the sponge moist and fluffy?
The combination of butter, eggs, and milk along with proper creaming of sugar and butter helps achieve a moist, tender texture.
- → How do I prevent the sponge from drying out during baking?
Bake at the recommended temperature and test doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking. Cooling in the pan briefly helps retain moisture.
- → What is the best way to achieve smooth buttercream frosting?
Beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt for a fluffy, smooth consistency.
- → Can I add flavors to the sponge or frosting?
Yes, vanilla extract is used here, but you can incorporate cocoa powder, fruit jams, or extracts to customize flavor profiles.
- → How should the layers be assembled for best results?
Once the sponge is fully cooled, slice horizontally, spread buttercream evenly between layers, then cover the top and sides before decorating.
- → What decorations complement this cake slice?
Colorful sprinkles add festive appeal, but nuts, fruit pieces, or edible glitter can also enhance the visual and flavor profile.