Happy Birthday Cake Slice

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This festive vanilla sponge combines soft, moist layers with creamy buttercream frosting. The light vanilla-infused cake is gently baked to a golden finish, then sliced horizontally to add a rich buttercream filling. The exterior is covered smoothly with frosting and decorated with vibrant sprinkles, creating a joyful presentation ideal for celebrations. Easy to prepare and bake, this delightful treat offers a balance of sweet flavors and tender textures that please all ages.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:53:00 GMT
A single slice of Happy Birthday cake, richly frosted, covered in colorful sprinkles, ready to enjoy. Save
A single slice of Happy Birthday cake, richly frosted, covered in colorful sprinkles, ready to enjoy. | hazelfork.com

A festive, moist vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy buttercream and topped with colorful sprinkles—a joyful treat perfect for any celebration.

This cake brings back happy memories of celebrating birthdays with family, filling the house with a sweet vanilla aroma and smiles.

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 soft ened, 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 soft ened, 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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 3:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5:
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.
Step 6:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Step 7:
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9:
For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Step 10:
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it horizontally to create two layers. Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides.
Step 11:
Decorate with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.
Moist vanilla layers and creamy buttercream compose this stunning Happy Birthday cake, perfect for any party. Save
Moist vanilla layers and creamy buttercream compose this stunning Happy Birthday cake, perfect for any party. | hazelfork.com

This cake always turns our birthday celebrations into special moments filled with laughter and joy.

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

Close-up of a celebratory Happy Birthday cake slice with a generous frosting swirl and delightful sprinkles. Save
Close-up of a celebratory Happy Birthday cake slice with a generous frosting swirl and delightful sprinkles. | hazelfork.com

A delightful birthday cake that never fails to impress and satisfy sweet cravings.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I achieve a moist vanilla sponge?

Use room temperature butter and eggs, and avoid overmixing the batter. Alternating dry ingredients with milk helps maintain moisture.

What is the best way to make smooth buttercream frosting?

Beat softened butter thoroughly before gradually adding powdered sugar. Adding milk and vanilla extract helps achieve a creamy, spreadable texture.

How can I prevent the cake from drying out?

Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean but avoid overbaking. Cooling the cake completely before frosting seals in moisture.

What tools are essential for assembling layers?

A serrated knife for slicing, a rubber spatula for spreading frosting, and a wire rack for cooling are key for smooth assembly.

Can the frosting be flavored differently?

Yes, you can add cocoa powder or fruit extracts to the frosting for varied flavors while keeping the creamy texture.

Happy Birthday Cake Slice

Moist vanilla sponge with buttercream frosting and colorful sprinkles for joyful occasions.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Time Required
55 minutes
Created by Lydia Carver

Recipe Group Simple Sweet Treats

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type International

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

Needed Ingredients

Sponge Cake

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 3 large eggs, room temperature
05 1/2 cup whole milk
06 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 2 tablespoons whole milk
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Decoration

01 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 05

Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 06

Transfer Batter: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Cool Cake: Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 09

Prepare Buttercream: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10

Assemble Layers: Slice cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread frosting between layers, over top and sides.

Step 11

Decorate and Serve: Sprinkle colorful decorations evenly over the frosted cake. Slice and serve.

Essential Tools

  • 8-inch round cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Serrated knife

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your doctor with any concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and dairy.
  • Check packaged decorations for potential allergens.

Nutritional Info (each portion)

Nutrition details are for reference and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 430
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Proteins: 4 g