Description

A forgiving, one-bowl vanilla birthday cake that stays moist for days. This recipe uses oil instead of butter for a tender crumb and requires only basic pantry staples, making it perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups (375g) All-Purpose Flour
1 ½ cups (300g) Granulated Sugar
½ cup (120ml) Vegetable Oil
3 large Eggs
1 cup (240ml) Whole Milk
2 teaspoons (10ml) Vanilla Extract
2 teaspoons (10g) Baking Powder
½ teaspoon (3g) Salt
1 cup (225g) Unsalted Butter (for frosting)
3–4 cups (360-480g) Powdered Sugar (for frosting)
2–3 tbsp (30-45ml) Heavy Cream (for frosting)
1 tsp (5ml) Vanilla Extract (for frosting)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla on medium speed for about 2 minutes until pale and frothy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
Divide batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While cakes cool, beat softened butter on medium-high speed for 3 minutes until pale. Add vanilla and heavy cream.
Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed, then beat on high for 2 minutes until fluffy.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add second layer, and frost the top and sides.
Decorate with sprinkles if desired and serve.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best emulsification. Do not overfill pans (fill only 2/3 full). Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. For gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
Calories: 380
Sugar: 40
Sodium: 250
Fat: 16
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 1
Protein: 5

Keywords: birthday cake, easy cake recipe, vanilla cake, one bowl cake, foolproof baking, moist cake, homemade birthday cake