The Ultimate Birthday Cake Recipe: Three Layers of Vanilla Goodness
The Ultimate Birthday Cake Recipe: Three Layers of Vanilla Goodness, nothing says celebration like a classic birthday cake! This three-layer vanilla cake is soft, fluffy, and topped with a rich vanilla buttercream frosting. Of course, no birthday cake is complete without a generous sprinkle of colorful confetti! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a delicious homemade cake, this recipe is sure to impress.

Three-Layer Vanilla Birthday Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour in the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and salt. Beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on top.
- Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting evenly.
- Frost the sides of the cake, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
- Decorate with rainbow sprinkles, pressing them onto the sides and sprinkling on top.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Tips for The Ultimate Birthday Cake Recipe: Three Layers of Vanilla Goodness.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- If you want extra flavor, add a touch of almond extract to the cake batter.
- Chill the cake layers before frosting to make them easier to handle.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
This three-layer birthday cake is a showstopper, perfect for any celebration. The combination of soft vanilla cake, creamy buttercream, and cheerful sprinkles makes it a delightful treat that everyone will love! Let us know if you try this recipe—we’d love to see your birthday cake creations!