Fluffy + Delicious Vanilla Birthday Cake

We made little roses using the largest "star" attachment in the frosting kit. Starting in the middle, squeeze out a spiral to make the rose shape. The kids filled in the gaps between roses with raspberries.

My daughter made her own cake design. Strawberry petals with a circle of pineapple for the center.

I feel like I am forever on the hunt for the perfect vanilla birthday cake recipe. This one just might be the definitive vanilla cake--especially for the warmer months. I use my own frosting recipe that's less sweet (and lacks cream cheese, which both my kids really dislike). This cake is a winner: super light, fluffy and is perfection with berries.

DELICIOUS VANILLA BIRTHDAY CAKE

(adapted from Spiced)

INGREDIENTS

For the Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 Tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 large egg

• 5 large egg whites

• 1 cup whole milk

• ½ cup sour cream

• 3 tsp vanilla extract

• fresh berries (optional)

For the Frosting

• 2-3 sticks softened unsalted butter (I used 2 sticks for the cake pictured)

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 vanilla bean

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or substitute the vanilla bean with an extra tsp of vanilla extract)

• 1 tablespoon or 2 of heavy cream to get desired consistency. If you're mixing fresh berries into your frosting, leave out the heavy cream.

Instructions

1. Grease and flour (2) 8” or 9” round cake pans; set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Using a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well combined; set aside.

3. Using a countertop mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 4-5 minutes on medium speed). Add the egg and egg whites; mix on low speed until well combined.

4. Add half of the flour mixture to the bowl; mix on low speed until well combined.

5. Add the milk, sour cream, vanilla extract; mix on low speed until well combined.

6. Add the remaining flour mixture; mix on low speed until well combined. (Tip: Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed.)

7. Divide the batter evenly between the 2 cake pans. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

8. Let cakes cool in pan for 5 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack to completely cool.

To make the frosting:

Place the butter in a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well between each addition. Add vanilla bean and/or vanilla extract and mix slowly. Add fresh berries (pictured above: raspberries mixed in the frosting, giving it a pink color and light raspberry flavor). Add heavy cream if needed for desired consistency.

At our house, the birthday crown is a necessity for blowing out the candles. And tulips are a must for this girl's spring birthday.