Skip the box and learn how to make your own birthday cake right at home. This light, tender cake is exactly what festive celebrations call for. Don't forget the sprinkles!
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When you’re looking for a fun and delicious homemade birthday cake, there’s really only one option: confetti cake. A great confetti cake is celebratory (thanks to all the sprinkles stirred into the batter), light, fluffy and has friends asking for a second slice. Sure, you can go for the boxed mix in a pinch, but you can really wow your guests by making your own version from scratch.
Making a homemade birthday cake is a great project for bakers of all skill levels and you’ll be wowed at how amazing it tastes—it’s definitely worth skipping the box. We’ll show you how to make our favorite version (plus a few fun twists).
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The Best Birthday Cake Recipe
Courtesy of Trina Harris
Our Test Kitchen’s favorite from-scratch birthday cake comes to us from Courtney Rich of Highland, Utah. Courtney is a prolific cake baker—you can follow along with her on her blog Cake by Courtney. She created this cake recipe based on memories of her childhood, specifically a delicious cake her mom made for her eighth birthday. “It’s the quintessential birthday cake. It’s a classic!” she says.
Start this cake by beating together the softened butter, oil and sugar until light and fluffy—about six minutes. Add in the whole eggs, then the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each. All this time beating will help incorporate lots of air into these ingredients making a lighter, fluffier cake.
Next, add in the vanilla. Since this is essentially a vanilla cake with sprinkles, you’ll want to be sure to use the good stuff here. You’ll really taste it. Our Test Kitchen likes this vanilla extract from Nielsen-Massey.
In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: cake flour, baking powder and salt. Courtney says that cake flour will help give the cake a fluffier texture—the kind we really crave from a cake like this.
Add the dry ingredients into the beaten wet ingredients alternatively with buttermilk. Using buttermilk helps create a moist, tender cake (though if you don’t have any on hand, Courtney says that sour cream will also work—so will making buttermilk from scratch).
Finally, the best part: Fold in the sprinkles.
Step 2: Prep Your Cake Pans and Bake
Now it’s time to get your cake pans ready. Grease three eight-inch round cake pans and line with parchment or waxed paper. If you’re new to this step, follow our guide for how to grease a cake pan.
Then divide the batter equally between the three pans. You can do this with a kitchen scale, using measuring cups or just eyeball it. A kitchen scale is the most accurate way to do this, though.
Next, pop the cakes into a 350ÂşF oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans (you can do this by inverting them onto a wire rack) and let them cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Buttercream
To top off this light and moist cake, Courtney recommends a lush chocolate buttercream. It’s a cinch to make.
Start by combining the chocolate chips and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring gently after each stint in the microwave. Continue heating until the mixture is melted and blends together nicely. Let this mix cool to room temperature.
In another bowl, beat your room temperature butter until light and creamy, then gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar. Add in the vanilla, salt and cooled chocolate mix and continue beating for another five minutes or so—until the frosting is light and fluffy (or until you can’t resist sampling a spoonful).
Step 4: Frost
Courtesy of Trina Harris
All that’s left to do is put all the pieces together. Start by placing a small dollop of frosting on your cake plate or board to keep the base layer from budging.
Then spread the frosting between the layers. Getting the right proportions here can be hard, but Courtney says that about a cup between each layer is right. Use a measuring cup if you’d like to make sure the frosting layers look even once you slice.
Once you’ve stacked up the cake layers, give the outside of the cake a very thin layer of icing, often called a crumb coat. This helps contain the crumbs and gives you a good base for spreading on pretty frosting swirls. After your crumb coat, chill your cake in the fridge for 30 minutes or in the freezer for ten. This technique is one of our best frosting tips.
Courtesy Trina Harris
After chilling, frost the cake. An offset spatula is going to be your best friend here. Use it to smooth the frosting on the sides and top of the cake. To get that perfectly imperfect finish on the outside, Courtney recommends setting a timer for yourself. “Don’t overwork it,” she says of the frosting. “The less you play with it the better.”
You can follow our guide on how to frost a cake for detailed instructions.
When you’re done frosting the cake, top with a few extra sprinkles and candles and serve! If you’re not ready yet, pop the cake in the fridge until about 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve. To get picture-perfect slices, use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry. This will cleanly through all the layers of cake and frosting.
When you slice, get ready for guests to ask for seconds. This cake is exceptionally fluffy and moist all at the same time—exactly what you want from a good birthday cake. Plus the sprinkles add that perfect pop of color. And while vanilla frosting may be the traditional accompaniment to a confetti cake, this light chocolate buttercream is a welcome twist (and it’s so good that you might make it your go-to frosting recipe).
Courtesy Trina Harris
Twists on the Recipe
This cake isn’t just delicious, it’s also extremely versatile. It can be easily converted into other styles of cake. Here are some of Courtney’s favorite riffs.
13×9 Confetti Cake
Courtesy of Trina Harris
Sometimes you don’t want all the fuss of a layer cake. They definitely take some extra effort. If you just want a delicious party-ready cake, you can bake this same confetti cake recipe in a 13×9 pan. It’ll take a bit longer to bake (about 40 minutes in a 325ÂşF oven) than the smaller layers, but you’ll save some hands-on time with the decorating. Just shake some rainbow sprinkles on top of a great basic buttercream frosting and call it a party.
Birthday Cupcakes
Yep, you can turn this cake recipe into cupcakes, too. Just scoop the batter into lined muffin tins—don’t overfill them, though. About three-quarters full is enough. Bake at 350ÂşF for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. When cool, frost away! Here are some of our favorite easy cupcake decorating ideas.
4-Layer Drip Cake
Courtesy of Trina Harris
If you want to go even more over the top with this confetti cake, transform it into a four-layer beauty complete with drip decoration. To make this cake, simply divide the batter into four six-inch cake pans. To decorate, make a great vanilla buttercream and stir in even more sprinkles to make it even more fun. Then, for the drip decoration, make a basic ganache. You can do this with chocolate chips or any other baking chip.
Courtesy Trina Harris
However you slice it—13×9, three-layer, four-layer or cupcake—this homemade confetti cake is light, airy and oh-so moist. It’s exactly the kind of cake you want to bake up for a birthday party (or enjoy on your big day).
Even More Birthday Cake Ideas
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Sandy’s Chocolate CakeYears ago, I drove more than four hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Buttercream FrostingIndulge in this layer cake topped with rich buttercream—a vanilla lover's dream. I use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. —Michelle Dorsey, Wilmington, Delaware
Rainbow Birthday CakeHow fun is this rainbow birthday cake? It will add a festive touch to any celebration. Be sure to use gel food coloring for the most vibrant look. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Homemade Confetti CakeBirthdays aren't complete without a few confetti-covered treats. This one has rainbow sprinkles inside and out. It's almost impossible not to feel happy when you see the fun pop of rainbow confetti! —Courtney Rich, Highland, Utah
Berry Chantilly Cake
If I was asked to name my favorite show-stopping cake, Chantilly cake would rank high on the list. It features fresh summer berries and an airy vanilla cake. It's one of my favorite birthday cake ideas to share with my friends. —Sarah Tramonte, Taste of Home Associate Culinary Producer
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Speaking of show-stopping, you might like to take a look at these 50th birthday recipe ideas for a special celebration.
TMB Studio
Strawberry Mascarpone Cake
If you're looking for new birthday cake ideas, try this berries and cream naked cake. The cake is so fluffy and the strawberries add a fresh fruity flavor. Cream cheese is a good substitute if you don't have mascarpone cheese handy. —Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois
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Sydney Watson/Taste of Home
Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake
Want birthday cake ideas that aren't quite cake? Try this pull-apart cupcake cake! It makes portioning out individual servings easy and you can get creative with the decorations. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Favorite Coconut CakeWhen I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I turn to. My guests are glad I do! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana.
Pineapple Pudding CakeMy mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Cone CupcakesI created this recipe based on our family's love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. I like to vary the sprinkles on these birthday cupcakes to match the season. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Peanut Butter 'N' Jelly CakeIf you're looking for some creative birthday cake ideas, look no further! I made this fun and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cake for my son's first birthday. He just turned 33, and he still has to have his favorite treat. —Linda Graybill, Sebring, Florida
Cream Cheese Sheet CakeThis tender, buttery cream cheese cake with a thin layer of fudge frosting is perfect for get-togethers and parties. It's not uncommon to see folks going back for second and even third pieces. —Gaye Mann, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Moist Chocolate CakeThis moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Margarita Tres Leches CakeThe first time I ever had tres leches cake I felt as if I were in heaven. I have made it at home using several techniques and flavors, and this margarita twist on the classic is my favorite. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Vertical Carrot CakeThis vertical spin on a cherished classic is packed with spices and sure to impress. The brown butter cream cheese frosting truly makes the vertical cake over the top! —Mark Neufang, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Oreo Mousse CakeOreo mousse cake is so simple to put together, but it tastes as decadent as fancy restaurant desserts. Have fun garnishing it as you like using crushed or whole Oreos, additional whipped cream rosettes or chocolate shavings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Best Red Velvet CakeIt's just not just for Christmas, but birthdays too. This is different from other red velvet cake recipes I’ve had; the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
Sour Cream Sugar Cookie CakeThis sugar cookie cake is inspired by the classic cookie! The secret to a dense yet cakelike texture is to make sure you don't overbake the cake. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Lemon Lover’s Birthday Pound CakeEveryone raves about this pretty dessert—and it sure doesn't last long with my family. It also freezes beautifully, so why not make two and pop one into the freezer for another day? —Annettia Mounger, Kansas City, Missouri
Layered Yellow Cake with Chocolate ButtercreamThis yellow cake will become your go-to recipe for birthdays, but the tender cake with flavorful chocolate buttercream is truly perfect for any occasion. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cookie CakeThis oversized cookie cake recipe is so easy and quick that I just might make it instead of traditional cookies from now on. I don't miss portioning out dough or shuffling pans in and out of the oven. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. —Lisa Kaminski, Taste of Home Editor
Cherry Chocolate CakeI've had the recipe for this chocolate cherry cake for years—it's a chocolate lover's delight! It's so easy to make, and is perfect for cupcakes and bake sale treats, too. I get many requests for the recipe. —Ann Purchase, Panama City, Florida
Million Dollar CakePineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you're short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it's a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Classic Pineapple Upside-Down CakeThis pineapple upside-down cake is a classic recipe that never goes out of style! It’s delicious with the traditional pineapple, but try it with peaches or a combination of cranberries and orange. —Bernardine Melton, Paola, Kansas
Layered Princess CakeThis magical princess cake will make any party feel special. Whether you're having a birthday party, princess party or baby shower, it's sure to be a crowd pleaser. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hummingbird CakeThis impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
Heavenly Praline Cake
Not all birthday cake ideas need to be layered. A well-made Bundt cake like this one will steal the show! I love how the frosting are filled with the fabulous flavor of caramel. The candied pecans are almost a dessert by themselves!—Jennifer Rodriguez, Midland, Texas
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Strawberry Jam CakeEvery year I make this special strawberry jam cake for the Relay for Life cake raffle. It has raised lots of money for a good cause. —Tammy Urbina, Warner Robins, Georgia
Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache CakeThis decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Lemon Sheet CakeLemon pie filling lends a splash of citrus flavor to a convenient cake mix, and a rich cream cheese frosting gives it sweetness. My family likes this lemon sheet cake cold, so I cut it into squares and freeze it before serving. —Alyce Dubisar, North Bend, Oregon
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar FrostingI am a healthy eater most of the time, but this apple spice cake is worth the splurge! You can add a cup of raisins to the batter before baking if you'd like. —Jennifer Owen, Louisville, Kentucky
Banana Pudding CakeI love to make cakes, and my family loves banana pudding. One day while brainstorming in the kitchen, I came up with this banana pudding cake recipe to combine the two. My family and friends can't get enough of it! If you are pressed for time, you may substitute whipped topping for the homemade sweetened whipped cream. —Tiffany Barbee, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Butter Pecan CakeMy husband has a sweet tooth and I enjoy making great desserts like this cake for him! We have two farms - both of which are wonderful - but I also love being in the kitchen. I collect cookbooks and have written one myself.
Lisa is a former Taste of Home editor and passionate baker. During her tenure, she poured her love of all things sweet (and sometimes savory) into Bakeable, Taste of Home's baking club. Lisa also dedicated her career here to finding and testing the best ingredients, kitchen gear and home products for our Test Kitchen-Preferred program. At home, you'll find her working on embroidery and other crafts.
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