Birthday Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 eggs, separated and divided, at room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 pinches salt, divided
• 1 cup milk, at room temperature

Directions:

• Preheat Oven:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 8- or 9-inch-diameter cake pans.

• Cream Butter and Sugar:
• In a mixing bowl, cream sugar and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.

• Combine Dry Ingredients:
• Sift together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into a bowl. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with milk. Briefly beat the batter after each addition, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl, and beat for an additional 1 minute.

• Beat Egg Whites:
• In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold 1/3 of the egg whites into the cake batter to lighten it; then gently fold in the remaining egg whites. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

• Bake to Perfection:
• Bake in the preheated oven until the cakes spring back when lightly touched and a tester inserted into the centers comes out clean, approximately 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool on a wire rack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Perfectly Moist: The combination of butter, sugar, and careful mixing results in a cake that’s moist and flavorful.
• Fluffy Texture: Whipped egg whites contribute to the cake’s light and fluffy texture, making each bite a delight.
• Versatile Celebration: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any joyous occasion, this cake is a celebration in itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Q1: Can I use salted butter?
• A1: While unsalted butter is recommended for better control of salt content, you can use salted butter by adjusting the added salt accordingly.

• Q2: Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
• A2: Absolutely! Adjust the baking time to approximately 15-20 minutes for delicious birthday cupcakes.

• Q3: How to store leftover cake?
• A3: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for an extended shelf life.

• Q4: Can I add food coloring to the batter?
• A4: Yes, feel free to add food coloring for a vibrant and festive touch.

Conclusion:

Baking a birthday cake is more than a culinary adventure; it’s a journey of joy and celebration. Our Birthday Cake recipe ensures a masterpiece that not only looks spectacular but also tastes divine. Create memories and savor the blissful bites of this homemade delight.