How do you bake a birthday cake?

Baking a Birthday Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's a general guide to baking a birthday cake. You can customize it with your favorite flavors and decorations:

Ingredients:

* Cake:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour

* 2 cups granulated sugar

* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

* 1/2 teaspoon salt

* 1 cup milk

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

* 2 large eggs

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Frosting:

* 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

* 3 cups powdered sugar

* 1/4 cup milk

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* Food coloring (optional)

* Decorations:

* Sprinkles

* Candles

* Chocolate chips

* Fruit

* Anything your heart desires!

Equipment:

* 2 round cake pans

* Mixing bowls

* Measuring cups and spoons

* Whisk

* Electric mixer

* Parchment paper

* Spatula

* Piping bag (optional)

* Decorating tips (optional)

* Oven

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

* Grease and flour your cake pans. For easier cleanup, line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

* In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

* Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

3. Bake the Cakes:

* Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

* Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

* In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

* Gradually add the milk, beating until smooth.

* Stir in the vanilla extract.

* Add food coloring if desired.

5. Assemble the Cake:

* Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate.

* Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.

* Carefully place the second layer on top of the frosting.

* Frost the entire cake, using a spatula to create smooth edges.

6. Decorate:

* Use your favorite decorations to make your cake festive!

7. Enjoy!

* Serve your birthday cake with a smile and celebrate!

Tips:

* You can add different flavors to your cake by substituting some of the flour with cocoa powder, or by adding different extracts like almond or lemon.

* To keep your frosting smooth and spreadable, you can chill it for a few minutes before using.

* Get creative with your decorations! The possibilities are endless.

Happy Baking and Happy Birthday!