Happy Birthday Cake Slice

Featured in: Sweet & Spiced Treats

This moist vanilla sponge features a tender crumb combined with a rich, creamy buttercream frosting. Layered and topped with colorful sprinkles, it offers a joyful touch to any celebration. The cake blends classic baking techniques with smooth vanilla and fluffy frosting, balanced for a medium difficulty level. Ideal for serving eight slices, this dessert delights with its light texture and visually appealing finish ideal for festive occasions.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:19:00 GMT
A slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a vanilla masterpiece frosted with creamy buttercream and cheerful sprinkles. Save to Pinterest
A slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a vanilla masterpiece frosted with creamy buttercream and cheerful sprinkles. | mellowspice.com

A festive, moist vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy buttercream and topped with colorful sprinkles—a joyful treat perfect for any celebration.

I first served this cake at a family birthday and everyone adored the creamy buttercream and light texture.

Ingredients

  • For the Sponge Cake: 1 2/3 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
  • For Decoration: 1/4 cup (40 g) colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour baking powder and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts alternating with the milk beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Pour Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting:
For the frosting beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar milk vanilla and salt beating until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool slice it horizontally to create two layers. Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides.
Decorate:
Decorate with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.
Enjoy a colorful slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a delectable celebration dessert anyone can enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Enjoy a colorful slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a delectable celebration dessert anyone can enjoy. | mellowspice.com

This cake has become our family favorite for celebrations creating joyful memories every time we gather.

Required Tools

8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, Electric mixer, Mixing bowls, Rubber spatula, Wire rack, Serrated knife

Allergen Information

Contains eggs milk wheat (gluten) and dairy. Check all packaged decorations for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 430, Total Fat 21 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 4 g per serving

Moist layers of vanilla meet creamy frosting in this Happy Birthday Cake, a perfect party centerpiece. Save to Pinterest
Moist layers of vanilla meet creamy frosting in this Happy Birthday Cake, a perfect party centerpiece. | mellowspice.com

This happy birthday cake is sure to brighten any celebration with its moist texture and sweet finish.

Recipe FAQs

What makes the sponge cake moist?

The combination of butter, eggs, and milk creates a tender and moist texture in the vanilla sponge.

How do I achieve a smooth buttercream frosting?

Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually incorporate sifted powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until light and fluffy.

What’s the best way to slice and layer the cake?

Allow the cake to cool completely, then carefully slice horizontally into two even layers before applying the frosting.

Can I add decorations besides sprinkles?

Yes, fresh fruit or edible flowers can be used to add a personalized visual appeal.

How can I store leftover cake slices?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Is there a variation to add chocolate flavor?

Replace a portion of the flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.

Happy Birthday Cake Slice

Festive vanilla sponge paired with creamy buttercream and vibrant sprinkles for joyful moments.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Created by Hannah Clarke

Recipe Category Sweet & Spiced Treats

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine International

Total Yield 8 Number of Servings

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You Need

Sponge Cake

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (7 1/2 oz)
02 1 cup granulated sugar (7 oz)
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (4 oz)
04 3 large eggs, at room temperature
05 1/2 cup whole milk (4 fl oz)
06 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (8 oz)
02 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (12 3/4 oz)
03 2 tablespoons whole milk (1 fl oz)
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Decoration

01 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles (1 1/4 oz)

How To Make

Step 01

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 05

Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture in three parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 06

Bake batter: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake 28–32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Cool cake: Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 09

Assemble layers and frost: Slice cooled cake horizontally into two layers. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides.

Step 10

Decorate and serve: Top with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.

Tools Needed

  • 8-inch round cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Serrated knife

Allergy Details

Review all components for potential allergens and talk to your doctor with any questions.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and dairy.
  • Check decorations for potential allergens.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional breakdown is for your information and isn't a substitute for health advice.
  • Total Calories: 430
  • Total Fat: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 57 g
  • Proteins: 4 g