Imagine cutting into a birthday cake so stunning, it makes everyone at the party stop and stare! This Pretty in Pink Birthday Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a showstopper that combines classic American baking charm with Instagram-worthy aesthetics. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday or just want to create a jaw-dropping sweet treat, this recipe promises to deliver both incredible flavor and eye-catching pink perfection that will have your guests asking, "How did you make this?"
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pink food coloring
- 1 cup frosting (pink)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and add several drops of pink food coloring until you achieve the desired pink shade.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, frost the cake with pink frosting, ensuring an even and smooth coating.
- Decorate the top and sides with sprinkles, creating a festive and colorful birthday cake appearance.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
Tips
- • Room temperature ingredients are key! Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother, more even cake batter. • When adding food coloring, start with just a few drops and gradually increase to achieve your desired pink shade. • Don't overmix the batter—mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. • Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness; it should come out clean with just a few crumbs. • Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting. • For extra moisture, you can brush the cake layers with simple syrup before frosting. • Use an offset spatula for smooth, professional-looking frosting application. • Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the frosting set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
