Birthday Cake with Bows

Name: Birthday Cake with Bows
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup milk; 4 large eggs; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp almond extract; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional for bow colors)

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

I love making cakes for special occasions, and this Birthday Cake with Bows is a showstopper! Every year, I challenge myself to create a memorable dessert that not only looks fantastic but tastes incredible too. This recipe combines light, fluffy layers of vanilla cake with a rich buttercream frosting decorated with charming bow accents. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any birthday party, and I guarantee it will bring a smile to everyone's face. Let's get baking and make this celebration even sweeter!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-16T13:42:18.593Z

When I first decided to make this Birthday Cake with Bows, I wanted it to reflect the joyful spirit of birthday celebrations. The layers are so light and airy, which balances perfectly with the creamy buttercream. I experimented with various flavors and finally settled on vanilla and a hint of almond, which pairs beautifully and makes everyone rave about the taste.

One tip I discovered while decorating is to chill the cake for a bit before applying the frosting. This way, the layers stay intact and the frosting spreads smoothly. The bows add a fun finishing touch that brings the whole cake together. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Beautiful bow decorations that wow your guests
Light and fluffy vanilla cake that is irresistibly moist
Perfectly sweet buttercream frosting that enhances every bite

Mastering the Cake Layers

The key to achieving a light and fluffy vanilla cake lies in the creaming technique. Make sure to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and has increased in volume. This process typically takes about 3-5 minutes. Avoid rushing this step; it incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake a desirable texture. Also, use room temperature ingredients, as they blend more smoothly and contribute to an even rise during baking.

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember to alternate between them. Start with a third of the flour mixture, mix it in gently, followed by half of the milk. Repeat this until all ingredients are included. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until you see no dry flour. This technique ensures that the layers remain tender and airy, making them the perfect base for your rich buttercream frosting.

Perfecting the Buttercream Frosting

For a smooth and creamy buttercream, the temperature of your butter is crucial. It should be softened but not melted—ideally around 65°F (18°C). This allows for the best emulsion, creating a fluffy texture as you beat in the powdered sugar. If your frosting ends up too stiff, simply add a splash more of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually until it thickens.

To achieve perfectly colored bows and decorations, divide your buttercream into separate bowls and add food coloring one drop at a time. Mix thoroughly until you reach your desired hue. When piping bows, I recommend using a piping bag fitted with a star tip for added texture. Practice on a piece of parchment paper first to gauge your pressure and technique, allowing for corrections before decorating your cake.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth baking process:

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup milk
4 large eggs
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp salt

For the Buttercream Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional for bow colors)

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Now, let's dive into the steps to create this delightful cake:

Prep the Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Make the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Combine and Bake

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Prepare Frosting

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the buttercream frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy, then gradually adding powdered sugar and heavy cream until the desired consistency is achieved.

Decorate the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use food coloring to create ribbons or bows from the remaining icing.

Make sure to allow the cake to set for a bit before slicing for cleaner cuts!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to the frosting for an extra festive touch.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cake after the celebration, storing it properly is essential to maintain its freshness. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider placing pieces in an airtight container in the freezer. It can last up to three months if wrapped properly. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the pieces overnight in the refrigerator.

Keep in mind that frosting-covered slices can be quickly 'refreshed' by lightly dusting them with powdered sugar or adding a small dollop of freshly whipped cream before serving. This can enhance the flavor and appearance, making it feel just as special as the first day.

Creative Variations and Add-Ins

Feel free to get creative with the flavors in this birthday cake! For a citrus twist, consider adding the zest of one lemon or orange into the cake batter. This will not only brighten the flavor but also complement the sweetness of the buttercream. Alternatively, for a chocolate lover’s version, swap out a cup of flour for cocoa powder for a delightful chocolate layer paired with chocolate buttercream.

You can also customize the decoration theme with various colors for the bows to match the party's color scheme. Consider using edible glitter or sprinkles alongside the bows for a festive touch. Additionally, using flavored extracts like peppermint or coconut instead of vanilla will provide a unique spin to both the cake and frosting, making your creation truly one-of-a-kind!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Just frost it on the day you plan to serve.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I use different flavors for the cake?

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla extract for other flavors like lemon or chocolate, depending on your preference!

→ What if my frosting is too thick?

If your frosting is too thick, just add a little more cream to achieve your desired consistency.