Buttercream Birthday Cake with Bows

Name: Buttercream Birthday Cake with Bows
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 4 tbsp heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

I love baking cakes, especially for special occasions like birthdays. This Buttercream Birthday Cake with Bows is not just delicious, but it's also a feast for the eyes. Each layer is rich and moist, complemented by a fluffy buttercream frosting that's both light and rich at the same time. The bows add a fun and festive touch, making this cake perfect for celebrating with loved ones. Baking this cake not only gives me joy but also creates wonderful memories with family and friends around the table.

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-02-17T14:50:19.161Z

Baking this Buttercream Birthday Cake has been a delightful experience. I’ve experimented with different frosting techniques, but the smooth and creamy buttercream really makes this cake stand out. I remember the first time I made it, the frosting was so enjoyable to whip up and it piped perfectly for the bows!

The key to a moist cake is to ensure not to overmix the batter. I always sift the flour with the baking powder and other dry ingredients to incorporate air, which adds to the light texture. This cake has become a favorite in my family, and I love seeing their faces light up when they see the decorated cake.

Why You Will Love This Cake
Lusciously creamy buttercream that’s hard to resist
Gorgeous bows for a festive touch
Moist and flavorful layers that will delight everyone

The Perfect Cake Layers

Creating the perfect cake layers is essential for achieving a delightful Buttercream Birthday Cake. It’s crucial to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air, resulting in a cakier texture. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl frequently to ensure even mixing. The alternating addition of dry ingredients and milk helps to maintain the mixture's structure, preventing overmixing that could lead to dense cakes.

Using room temperature eggs and milk is vital for the batter’s consistency and helps to emulsify the mixture, leading to a uniform crumb. For the best results, ensure these ingredients sit out for at least 30 minutes before use. If you're in a hurry, placing eggs in warm water for a few minutes can help speed up the process. This adherence to temperature can make a significant difference in the final texture of your cake layers.

Crafting Luxurious Buttercream

Buttercream frosting is often the star of the cake, and mastering it is crucial for both flavor and aesthetics. Start by beating the butter until it reaches a pale yellow color and is completely smooth. This usually takes approximately 4-5 minutes using a stand mixer. Gradually incorporating powdered sugar allows for better control over the sweetness and texture; add a little at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. If your buttercream becomes too thick, simply add a teaspoon of heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.

For those looking to customize their frosting, food coloring offers endless possibilities. If you're aiming for deep hues, consider using gel colors, as they require less product to achieve a vibrant tone. Keep in mind that overworking the frosting can lead it to become too warm; if that happens, refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes to firm up before using.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Buttercream Birthday Cake with Bows:

For the Cake

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

For the Buttercream Frosting

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

Please ensure to have all your tools ready before you start mixing the ingredients.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create your Buttercream Birthday Cake:

Prepare the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Buttercream

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the buttercream by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until you reach a smooth consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until light and fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to achieve your preferred color.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream over the top, then place the second layer on top. Use the remaining buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake. Decorate with fondant or buttercream bows as desired.

Enjoy your wonderfully decorated Buttercream Birthday Cake!

Pro Tips

For best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving fluffy batter and smooth frosting.

Tips for Assembly

The assembly of your birthday cake can make or break its presentation. Ensure that the cooled cake layers are level. If they have domed on top, a serrated knife can help trim them for a flat surface. Additionally, it can be beneficial to place a thin layer of buttercream (often referred to as a 'crumb coat') over the cake before applying the final decoration. This locks in crumbs and creates a smooth surface for your beautiful finish. Chill the cake for 30 minutes post-crumb coat to solidify before the final frosting layer.

When placing the second layer on top, do so carefully to avoid shifting the layers. A non-slip cake turntable can assist with this process, enabling you to frost evenly and access all angles easily. If you choose to incorporate bows, either fondant or buttercream, make sure your frosting is slightly cooled but still workable to allow for easy application.

Storing and Serving

To preserve the freshness of your Buttercream Birthday Cake, it’s best stored in an airtight container, ideally at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes dry out the cake; sealing it in plastic wrap can help maintain moisture. When serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften the buttercream for easier slicing.

If you plan on making the cake in advance, the layers can be baked and frozen. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting to ensure they're moist and easy to work with. This strategy is a real time-saver for any upcoming celebrations!

Questions About Recipes

→ How can I store leftover cake?

Store the leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ Can I use store-bought frosting?

Absolutely! Store-bought frosting can save you time, but homemade frosting has a special touch.

→ How do I make the bows?

You can make bows with fondant or buttercream. Roll out the fondant and cut ribbons, then shape them into bows. For buttercream, use a piping bag to create bow shapes.