Pastry by Saloni

How to Make the Perfect Vanilla Birthday Cake
1 Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with oil. Line the bottoms of each pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2 In a medium bowl, pour in the room temperature milk and add the vinegar. Stir gently, then let it sit for 5 minutes. The mixture will curdle slightly—this is your homemade buttermilk.
3 To the curdled milk, add the sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together by hand until the sugar is mostly dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and slightly glossy.
4 In a separate large bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well, then sift the dry ingredients directly into the wet mixture. This helps prevent lumps and ensures an even batter.
5 Gently whisk the wet and dry ingredients together until you get a smooth, lump-free batter. Avoid over-mixing—stop as soon as everything is combined.
6 Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth the tops.
7 Place the pans in the center of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cakes are done when the tops spring back when lightly pressed or a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8 Remove the pans from the oven and place them on a wire rack. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10–15 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and turn them out onto the rack to cool completely.
How to Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
10 In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Place over low heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved. Do not let it boil. Once dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and set the syrup aside to cool completely.
11 In a large mixing bowl, add the butter. Using an electric mixer (or stand mixer with the paddle attachment), beat the butter on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until it becomes pale, light, and creamy in texture.
12 Once the sugar syrup has cooled, slowly pour it into the whipped butter in 2–3 additions. Mix well after each addition—about 1 minute—until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and glossy.
13 Add the vanilla extract, whipping cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture again until everything is well combined and smooth.
14 If there are any air bubbles, use a spatula to gently stir the frosting by hand. This will help create a smooth, spreadable finish perfect for decorating your cake.
How to Assemble the Perfect Vanilla Birthday Cake
16 Start with the Base Layer. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Make sure it’s centered.
17 Scoop about 5–6 tablespoons of frosting onto the top of the first layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Create a slight well in the center to help hold the next layer in place and prevent frosting from spilling out the sides.
18 Carefully place the second cake layer on top, aligning it with the bottom layer. Press down gently to secure.
19 Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake. This is the crumb coat—it traps any loose crumbs and creates a smooth base for the final layer of frosting.
20 Place the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the crumb coat firm up. This will make final frosting easier and cleaner.
21 Once the cake is chilled, spread the remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides. Use a spatula or cake scraper to smooth the surface to your desired finish.
22 Top the cake with sprinkles or decorations of your choice.
23 Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.