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–+ servings
21st birthday cake

21st Birthday Cake

A stunning layered cake with buttercream frosting, perfect for celebrating a 21st birthday in style.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Western
Calories: 510
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Layers
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 3/4 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk room temperature
Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • food coloring pink and gold for decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Cake pans
  • Spatula
  • Piping Bags

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
  4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool the cakes completely before frosting.
  7. For the buttercream, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream and vanilla. Adjust consistency as needed.
  8. Divide the frosting into bowls and tint with pink and gold food coloring to create an ombré effect.
  9. Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between layers and around the sides. Use a spatula to blend colors seamlessly.
  10. Pipe decorative swirls on top and add edible gold accents, flowers, or number candles for the final touch.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 6gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 130mgFiber: 1gSugar: 48gVitamin A: 950IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.8mg

Notes

For an extra luxurious touch, add a layer of strawberry jam between the cake layers or brush them with simple syrup for added moisture.
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