Vanilla Birthday Cake with Bows

Name: Vanilla Birthday Cake with Bows
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional); Fondant for bows; Edible glitter (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking Ideas | Pastry & Pies

I can't think of a better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a homemade Vanilla Birthday Cake with Bows. The combination of light, fluffy cake and rich, creamy frosting creates a delightful treat everyone adores. Making this cake brings back fond memories of my childhood, where the anticipation of birthdays centered around this very cake. Each layer is infused with fresh vanilla flavor, while the adorable bow decorations make it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering. Trust me, this cake will steal the show!

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-17T13:42:19.465Z

When I decided to make this Vanilla Birthday Cake with Bows, I was inspired by my love for all things vanilla. I experimented with different ratios until I found the perfect blend of butter, sugar, and vanilla beans to create a cake that is both moist and flavorful. The frosting is equally special, featuring a creamy consistency that blends beautifully with the cake layers. Baking this cake taught me the importance of using high-quality ingredients.

To add a personal touch, I crafted the bows from fondant, which not only look stunning but also serve as a delicious decoration. I learned that working with fondant requires a bit of patience, but the end result is so worth it! This cake has become a family tradition, beloved for its taste and elegance.

Why You'll Love This Cake
Light and fluffy vanilla layers that melt in your mouth
Elegant bow decorations that impress everyone
Perfectly paired creamy frosting with a burst of vanilla flavor

Baking Tips for Fluffy Layers

To achieve the light and airy texture of the vanilla cake, ensure that your butter is at room temperature before creaming. The butter should be soft enough to form a cohesive mixture with sugar but not melted. Creaming for about 3-5 minutes will incorporate air into the mixture, which is crucial for fluffiness. Additionally, when combining wet and dry ingredients, do so gently to maintain the volume.

Another important tip is to avoid overmixing your batter after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake due to gluten development. Mix until just combined, and you see no dry flour—small lumps in the batter are completely fine! This will guarantee that your cake remains tender and light.

Frosting Mastery

The frosting is just as vital as the cake itself, and its consistency can make or break the presentation. To achieve that silky, smooth frosting, ensure your butter is perfectly softened instead of just softened, which I found can be a common mistake. If too hard, it will not whip properly; if too soft, it may turn runny. Cream the butter for 2-3 minutes until it's light and fluffy before adding other ingredients.

When adding powdered sugar, incorporate it gradually to avoid a dusty cloud—start on low speed and increase as the sugar gets mixed in. For a lighter texture, you can add in some additional heavy cream, but do so in small increments. The goal is to have the frosting easily spreadable yet firm enough to hold the decorative elements like bows.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Frosting

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

For the Decorations

Fondant for bows
Edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients and milk alternately until combined.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until fluffy and smooth, adjusting the consistency with more cream or sugar as needed.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, followed by the second layer, and repeat. Place the final layer on top and frost the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top to your liking.

Add Decorations

Roll out the fondant and cut into bow shapes to decorate the top of the cake. Optionally, add edible glitter for a festive touch. Slice and serve at your celebration!

Enjoy Your Cake!

Pro Tips

For best results, use high-quality vanilla extract. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought fondant instead of making your own.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

If you want to bake the cake in advance, it's best to wrap the cooled layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer preservation—up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them thaw on the counter before frosting. This can actually enhance the cake flavors as they meld while stored.

Frosted cakes can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, thanks to the butter's natural preservatives. However, if you plan to keep it longer, refrigerating it will maintain its freshness. Bring it back to room temperature before serving to restore its fluffy texture.

Decorating Variations

While fondant bows are charming, considering other decorations can elevate the cake even further. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings are great alternatives that can add both flavor and flair. For instance, strawberries or raspberries can complement the vanilla and give a pop of color on top of the frosting.

If you're aiming for a themed cake or a specific color palette for your event, you can easily tint your frosting using gel food coloring. Remember to start with only a small amount, adding more gradually until the desired shade is achieved. This flexibility can help make each cake uniquely yours while maintaining that scrumptious vanilla taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day before and store them in the refrigerator tightly wrapped. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

→ Can I substitute the butter in the frosting?

For a lighter frosting, you can use cream cheese instead of butter, but the flavor and texture will vary.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

→ What if I don't have three pans?

You can bake the cake in batches using one or two pans, just ensure the batter is divided evenly.