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Triple Layer Birthday Cake with Buttercream

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A reliable, moist, and delicious three-layer vanilla cake with silky buttercream frosting. This recipe balances light, airy cake layers with rich frosting for a crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (480ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
  • 2 cups (454g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 6–7 cups (750-875g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and dust with flour.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 tablespoons vanilla extract. Scrape down bowl sides.
  5. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk and sour cream. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among the three prepared pans and smooth tops.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat 2 cups softened butter on medium-high speed until creamy (2 minutes).
  10. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar on low speed. Once added, increase speed to high and beat for 3 minutes.
  11. Add heavy cream, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Beat on high for another 2 minutes until fluffy.
  12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream over the top. Repeat with second layer.
  13. Top with third layer. Frost top and sides with remaining buttercream. Smooth surface with an offset spatula.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best emulsification. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake. Chill cake layers for 30 minutes before frosting if the kitchen is warm to prevent crumbling. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: birthday cake, triple layer cake, vanilla cake, buttercream frosting, homemade cake, celebration cake, easy baking recipe

Find it online: https://miratable.com/triple-layer-birthday-cake-with-buttercream-easy-3-layer-recipe/