UPDATE: I have updated this recipe and created the ULTIMATE Birthday Cake!
Happy, Happy Happy Birthday Cake! This sweet cake is easy to do and tastes SO good!
Happy Birthday Cake
Today I just used my new favorite white cake recipe and then a rich chocolate buttercream. The pairing is easy, the result is fantastic!
To decorate I just used a small offset spatula and swirled my cake around while holding the spatula steady.
The little poms are made from tissue paper. I followed this easy tutorial from HGTV on How to Make Tissue Paper Pom Poms.
One thing you may have noticed is the different sized layers. I left one layer as in, then removed the top 1/3 of the other layer. When I assembled the cake I added the medium layer on the bottom, the full layer in the middle, and the thin layer on top. All divided by chocolate frosting of course!
Check out my other Chocolate Buttercream recipes as well as some amazing YELLOW CAKE! (just in case you like that classic combination of yellow cake and chocolate!)
Rich Chocolate Buttercream
Ingredients
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 ounces extra-bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
Instructions
- Melt chocolate. Place in microwave safe bowl and heat in 30-second increments. An alternative method would be to use a double broiler. Place chopped chocolate in heat proof bowl and set over saucepan of simmering water. Gently stir until chocolate is fully melted, then set aside to cool.
- Place sugar in a medium heatproof bowl and add in the egg whites and salt.
- Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (about 2 inches deep) and whisk gently until the sugar is completely dissolved, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the warm egg-white mixture to standing mixer fitted with the whisk.
- Add the vanilla and beat at medium-high speed until glossy and firm, about 8 minutes.
- Beat in the butter a few pieces at a time, making sure it is fully incorporated before adding more.
- If the buttercream appears runny at any time, transfer the bowl to the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes, then return it to the mixer and continue.
- Beat in the melted chocolate until fully incorporated, scraping down the side and bottom of the bowl.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Making a cake for someone is one of the best and perfect ways to show you care about someone – even if they don’t have a birthday – although HB Cheryl! x Plus you make the BEST cakes EVER so thank you to you. LLx
It’s great stuff!
What a lovely cake for a lovely birthday! I adore how scrumptiously simple this gorgeous confection is, Amanda! Cheers to you and happy birthday to Cheryl!
I love, love, love this, Amanda. Fabulous cake and absolutely gorgeous photos, oh my. Happiest birthday to you, Cheryl!! 🙂
Cheryl deserved this cake- she’s so very generous and such a sweet friend. SO nice of you to honor her bday with a cake! Yum! Happy birthday Cheryl!
Wow that looks great! I had just baked a similar cake over the weekend =)
Such a sweet surprise! You’re a great friend for making Cheryl this cake 🙂
Awwww – what a great cake and a great birthday to celebrate!
What a beautiful cake!! I must try it soon … been promising my boys a special treat. Question — what is the background for the picture? I love the color and the texture. Looks like painted plywood maybe? We are doing a bit of remodeling and that color would be perfect for one of my ideas!! Just found your blog via Kevin & Amanda. Looking forward to browsing when I have some time. Thanks!!
Love love love everything about this cake! A big Happy Birthday to Cheryl! xoxo