Festive moist vanilla sponge

Featured in: Desserts

This delightful vanilla sponge is moist and layered with creamy buttercream frosting. It features a colorful sprinkle topping that adds a joyful touch, making it ideal for various celebrations or gatherings. The batter is carefully blended with butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to create a tender crumb. Once baked and cooled, the cake is sliced horizontally to add a rich buttercream filling and exterior, ensuring every bite is luscious and flavorful. Perfectly portioned into eight vibrant slices.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:35:00 GMT
Enjoy a slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a vanilla dream topped with rainbow sprinkles. Save
Enjoy a slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a vanilla dream topped with rainbow sprinkles. | cheerfulchefs.com

A festive, moist vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy buttercream and topped with colorful sprinkles—a joyful treat perfect for any celebration.

This cake always brings smiles at family birthdays and celebrations.

Ingredients

  • For the Sponge Cake: 1 2/3 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
  • For Decoration: 1/4 cup (40 g) colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Step 3:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 5:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Step 6:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Step 7:
Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9:
For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.
Step 10:
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it horizontally to create two layers. Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides.
Step 11:
Decorate with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.
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Making this cake always creates joyful family moments during celebrations.

Required Tools

8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, Electric mixer, Mixing bowls, Rubber spatula, Wire rack, Serrated knife

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and dairy. Check all packaged decorations for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 430 per serving, Total Fat: 21 g, Carbohydrates: 57 g, Protein: 4 g

Moist Happy Birthday Cake slice, frosted with creamy buttercream, tempting the sweet tooth. Save
Moist Happy Birthday Cake slice, frosted with creamy buttercream, tempting the sweet tooth. | cheerfulchefs.com

This delightful cake is sure to brighten any celebration and satisfy sweet cravings.

Recipe FAQs

What type of flour is best for this sponge?

All-purpose flour provides the right balance of structure and tenderness for a moist sponge texture.

How can I achieve a fluffy buttercream frosting?

Beat softened butter until creamy before gradually adding sifted powdered sugar and milk, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Can I replace the vanilla extract with another flavor?

Yes, almond or lemon extracts can be used to impart a different but complementary flavor to the sponge and frosting.

What is the best way to slice the cake for layering?

Use a serrated knife to carefully slice the cooled cake horizontally into even layers for smooth buttercream spreading.

How should I store leftovers to keep them fresh?

Cover tightly and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Festive moist vanilla sponge

Festive vanilla sponge layered with creamy buttercream and bright sprinkles for joyful servings.

Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Desserts

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Background International

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

Sponge Cake

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
04 3 large eggs, room temperature
05 1/2 cup whole milk
06 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 2 tablespoons whole milk
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Decoration

01 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 05

Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture in three batches, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just incorporated.

Step 06

Bake Sponge: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth surface. Bake 28 to 32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Cool Cake: Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt; continue beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 09

Assemble Layers: Slice cake horizontally into two layers. Spread frosting evenly between layers, then cover top and sides.

Step 10

Decorate and Serve: Garnish with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.

Tools You’ll Need

  • 8-inch round cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Serrated knife

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and dairy.
  • Check decorations for potential allergens.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 430
  • Fats: 21 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 57 grams
  • Proteins: 4 grams