Classic Cherry Birthday Cake (No-Fail!)

Soft vanilla layers, fluffy cherry frosting

This classic birthday cake is everything you want for a celebration: soft vanilla sponge, fluffy cherry buttercream, and a pretty finish that works for vintage birthday cakes, funny birthday cakes, or anything custom you dream up. It looks impressive but stays simple enough for beginners, so you can whip it up on a busy weeknight or the morning of the party without stress. The batter comes together in one bowl, the frosting is ultra-creamy, and the cute decoration options are endless from pretty birthday cakes with cherries on top to mini cakes for individual servings. Get ready for a cake that’s picture-perfect and totally delicious.

table of contents

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes + cooling
• Servings: 10–12 slices

Ingredients List

For the Vanilla Cake Layers

• 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) buttermilk, room temperature

For the Cherry Buttercream

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream or milk, plus more as needed
• ⅓ cup (80 g) cherry jam or preserves, seedless if possible
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Decoration

• Fresh cherries (whole or halved), about 1 cup
• Sprinkles of your choice (for creative or funny birthday cakes)
• Extra cherry jam for drips or swirls (optional)

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls (1 large, 1 medium)
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
• Cake turntable (optional but helpful)

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prep the pans
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease two 8-inch round pans, line bottoms with parchment circles, and lightly flour the sides. Tap out excess flour.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
3. Cream butter, oil, and sugar
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, oil, and sugar with an electric mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale and airy.
4. Add eggs and vanilla
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in vanilla extract. Scrape down bowl sides to ensure everything is combined.
5. Combine wet and dry with buttermilk
   • Add half of the dry ingredients and mix on low just until combined.
   • Pour in buttermilk and mix briefly.
   • Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until no dry streaks remain. Batter should be smooth and pourable (avoid overmixing).
6. Bake the cake layers
   • Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth the tops.
   • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back.
   • Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks and cool completely. 🧁
7. Make the cherry buttercream
   • In a large bowl, beat softened butter for 2 minutes until creamy.
   • Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low until incorporated.
   • Add cherry jam, vanilla, salt, and 3–4 tbsp cream.
   • Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and slightly pink. If too thick, add a splash more cream; if too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar. Frosting should be spreadable but hold peaks.
8. Level and fill the cake
   • If cake tops are domed, carefully trim with a serrated knife.
   • Place the first layer on a serving plate or turntable.
   • Spread a generous layer of cherry buttercream over the top (about ½–¾ cup).
   • Add a thin spoonful of cherry jam in the center if you like a stronger cherry flavor, staying ½ inch from the edges.
9. Stack and crumb coat
   • Place the second layer on top, bottom side up for a flat surface.
   • Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in crumbs (crumb coat).
   • Chill for 15–20 minutes until the frosting is slightly firm.
10. Final frosting and decorating
    • Add a thicker layer of cherry buttercream around the sides and on top, smoothing with an offset spatula.
    • For pretty birthday cakes, create soft swoops in the frosting; for funny birthday cakes, pipe swirls and add playful sprinkles or toppers.
    • Garnish with fresh cherries on top and a few around the base. 🎂
11. Optional mini cakes birthday twist
    • Bake the batter in a rimmed sheet pan and cut out circles using a round cutter. Stack 2–3 layers to make mini birthday cakes for individual servings.

Pro Tips

1. Storage:
   • Store covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the fridge for 3–4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
2. Make ahead:
   • Bake cake layers a day in advance, wrap tightly, and chill. Frost the next day for stress-free party prep.
3. Substitutions:
   • No cherry jam? Use strawberry or raspberry for a different twist, perfect for creative birthday cakes and custom designs.
4. Serving ideas:
   • Style it as a vintage birthday cake with pastel piping, as a simple birthday cake with just cherries on top, or as diseños de tortas inspired by your favorite colors and themes.

Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Conclusion

This cherry birthday cake is a flexible base for so many looks: vintage birthday cakes, simple birthday cakes, creative diseños de tortas, and even mini cakes for individual guests. With soft vanilla layers and a fluffy cherry buttercream, it balances flavor, texture, and style in one recipe you’ll reuse for every celebration. Swap decorations to match each theme, from pretty and romantic to playful and funny, and you’ll always have a Pinterest-ready cake that tastes as good as it looks.