Butter Icing Birthday Cake

Butter Icing Birthday Cake is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by July Gaceta on YouTube.

Prep: 44 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr 14 min

Cost: $3.78 total, $0.47 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 0.25 cup Water
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 0.5 g Cream of Tartar (pinch)
  • 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 0.25 tsp Salt (pinch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 175°C (350°F) and let it preheat while you prepare the batter.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 175°C

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a medium bowl whisk together the sifted all‑purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Mix Wet Base

    In a separate bowl combine granulated sugar, water, olive oil, and cream of tartar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Eggs

    Crack the two eggs into the wet mixture and beat with the mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and slightly frothy.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Combine Wet and Dry

    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined; a few streaks of flour are okay.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Prepare Pan and Pour Batter

    Grease the 8‑inch round cake pan with a thin layer of butter or oil and lightly dust with flour. Pour the batter in, smoothing the top with the spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Bake the Cake

    Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 175°C

  8. Cool the Cake

    Remove the cake from the oven, run a thin knife around the edges, and invert onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely, about 20 minutes.

    Time: PT20M

  9. Make Buttercream Frosting

    While the cake cools, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2 minutes until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low then high until smooth. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt; beat for another minute.

    Time: PT8M

  10. Level and Frost

    If the cake has domed, level it with a serrated knife. Place the cake on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of buttercream over the top and sides using an offset spatula.

    Time: PT5M

  11. Decorate (Optional)

    Add sprinkles, marshmallows, or fresh fruit as desired for a festive birthday look.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Wheat

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Butter Icing Birthday Cake

Recipe by July Gaceta

A light, fluffy vanilla cake topped with a smooth, sweet buttercream frosting. Inspired by the July Gaceta tutorial, this recipe walks you through a simple batter, quick bake, and a classic butter icing that’s perfect for birthdays or any celebration.

MediumAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
1h 6m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.78
Total cost
$0.47
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat the oven to the exact temperature before baking.
  • Do not over‑mix the batter; stop when ingredients are just combined.
  • Beat the butter until light and fluffy before adding powdered sugar.
  • Check cake doneness with a toothpick; overbaking dries the crumb.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling hot pans.
  • Be careful when beating butter; the mixer blades can spin quickly.
  • Do not over‑bake – the cake can become dry and hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of a butter‑icing birthday cake in American celebrations?

A

Butter‑icing cakes have been a staple of American birthday celebrations since the early 20th century, when homemade buttercream became popular for its smooth texture and sweet flavor. The frosting symbolizes a festive, indulgent treat that marks personal milestones and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of butter‑icing cake in the United States?

A

In the South, buttercream is often enriched with cream cheese for a tangy twist. In the Midwest, a simple vanilla buttercream is common, while coastal regions may incorporate citrus zest or flavored extracts for a lighter profile.

cultural
Q

How is a butter‑icing birthday cake traditionally served in American culture?

A

The cake is typically presented whole, candles are placed on top, and the birthday person makes a wish before blowing them out. Slices are served on plates with a fork, often accompanied by coffee or milk.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a butter‑icing birthday cake traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Butter‑icing birthday cakes are most common for birthdays, but they also appear at graduations, anniversaries, and family reunions where a sweet, customizable dessert is desired.

cultural
Q

What makes butter‑icing birthday cake special or unique in American dessert tradition?

A

The combination of a light, airy vanilla sponge with a rich, creamy buttercream creates a balance of texture and sweetness that has become iconic in American home baking. Its simplicity allows endless decoration possibilities.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making butter‑icing birthday cake from the July Gaceta tutorial?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the batter, which creates a tough crumb, and under‑beating the butter, which leads to a grainy frosting. Also, baking at the wrong temperature can cause the cake to dry out or crack.

technical
Q

Why does this July Gaceta recipe use cream of tartar in the batter instead of baking soda?

A

Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites and works with the small amount of baking powder to give the cake a tender crumb without a metallic taste that baking soda alone can impart.

technical
Q

Can I make the butter‑icing birthday cake ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Bake the cake layers a day ahead, wrap them tightly, and store at room temperature. Frost the cake up to two days in advance and keep it refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the buttercream is ready?

A

The buttercream should be light, fluffy, and smooth with no visible sugar granules. It should spread easily and hold its shape on the cake without sliding off.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel July Gaceta specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel July Gaceta focuses on home cooking tutorials, especially simple yet visually appealing baked goods and traditional Filipino-inspired desserts, presented in a step‑by‑step format.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel July Gaceta's approach to American cake baking differ from other cooking channels?

A

July Gaceta emphasizes clear visual cues, minimal equipment, and practical tips like using olive oil for a lighter crumb, which sets it apart from channels that rely on heavy dairy fats or complex decorating techniques.

channel

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