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Perfect Small-Batch Vanilla Birthday Cake with Sprinkles

small-batch vanilla birthday cake - featured image
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A nostalgic, perfectly portioned vanilla birthday cake with a tender crumb and rainbow sprinkles. This small-batch recipe is ideal for a quiet celebration or a simple, joyful treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon milk, room temperature
  • ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a larger bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until fully combined and smooth.
  5. With mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Add half the milk, mix, then repeat with remaining flour and milk, ending with flour. Mix only until flour disappears.
  6. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Loosen edges, invert onto rack, remove parchment, and cool completely.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Avoid nonpareils sprinkles as they bleed color. For a two-layer cake, double all ingredients and bake in two 6-inch pans. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: small-batch cake, vanilla birthday cake, sprinkle cake, single layer cake, easy birthday cake

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/perfect-small-batch-vanilla-birthday-cake-with-sprinkles/