"Happy Birthday Cake"
Celebrate special occasions with a fluffy, moist birthday cake featuring classic vanilla flavors and hints of orange and almond extracts. Perfect for parties, this layered cake is simple to make and yields a beautiful presentation to make any birthday memorable.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl.
- Add shortening, sugar, 1/2 cup milk, orange extract, almond extract, and 1 egg.
- Beat for 2 minutes on low speed.
- Add 1/4 cup milk and 2 eggs.
- Beat for 2 minutes on low speed.
- Pour the batter into greased layer pans.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a light and fluffy cake, make sure to properly sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. For added moisture, consider incorporating a bit of yogurt or sour cream. If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can replace the orange and almond extracts with vanilla extract.
Serving Suggestions
This birthday cake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It pairs beautifully with Pina Coladas for a festive touch. For added texture, consider topping it with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of nuts. Serve alongside a light salad or Green Beans Mornay for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw at room temperature, then warm it gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, or until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Happy Birthday Cake" contains roughly 164 calories, with 3g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 826mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each layer in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Frost the cake just before serving to maintain its freshness.
What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?
You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. For each egg, use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, or 1/4 cup of applesauce. These alternatives work well in maintaining the cake's moisture and texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).