Towering Birthday Cake Recipes

TOTALLY SURPRISED BIRTHDAY CAKE

Steps:

• Make the lemon filling:
• Combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium nonreactive saucepan. Gradually stir in the water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the butter and lemon zest. Gradually whisk in the lemon juice. Let cool completely before using.
• Make the berry topping:
• Put the berries in a bowl and sprinkle with the sugar. Toss gently and let stand for 1 hour or so while you prepare the cake.
• Make the cake:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, blend the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat in the shortening, 2/3 cup of the milk, and the vanilla. Beat for 2 minutes, frequently scraping down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining 1/3 cup of milk and the egg whites, and beat for 2 minutes more, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until the center of each cake springs back when lightly touched, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans and let cool completely on wire racks.
• Make the frosting:
• Beat the egg whites in a large bowl with an electric mixer until they hold a soft peak. Meanwhile, mix the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a large saucepan and bring to a rolling boil. Cook to 242 degrees F on a candy thermometer, or until a tiny bit of syrup dropped into a bowl of cool water and then pulled between the thumb and forefinger spins a 6- to 8-inch thread. With the mixer running, pour the hot syrup very slowly into the beaten egg whites. Continue beating with the electric mixer until the frosting holds stiff peaks. Beat in the vanilla and use immediately.
• Place one of the cake layers upside down on a cake platter and, with a flexible spatula, spread the lemon filling almost to the outer edge. Place the second layer right-side up on the filling. Frost the sides, bringing the frosting up to form a rim around the edge of the top layer. Spread the frosting evenly over the top, making attractive swirls. Spoon the macerated berries and juice on the top of the cake, allowing the juices to run down the sides. Serve immediately.

THE BEST BIRTHDAY CAKE RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly spray three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick spray. Line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds and spray again.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, eggs, and egg whites until evenly combined. Add the vanilla and milk and whisk until incorporated.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the granulated sugar and salt. Sift in the cake flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Mix on low speed to incorporate.
• Cut the butter into tablespoon-sized pieces. With the mixer running on low speed, add the butter to the dry ingredients, one piece at a time. Continue mixing until a sandy, coarse meal forms, 3-4 minutes.
• With the mixer running on low speed, pour in one-quarter of the wet ingredients at a time and mix to incorporate, scraping down the sides of the bowl between each addition. Continue mixing until the batter is smooth.
• Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and gently fold in the sprinkles with a rubber spatula.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, tapping the pans on the counter a couple of times to release any large air bubbles.
• Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean. 8. Set the pans on a wire rack and let the cakes cool completely, about 1 hour. Once cooled, run an offset spatula around the edges of the pans to loosen the cakes, then invert onto the rack and remove the parchment rounds.
• Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a large bowl with an electric hand mixer (or in a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), whip the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 3 minutes.
• With the mixer running on low speed, add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time. Once incorporated, add the cream, vanilla, and salt. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 3 minutes, until the frosting is fluffy.
• Assemble the cake: Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the top of each cake to create a flat surface. Discard the scraps.
• Smear a bit of frosting onto an 8-inch cake round set on top of a cake stand, then place a cake layer on the round. Use a large offset spatula to spread an even layer of frosting over the cake. Place another cake layer on top and frost. Place the last cake layer, bottom-side up, on top and spread a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake to make the crumb coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes, until the frosting is set.
• Generously spread a thick, even layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Decorate the cake with the remaining frosting and sprinkles as desired.
• Slice and serve. Cake can be kept at room temperature for 2 hrs and refrigerated for 3 days.
• Enjoy!