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Lighter Birthday Confetti Cake with Perfect Vanilla Buttercream

lighter birthday confetti cake - featured image
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A tender, moist birthday cake made lighter with Greek yogurt and less butter, topped with a silky vanilla buttercream. Perfect for celebrations without the sugar crash.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg white
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup (60g) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies)
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30–45ml) milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat 4 tablespoons softened butter with sugar for 3 minutes on medium speed until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in Greek yogurt and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until combined (mixture may look curdled).
  5. Add egg and beat on medium for 30 seconds, then add egg white and beat for another 30 seconds until smooth and glossy.
  6. With mixer on low, add half the dry ingredients, then buttermilk, then remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  7. Remove bowl from mixer. Gently fold in sprinkles with a rubber spatula in 5–6 strokes.
  8. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans (about 12 ounces/340g each). Smooth tops. Bake for 22–26 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack, peel off parchment, and cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  10. For buttercream: Beat ½ cup softened butter on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and pale. Add powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and pinch of salt. Beat on low until combined, then on medium for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons milk and beat for 1 minute. Add remaining milk if needed for spreadable consistency.
  11. Assemble cake: Place one layer on serving plate, spread about ⅓ cup buttercream on top. Place second layer on top, flat side up. Apply thin crumb coat, refrigerate 15 minutes, then apply final coat. Top with extra sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for best results. Do not overmix batter. Use a kitchen scale for flour accuracy. Let cake cool completely before frosting. Cake tastes even better on day two.

Nutrition

Keywords: lighter birthday cake, confetti cake, vanilla buttercream, healthy birthday cake, Greek yogurt cake, easy birthday cake

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/lighter-birthday-confetti-cake-with-perfect-vanilla-buttercream/