This is classic vanilla sponge birthday cake recipe that can be jazzed up by adding sprinkles directly to the batter. Whether you keep it classic or go for the crazy confetti cake option, there won’t be a crumb left at the end of the party!
For the sponge:
3 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups caster sugar
6 large free-range eggs
3 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups plus 1 tbsp self raising flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
About 3 tbsp of milk to loosen batter
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (optional)
For the buttercream:
2 2/3 sticks butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 cups icing sugar, sifted
To decorate:
Lots of sprinkles!
For the sponge:
330g butter
330g caster sugar
6 large free-range eggs
3 tsp vanilla extract
330g self raising flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
About 3 tbsp of milk to loosen batter
75g rainbow sprinkles (optional)
For the buttercream:
300g butter, softened
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
500g icing sugar, sifted
To decorate:
Lots of sprinkles!
3 x 20cm/8″ springform cake tins
Standalone mixer or hand held electric whisk
Wire rack
Black Forest Cake is a traditional German dessert that has been well and truly adopted by happy dessert eaters worldwide. Typically, black forest cake consists of several layers of chocolate cake, with whipped cream and cherries between each layer. Then the cake is decorated with additional whipped cream, more cherries, and chocolate shavings. This version is particularly delicious as I spike each layer of the cake with rum or kirsch, a fragrant cherry liqueur making it moist, boozy and oh so good. Recipe from The Pleasures of the Table: Rediscovering Theodora Fitzgibbon.
Continental sponge flan cases are usually served filled with cream and fruit but here they’re transformed into the layers of a gateau. Any 20cm cake can be used in the same way. The marshmallow can also be made on its own. Leave it to set in a lined 18cm square tin, then cut into cubes and toss in icing sugar. (Recipe from Sharon Hearne Smith’s, No Bake Baking available on amazon.)