Eggless Vanilla Birthday Cake
This is the kind of celebration cake that makes people ask for the recipe before they've even finished their slice. The crumb is tender and lightly golden, built on a clever combination of whole milk, sour cream, neutral oil, and a splash of white vinegar that does all the heavy lifting eggs usually handle. That vinegar reacts with the baking soda to give the layers a beautiful rise, so you genuinely don't miss a thing. The frosting is a classic whipped butter and powdered sugar situation, spiked with vanilla and just enough heavy cream to make it cloud-like and perfectly spreadable. It comes together in two 9-inch layers with a generous filling of frosting in the middle, making every slice a proper celebration. Rainbow sprinkles on top are optional, but honestly, why wouldn't you? This recipe makes 12 servings, so it's built for a crowd and ready to be the centerpiece of any birthday table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
12 servings
For the cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3–4 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For serving
- rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and grease the parchment.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!