Festive moist vanilla sponge cake

Featured in: Warm Baked Treats

This moist vanilla sponge features tender, fluffy layers complemented by rich buttercream frosting. Lightly sweetened and fragrant with pure vanilla extract, the cake is finished with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Baked to golden perfection, it pairs wonderfully with sparkling beverages and fresh lemonade. Preparation involves creaming butter and sugar, mixing in eggs and dry ingredients alternated with milk, then layering with smooth buttercream. A versatile dessert, it can be customized with chocolate or fruit jam for extra flavor.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:02:00 GMT
Delicious slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a vanilla sponge layered with fluffy buttercream and fun sprinkles. Save
Delicious slice of Happy Birthday Cake, a vanilla sponge layered with fluffy buttercream and fun sprinkles. | pumpkinhearth.com

A festive, moist vanilla sponge cake layered with creamy buttercream and topped with colorful sprinkles—a joyful treat perfect for any celebration.

This cake has always been the highlight of our family celebrations, bringing smiles and joy to everyone who tries it.

Ingredients

  • For the Sponge Cake: 1 2/3 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • For the Buttercream Frosting: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar sifted, 2 tbsp whole milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
  • For Decoration: 1/4 cup (40 g) colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
Cream:
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl whisk together the flour baking powder and salt.
Combine:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts alternating with the milk beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
Pour Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Frosting:
For the frosting beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar milk vanilla and salt beating until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble:
Once the cake is completely cool slice it horizontally to create two layers. Spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides.
Decorate:
Decorate with colorful sprinkles. Slice and serve.
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| pumpkinhearth.com

Our family gatherings always get brighter with this birthday cake slice shared among loved ones.

Notes

Pairs well with sparkling wine or fresh lemonade for the perfect celebration pairing.

Required Tools

8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan Electric mixer Mixing bowls Rubber spatula Wire rack Serrated knife

Allergen Information

Contains eggs milk wheat (gluten) and dairy Check all packaged decorations for potential allergens

Moist Happy Birthday Cake slice, showcasing a beautiful buttercream swirl and bright, celebratory sprinkles on top. Save
Moist Happy Birthday Cake slice, showcasing a beautiful buttercream swirl and bright, celebratory sprinkles on top. | pumpkinhearth.com

This classic vanilla cake with buttercream frosting adds festive joy to any occasion.

Recipe Q&A

What ingredients create the moist texture?

The combination of softened butter, eggs, milk, and baking powder work together to provide a tender, moist crumb in the vanilla sponge.

How is the buttercream frosting prepared?

Butter is beaten until creamy, then powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt are gradually added and whipped until fluffy and smooth.

Can this cake be customized?

Yes, you can add cocoa powder for a chocolate variation or spread fruit jam between layers for added flavor complexity.

What baking tools are needed?

An 8-inch round cake pan, electric mixer, mixing bowls, rubber spatula, wire rack, and serrated knife are essential for preparation and assembly.

How should the cake be cooled after baking?

Allow the cake to cool in its pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely for even texture and easier frosting.

Festive moist vanilla sponge cake

A moist vanilla sponge layered with creamy buttercream and colorful sprinkles, ideal for joyful occasions.

Prep duration
25 min
Time to cook
30 min
Time required
55 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Medium

Cuisine origin International

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary info Meat-free

What you'll need

Sponge Cake

01 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour (approx. 7.4 oz)
02 1 cup granulated sugar (7 oz)
03 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (4 oz)
04 3 large eggs, at room temperature
05 1/2 cup whole milk (4 fl oz)
06 2 teaspoons baking powder
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting

01 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (8 oz)
02 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (12.7 oz)
03 2 tablespoons whole milk (1 fl oz)
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 Pinch of salt

Decoration

01 1/4 cup colorful sprinkles (1.4 oz)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 03

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.

Step 05

Mix Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 06

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 07

Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 08

Prepare Buttercream: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 09

Assemble Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, slice horizontally into two layers. Spread buttercream between the layers and cover the top and sides.

Step 10

Decorate: Garnish the cake with colorful sprinkles evenly over the frosted surface. Slice and serve.

Gear Needed

  • 8-inch round cake pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack
  • Serrated knife

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), and dairy.
  • Check packaged decorations for allergens.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 430
  • Fat content: 21 g
  • Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Proteins: 4 g