Print

Perfect Small Batch Birthday Cake for Two

small batch birthday cake for two - featured image
Print Recipe

A tender, moist vanilla birthday cake specifically scaled for two people, featuring a simple vanilla buttercream frosting and made with pantry staples in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (65g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/3 cup (65g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1 large Egg Yolk
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) Buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) Butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup (60g) Powdered Sugar, sifted (for frosting)
  • 1–2 teaspoons Milk or Cream (for frosting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of Salt (for frosting)
  • Rainbow sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-inch round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, optionally lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt for about 30 seconds to distribute ingredients evenly.
  3. In a separate small cup or bowl, whisk the melted butter, egg yolk, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Ensure the butter is warm, not hot.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a fork or whisk until the flour just disappears. Do not overmix; the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack or plate to cool completely.
  7. While the cake cools, beat the softened frosting butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
  8. Spread the frosting over the completely cooled cake. Add sprinkles if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Ensure baking powder is fresh for proper rise. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture. The cake must be completely cool before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting. If you don’t have buttermilk, add 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: small batch cake, cake for two, birthday cake, easy dessert, vanilla cake, buttercream frosting, quick baking

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/perfect-small-batch-birthday-cake-for-two-easy-2-person-dessert/