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I remember when my niece, Lily, turned seven. She declared Nutella her favorite food (a sentiment I wholeheartedly understand!). A simple vanilla cake wouldn't do; it needed a Nutella upgrade. Thus, the Vanilla Birthday Nutella Swirl Cake was born. What started as a birthday surprise quickly became a family favorite, requested at every celebration since. It's more than just a cake; it's a memory, a smile, a little bit of Lily's infectious joy baked into every slice.
The best part about this cake is that its surprisingly easy to make, even if you're not a seasoned baker. The vanilla cake itself is simple and straightforward, providing a perfect canvas for the rich, chocolatey Nutella swirl. And the sprinkles? Well, those are just pure, unadulterated fun! Seriously, who can resist a cake covered in sprinkles? The combination of flavors and textures is simply divine – the soft, moist cake, the creamy Nutella frosting, and the satisfying crunch of sprinkles. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and its surprisingly easy to make, even if your baking skills are, shall we say, developing.
Celebrate any occasion with a Vanilla Birthday Nutella Swirl Cake! This moist vanilla cake features a luscious Nutella swirl frosting and festive sprinkles, making it a delightful treat for birthdays or any special day.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:12 servings
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Trust me, you don't want the cake to stick!
In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Don't rush it; a good creaming is key to a tender cake.
Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent. A lumpy cake is never a good look.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it can lead to a tough cake.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Spread the batter evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them after 30 minutes; oven temperatures can vary.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure cakes are completely cool before frosting.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the Nutella swirl frosting. In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter and 3 cups of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of milk, and beat until light and fluffy. Now, for the magic ingredient...
Gradually beat in 1 cup of Nutella until well combined. Taste and add more Nutella if desired. Can you ever really have too much Nutella?
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top with a generous layer of Nutella swirl frosting.
Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Frost the entire cake with the remaining Nutella swirl frosting.
Decorate the cake with your favorite sprinkles. Get creative and have fun! More sprinkles equals more happiness.
Slice and serve. Enjoy the Nutella-vanilla goodness! I like to pair it with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
📝 Notes
For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the cake batter.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to the Nutella frosting for a mocha flavor.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.