There are three birthdays within a week in my family. In honor of this festive occasion, Recipe Thursday features cake. I love dense cakes with fruit in between the layers, so that’s what we’re serving up today. Don’t forget the candles!
3-Layer Birthday Cake
1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
4 egg yolks, beaten
4 egg whites
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 350F/175c. Grease and flour three 9 inch round cake pans. Cream the butter and 1 cup of the sugar in a large bowl, then add beaten egg yolks. Sift dry ingredients. Add to butter mixture alternating with milk. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then add 1 cup sugar. Fold into cake batter. Pour into pans. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted comes out clean.
Decorating options
Kristen’s favorite: Between the layers, spread your favorite “all fruit” jam. Sprinkle top with powdered sugar.
Elegant: Roll out marzipan or almond paste for between the layers. Coat with chocolate glaze and top with whole almonds.
Fresh: Arrange sliced strawberries and whipped cream between the layers; top with piped whipped cream and whole strawberries—eat immediately.
Dainty: Spread lemon-flavored buttercream between the layers. Ice with rose-flavored buttercream and top with fresh or candied flowers.
Zou’s choice: Spread the layers with buttercream icing and peanut butter. Ice the top and sides with chocolate buttercream and decorate with peanut brittle.
I will be baking a cake for my Grandparents 60th Anniv. on Sat. I think I will try this recipe, it sounds wonderful!! Thanks.
Posted by: Heidi on March 27, 2003 11:18 AMWhat the heck, it’s everybodies birthday lately…I had three friends with birthdays yesterday, and it was my moms birthday three days before….
Posted by: Ian on March 27, 2003 01:43 PMHeidi - 60 years! That’s fantastic. Wish them a very happy anniversary for me. :-)
Ian - Maybe it’s to do with so many June weddings?
Posted by: kuri on March 27, 2003 01:50 PMWhat does one do if one is sans-oven? *sigh* the joys of Japanese apartment life!!
Posted by: Tracey on March 27, 2003 03:47 PMAlright, I did the jam layer for H’s bd cake last night. It was enjoyed by all. My cake? Duncan Hines Moist. The recipe goes like this: Tear top off box. Rip open bag. Empty bag contents into mixing bowl. Add 2 eggs, 1 1/3 c. of water. Mix. Pour into greased and floured pans. Bake. Keep away from cats while cooling.
Posted by: Jenn on March 28, 2003 03:44 AM