Mini Birthday Cake Recipe: Easy and Delicious

When I was dreaming up our most recent photo shoot I knew I wanted my girl Katie to make a mini birthday cake for the perfect happy-three-year photo opp. And let me tell you, this thing was not only cute, it was unbelievably delicious. Which, naturally meant I wanted to share the recipe she used with youy! Because you need this thing in your life. Trust me.

So from my dearest Katie, to you. Enjoy!

For cake:

2 c cake flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c granulated sugar, 1/2 cup set aside.
1 c sour cream, room temperature                                                                              1 box vanilla pudding mix
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature (soft, but not melted)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
6 large egg whites, room temperature (do not use pasteurized eggs)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line or heavily spray three 6” baking pans.
2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt with 1 cup granulated sugar.
3. Mix the dry ingredients on low for 30 sec to evenly distribute.
4. With the mixer on low, add half the sour cream and mix in the butter one tbsp at a time.
5. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl. With the mixer on low, add the remaining sour cream and vanilla.
6. Increase the speed to medium and beat 3-4 minutes until the batter is light/whipped. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure there are no pockets of unmixed batter.
7. In another bowl, whip the egg whites on medium high until they form soft peaks. Turn the mixer to medium low and slowly add the other 1/2 cup sugar. Return to medium speed and whip the whites to stiff peaks.
8. Fold the whites into the cake base in 3 parts, folding until there are no streaks of egg white. Divide the batter evenly between pans.
9. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean.

 

For icing (from Crisco):

2/3 c Crisco all-vegetable shortening                                                                        1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract                                                                                              1/4 tsp salt                                                                                                                  4 c powdered sugar                                                                                                  5-6 tbsp milk

1) beat shortening, vanilla, and salt in large bowl with mixer on high until fluffy      2) add powdered sugar and beat on sow, gradually adding milk until blended          3) beat on high until smooth and creamy, approximately 3 min

 

For presentation: 

Grab a simple salad plate, some sparkler candles, and get your celebration on!

 

Happy baking!

Katie V. (dear friend of Crystal's and guest blogger!)