Nothing beats a classic vanilla coffee cake, especially when it is made to celebrate a birthday. This recipe is all about simplicity done right—soft, tender crumb, warm vanilla flavor, and a buttery streusel that melts into every bite. It is the kind of cake that feels nostalgic and celebratory at the same time, perfect for those moments when you want a dessert that is unfussy yet completely satisfying. Whether you are serving it alongside a morning cup of coffee or setting it out as a birthday treat, this vanilla coffee cake fits seamlessly into the day.
What I love most about this birthday coffee cake is how versatile it is. The vanilla shines without being overpowering, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages and the ideal base for candles, sprinkles, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. It is equally at home on a brunch table as it is at a birthday gathering, proving that sometimes the best celebrations are centered around familiar flavors made with care. This is the kind of recipe you will come back to year after year, not just for birthdays, but anytime you want a reliable, bakery-style coffee cake that feels special without being complicated.
Ingredients
- Flour— 2-3/4 cups
- Cornstarch— 1 tablespoon
- White Sugar— 1 cup
- 2 Eggs
- Baking Powder— 2 teaspoons
- Baking Soda— 1/2 teaspoon
- Sour Cream— 1/2 cup
- Vegetable Oil— 1/4 cup
- Milk— 1 cup
- Vanilla Extract— 1 teaspoon
- Almond Extract— 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt— 1 teaspoon
- Flour Coated Sprinkles— 1 cup
Streusel
- Flour— 1 cup
- White Sugar— 1/2 cup
- Cold Butter— 6 tablespoons
- Pinch of Salt
- Sprinkles— 1/4 cup
What You’ll Need
- 9 Inch Springform Pan
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- Sifter
How To Make Vanilla Birthday Cake
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- First prepare the streusel. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt then use your hands to work in the cold butter until the texture becomes crumbly and sandy.
- Now work in the sprinkles but don’t overwork or the mixture will turn to a thick paste. Keep the streusel in the fridge as the batter is being made.
- Pour the batter into a well greased 9-inch springform pan then cover with an even layer of streusel, coating all exposed areas of the cake (especially the sides).
- Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick making sure it comes out clean. Allow it to rest for at least an hour. This can be up to two hours depending on the temperature of your kitchen.
Notes
Coat sprinkles in a teaspoon of flour before adding them to the batter, this will prevent sinking.
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