How to Make a Vanilla Birthday Cake for ONLY $5!

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is a healthier fat alternative.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Ricotta is a lighter alternative.

Start with all-purpose flour, add sugar, and cornstarch to make the cake tender.

Add baking powder and salt, whisk together the dry ingredients.

For the wet ingredients, add 2 eggs and whole milk.

Add vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mix until well combined.

Fold in sprinkles, reserving some for decoration.

Divide the batter between two greased and floured 8-inch cake pans.

Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until firm and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the frosting by combining sugar, 2 egg whites, light corn syrup, cream of tartar, water, and a pinch of salt over a double boiler.

Stir for about 3-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is cloudy white.

Whip the mixture in a stand mixer on high speed for about 7 minutes until fluffy.

Add vanilla extract to the frosting and fold in.

Level the tops of the cooled cakes before decorating.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens