Go Back
Pink bow birthday cake with fluffy vanilla layers, creamy buttercream frosting, and decorative pink fondant bow on top

Pink Bow Birthday Cake

A stunning vanilla layer cake decorated with pink buttercream bows and rosettes, perfect for celebrating any special birthday with elegance and sweetness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 485
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cups whole milk
  • 6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Pink gel food coloring

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans, then line with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
  3. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  8. Beat room temperature butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and pink food coloring.
  9. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add second layer and frost entire cake.
  10. Use a piping bag with star tip to create decorative pink bows and rosettes around the cake edges.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. The buttercream can be made one day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.