Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vintage Birthday Cake with Black Ribbon is a stunning celebration centerpiece that combines classic charm with modern elegance. 🎂✨ Its fluffy vanilla layers are frosted with silky buttercream, decorated in vintage piping, and finished with a dramatic black ribbon for a bold, timeless touch. Perfect for milestone birthdays, vintage-themed parties, or when you want a cake that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
Buttercream Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Decor:
Piping tips (star, round, etc.)
Black ribbon (fabric or edible fondant)
Sprinkles or sugar pearls (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
- Stack cake layers with frosting in between. Frost the outside with a smooth layer, then pipe vintage-style swirls or rosettes.
- Tie a black ribbon around the base or apply an edible fondant version for a classic finish.
Servings and Timing
Serves: 12–14
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Decorating Time: 30–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Use chocolate or lemon cake layers for a twist on flavor.
- Tint the buttercream pastel pink, mint, or lavender for a vintage color scheme.
- Add raspberry jam between layers for extra flavor and color.
Storage and Reheating
Store cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving. Can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Do not microwave frosted cake.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake and frost the cake a day in advance and refrigerate. Decorate the day of serving for best appearance.
What’s the best black ribbon to use?
Use a clean fabric ribbon (remove before slicing) or edible fondant for a food-safe finish.
Do I need special piping skills?
Nope! Even simple swirls or ruffles look beautiful and vintage with the right tips.
Conclusion
This Vintage Birthday Cake with Black Ribbon is the perfect blend of nostalgic style and delicious flavor. With its fluffy layers, elegant swirls, and dramatic ribbon, it’s a showstopper that’s sure to wow guests and make any birthday feel extra special.
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