Single Layer Birthday Cake Recipe

This Single Layer Birthday Cake is a fun and simple chocolate cake with a festive twist, flavored with almond extract and white cranberry juice, frosted, and topped with colorful jimmies. A unique soda bottle decoration makes it perfect for celebrations, ready in about 1 hour.

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Single Layer Birthday Cake Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 oz.) box chocolate cake mix (recommended: Betty Crocker)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 tsp. almond extract, divided
• 1/2 cup white cranberry juice
• 1 (16 oz.) can white frosting or chocolate frosting
• Colorful jimmies
• 2 old-fashioned glass soda bottles (1 cola, 1 lemon-lime)

How To Make Single Layer Birthday Cake

1. Prepare the Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C/gas 4). Lightly spray two 8-inch round baking pans with baking spray and set aside.
2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract, and white cranberry juice. Using an electric mixer, beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 32–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely in the pans on a wire rack.
4. Prepare the Soda Bottle Decoration: Once cooled, use a cookie cutter or water glass to cut a circle from one cake layer, sized to fit the base of a soda bottle (the bottle will nest into the cake later).
5. Frost the Cake: In a bowl, mix the frosting with the remaining 1 tsp. almond extract. Frost the entire surface of both cakes (stacking them if desired or using one layer with the cutout). Sprinkle colorful jimmies over the frosted cake.
6. Assemble and Serve: Insert one soda bottle (cola or lemon-lime) into the cutout hole in the cake. Serve at room temperature, slicing carefully around the bottle.

Recipe Tips

• Why use white cranberry juice? It adds a subtle tartness and moisture, enhancing the cake’s flavor with the almond extract.
• How do I know the cake is done? A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, and the cake should spring back lightly when touched.
• Can I make this ahead? Bake the cakes a day ahead and store wrapped at room temperature. Frost and decorate on the day of serving for best results.
• What if I don’t have soda bottles? Skip the bottle decoration or use a clean, food-safe glass bottle or a small decorative item as a centerpiece.

What To Serve With Single Layer Birthday Cake

This festive cake pairs wonderfully with:

• A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for extra indulgence
• A glass of milk or sparkling soda to complement the soda bottle theme
• Fresh berries for a light, colorful side

How To Store Single Layer Birthday Cake

Room Temperature: Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, especially if using white frosting, which may contain dairy. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.

Single Layer Birthday Cake Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)

• Calories: ~400 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~60g
• Protein: ~4g
• Fat: ~15g
• Saturated Fat: ~4g
• Sugar: ~45g
• Fiber: ~1g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods used.

FAQs

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