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Birthday Cake with Bows – Elegant, Girly & Perfect for Any Age

Birthday Cake with Bows

This charming cake combines vintage flair and modern elegance, perfect for Sweet 16s, 18th birthdays, or any stylish celebration. Satin bows, pastel buttercream, and delicate accents make this cake a true showstopper.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 1 cake
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup milk room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1-2 tbsp milk or cream to desired consistency
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration
  • satin or fondant bows for decorating
  • edible glitter or pearls optional

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Cake pan
  • Offset Spatula
  • Piping Bag

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pan.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
  3. Mix in the vanilla. Alternate adding flour and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
  4. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely.
  5. Make the frosting: Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla to reach smooth consistency.
  6. Frost the cooled cake smoothly with buttercream. Use pastel colors for a soft aesthetic.
  7. Add bows on top or along the sides. Finish with glitter or pearls for an elegant touch.

Notes

You can swap real bows with edible fondant bows. Customize with colors, numbers, or initials based on the celebration. Perfect for Sweet 16s, 18th and 19th birthdays, or vintage-themed parties.