Go Back
A vibrant two-tiered DIY-themed birthday cake with buttercream frosting, stars, polka dots, balloons, and a personalized topper on a white stand.

DIY Themed Birthday Cake

Adam
This DIY Themed Birthday Cake is a fun and creative way to celebrate special occasions. Customize it with your favorite flavors, colors, and decorations to match any theme!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake Base

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Food coloring

  • For Decoration Customizable
  • Sprinkles edible glitter, or fondant
  • Piping bags and decorating tips
  • Themed cake toppers
  • Melted chocolate or candy melts

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Prepare the Cake Batter

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing until smooth.

Bake the Cake

  • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

  • Beat the softened butter until creamy.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well.
  • Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat until fluffy.
  • If using food coloring, divide the frosting into separate bowls and mix in desired colors.

Assemble and Decorate

  • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting.
  • Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with frosting.
  • Use piping bags and decorating tips to create designs.
  • Add sprinkles, edible glitter, fondant, or themed cake toppers to match your desired theme.

Serve and Enjoy!

  • Slice and serve your beautifully decorated DIY Themed Birthday Cake at your celebration.

Notes

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 12g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugars: 38g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Vitamin A: 10%
  • Calcium: 6%
  • Iron: 6%
Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.
Keyword Birthday party dessert, DIY Themed Birthday Cake, Themed birthday cake