Easy birthday cake recipe

Spread a bit of icing on a cake stand or platter. Place an 8-in. cake layer on stand. Spread 1 1⁄2 cups icing on cake to edges. Top with second 8-in. cake. Spread a layer of icing on top and sides of cake, smoothing surface with a palette knife or spatula. Cut 4 straws to the height of the 8-in. cake. Poke straws into the centre of cake, about 3 in. apart. They should just reach the top of the cake and will help hold up the second tier. Place the 6-in. cake board on the centre of larger cake.

Cut 4 straws to the height of the 8-in. cake. Poke straws into the centre of cake, about 3 in. apart. They should just reach the top of the cake and will help hold up the second tier. Place the 6-in. cake board on the centre of larger cake. Spread a bit of icing on cake board. Place a 6-in. cake layer on board. Spread 3⁄4 cup icing on cake to edges. Top with second 6-in. cake.

Spread remaining icing on tops and sides of cake, smoothing surface. Decorate cake with assorted colours of chocolate disks.

Making a birthday cake from scratch gets a whole lot easier with this easy how-to. Follow these simple directions to assemble a pretty dessert to serve on the big day! Get the recipe here: Vanilla Birthday Cake with Buttercream Icing

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