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Easy Birthday Cake

Festive birthday cake with spongy layers and homemade buttercream, served on a clear glass Anyday dish
PT5M PT11M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

11-12 mins

Free Time

to decorate with streamers and balloons

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Easy Birthday Cake

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Need a fast and easy birthday cake? This microwave birthday cake comes out soft, fluffy, and ready in minutes—no oven needed! Each layer cooks in an Anyday dish, so you get a homemade cake without the hassle.

Top the cake with homemade buttercream for a bakery-style look, or keep it simple with store-bought frosting. Whether it’s a big celebration or just a sweet craving, this small-batch birthday cake is a winner!

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Pairs well with

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-7" Cake
  • 1-7" Cake
  • 1-8" Cake
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w
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Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

For the cake


  • 1-15.25 ounce box vanilla sprinkle cake mix, plus ingredients called for on the back of the box

For the frosting


  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened
  • 2½ cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles, for decoration (optional)

Preparation

  1. Lightly grease an Anyday dish with cooking spray and line the bottom with a parchment paper circle.
  2. In a separate bowl, prepare the cake batter according to the package directions.
  3. For a 7” cake (Medium Deep or Medium Shallow): Pour half of the batter into the Anyday dish and microwave uncovered for minutes per cake, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Repeat with the remaining batter.
  4. Let the cakes cool completely in the dish before unmolding and frosting, about 10-15 minutes.
  5. While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting: In a bowl, whisk the butter (or mix with a hand mixer) until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla, and mix until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. If the frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar in ½ cup increments.
  6. Once cooled, unmold each cake layer. Using a serrated knife, carefully slice each cake layer in half horizontally.
  7. Place one layer on a clean plate and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Suggestions

  • Turn it into cake pops: Crumble the cooked cake and mix with frosting until a moldable mixture forms. Roll into golf ball-sized rounds, chill for 10 minutes, then coat in melted chocolate.
  • Layer into a trifle: Cut the cake into pieces and layer with fresh fruit, frosting, and whipped cream or pudding in an Anyday dish for an easy, elegant dessert.
  • Turn it into French toast: Dip slices of cake in a mixture of milk, egg, and cinnamon, then microwave until warm and custardy for a fun twist on French toast.
  • Create a cake milkshake: Blend cake with vanilla ice cream and milk for a rich and creamy cake-flavored milkshake.

Recipe Notes

  • Make microwave cupcakes: Use a 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Tray to create easy microwave cupcakes. Grease each cavity with nonstick spray, fill halfway with batter, and microwave for 1-2 minutes per tray until a toothpick comes out clean. Turn onto a cooling rack and repeat with the remaining batter.
  • Forgot to set out the butter? Use an Anyday dish to soften butter quickly and evenly in the microwave. Transfer the sticks of butter to an Anyday dish, cover with the lid (knob lifted), and microwave on full power for 10-15 seconds, or until softened. Add time in 10-second increments if necessary.
  • Short on time? Store-bought frosting works! Whip a can of frosting with ½ cup of powdered sugar for a thicker, spreadable texture. It should hold its shape on a spatula—if it’s too loose, add more powdered sugar.
  • For an extra-moist cake, brush each layer with simple syrup while it’s still warm.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Birthday Cake in the Microwave

Can I bake a boxed cake mix in the microwave?

Yes! Boxed cake mixes work very well in the microwave. Prepare the batter by following the instructions on the back of the package. Pour the batter into an Anyday dish and microwave for an easy, foolproof cake that’s ready in minutes.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it needs more time, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until completely cooked. Let it cool completely before unmolding and frosting.

Can I make a layered cake in the microwave?

Yes, you can make a layered cake in the microwave! Start by dividing the batter and cooking it in batches. This will allow you to stack and frost the layers like a traditional cake. Use a serrated knife to slice each cake in half horizontally for more layers.

What’s the best way to frost a microwave cake?

To frost a microwave cake, you must first allow the layers to cool. Once the cake is ready, make a smooth and fluffy frosting that's easy to spread. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat softened butter with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until creamy.

Can I customize the cake flavor?

Yes! You can use any boxed cake mix flavor or make your own from scratch. Try adding sprinkles for a funfetti-style cake. For chocolate, mix in cocoa powder or chocolate chips. For a fresh twist, try citrus zest like lemon or lime.

How do I store leftover birthday cake?

Store leftover cake in an Anyday dish with the lid on at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If needed, soften slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

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