Well she’s not a baby anymore. I can’t believe my daughter is 8. Turning 8 also coincided with finally being 48 inches. I say “finally” because she has been waiting for that height. 48 inches opens many doors to kids, such as the slide at the community pool, a host of carnival rides and being able to drive an indoor go cart. This is what she wanted to do to celebrate her day. That and making a birthday cake of course.
I went to my trusty Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook that I’ve had for 20 plus years and found this recipe for a Busy Day Cake (aren’t they all?). This was a super easy single layer cake that was perfect for last minute making and decorating. We omitted the broiled coconut topping and went with a classic buttercream frosting. Which of course we needed multiple colors. The birthday girl and brother did it all by themselves. They did a lovely and tasty job.
Busy Day Cake
Makes 8 servings
1 1/3 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cups sugar
2 teasponns baking powder
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
In a bowl combine flour, sugar and baking powder. Add milk, butter, egg and vanilla. Beat on low speed with electric mixture till combined. Beat on medium speed for additional 1 minute. Pour batter into greased and floured 8 x 1 1/2 inch round baking pan.
Bake in 350F oven for 25 to 390 minutes or till a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove cake from pan. Cool thoroughly, then frost and decorate.