When it comes to birthdays, there’s nothing quite like the taste of a delicious cake. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat your friends and family to something sweet, a homemade cake is always a hit.

If you’re looking to impress your guests with a show-stopping birthday cake, this recipe is sure to do the trick. It starts with a simple vanilla cake batter and is filled with a creamy strawberry mousse, topped with a luscious whipped cream frosting. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to make any birthday celebration a hit.

To start, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease two 9-inch cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 4 eggs, one at a time, until combined.

Next, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two batches, alternating with 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before assembling.

To make the strawberry mousse, combine 1 pint of fresh strawberries and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a blender. Blend until smooth and then pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds. In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the strawberry puree until combined.

To assemble the cake, place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread the strawberry mousse over the cake, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edge. Place the second layer of cake on top and press down lightly.

Finally, make the whipped cream frosting. In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the frosting over the entire cake, using an offset spatula.

This delicious birthday cake is sure to be a hit with your guests. The combination of sweet vanilla cake and creamy strawberry mousse is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. Serve with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special treat. Enjoy!