If you didn’t know that ‘birthday cake’ is a specific type of cake and not an allencompassing term, you’re not the only one. In New York, I was quick to find out. The much-loved layered cake, also known as funfetti, can now be found in every inspired shape and form, from cake truffles and cookies to sundaes and even croissants.
I became an immediate fan, particularly of the classic, where the delicious and good-looking combination of vanilla cake, buttery frosting and rainbow sprinkles really shines. In my opinion, the best birthday cake is found at Butter & Scotch, a bakery-bar where Allison Kave and Keavy Landreth pour a mean drink to go with the finest cake and pie.
This recipe is from their fantastic book, Butter & Scotch: Recipes from Brooklyn’s Favorite Bar and Bakery (Abrams Books), and they kindly shared it with a tip: ‘Serve with a crisp, dry cava or real-deal Champagne. It’s a great foil to the sweet, creamy richness.’ It is a birthday cake after all.