If you want to make a special birthday cake, you probably don't want to start with a store bought cake mix. Usually, these mixes turn out okay, but they aren't quite as rich as a cake made completely from scratch. There are literally thousands of birthday cake recipes, but most of them are variations on a few basic cakes.
Finding the right recipe can be as simple as calling an older relative and asking for instructions on making his or her favorite cake. Here is one recipe for hot milk cake that has been devoured by several generations of happy boys and girls on their birthdays. You will need: one cup of milk, one stick of butter, two cups of sugar, four eggs, two cups of sifted flour, three teaspoons of baking powder, a dash of salt and a teaspoon of vanilla.
To make the cake, heat the milk and butter in a small saucepan. Blend the eggs and sugar together. Gradually blend in the flour and the hot ingredients. Then, blend in the remaining ingredients. Bake the cake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes. When it is cool, frost it with your favorite icing or use a simple topping of a teaspoon of cinnamon mixed with a half cup of sugar.
