Birthdays are meant to be celebrated. Cakes are meant to be eaten. Parties are meant to be enjoyed. One day out of each year is dedicated to you alone (well, unless you are a twin!). Some of my birthdays have been wonderful – celebrated with friends, out on the town, and even some surprises! Some have been days that I just wanted to get through. When my friends have birthdays, I enjoy trying to make the day special for them. The best way I know how to do this it by making a cake that they personally request or that I am sure they will enjoy.
Being a continent away from friends makes it more difficult to celebrate and to make their day special. Such is the case today. I am far away from a good friend, but nevertheless hope to do what I can to make it special by making a cake he would be sure to enjoy if he could have a bite.
Aunque no puedo estar contigo por tu dia feliz, quise hacer algo para sepas que eres un amigo muy especial. Muchisimas gracias por tu amistad y espero que tengas un feliz cumpleaños hoy!
Cocoa Buttermilk Cake
Adapted from SunsetMakes a 2-layer 8-inch cake
6 tablespoons of butter, softened
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 1/2 cups of flour
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
2 teaspoons of baking powder
1/2 teaspoon of salt
2/3 cup buttermilk
1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. In a mixer, combine butter and sugar; beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing about 30 seconds in between each egg. Add vanilla and mix in as well.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add a third of the flour mixture to the butter mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk. Add another third of the flour mixture, the rest of the buttermilk and the remaining flour mixture.
4. Divide into 2 8-inch cake pans coated with cooking spray. (Cover with a wax paper circle and coat with additional cooking spray, if desired.) Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when tested.
5. Remove from oven and cool in pans for 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove from pans, transfer to wire rack and cool completely.
Peanut Butter Buttercream Frosting
Adapted from WiltonMakes about 3 cups
1/3 cup of shortening
1/3 cup of butter
3/4 cup of peanut butter
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
4 cups of powdered sugar
6 tablespoons milk
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together shortening and butter until well combined. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, beat until combined. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating between each addition (frosting will be stiff & dry). Add milk, one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Use to frost the layer of cake and top with chocolate jimmies.
Oh wow this cake looks so so good. was just searching for a cake with peanut butter frosting
Ha I share my birthday with a sister I m a twin that means I only have half the cake 
Chocolate and peanut butter are just a natural for a delicious birthday cake.
That looks AMAZING! I love anything with Peanut Butter!!! YUM!
Um… yeah. Can I just say, that I wish it was my birthday and that I lived next door to you?!
Looks delicious. Oh my.
*this is a test to see if this works this time*
here’s hoping…
Amy in Peru
Beautiful cake! That’s my idea of a perfect birthday cake.
I want a birthday cake from you too:)) So nice of you to remember your friend on her special day. Your cake looks great!
You made that delicious cake and he won’t even get to eat it? You little tease! jk, it’s the thought that counts and this was a good one!
I’d gladly take some of that cake for my birthday! Too bad you are far away from your friend, but I’m sure he loves looking at this and knowing it’s for him!
oh, that looks great! i’m sure your friend was so happy you were thinking of him, even if he can’t taste this delicious cake himself!
Wow!! it looks fantastic!!
Everyone would be enjoy with this cake!!
My mother’s birthday is fast approaching and she likes peanut so much. I am now thinking of making this cake for her! Thanks for this wonderful idea!
I love peanut butter and I love buttercream frosting! What a better recipe than that! Thanks for the idea! Will be making this soon!
That looks delicious.I bet that made their day.I love how there is so much competition out there, even for birthday cakes, because of that we are getting incredible results where ever I look!
My wife;s birthday is right around the corner, i did not know what cake to prepare for her birthday. She loves butterscotch, now i decide to make Chocolate Peanut Butter, thanks for the recipe