23 Years [Guest Baker: Yellow Butter Cake with Chocolate Malt Frosting]

Twenty-three years ago today, I was born. Which, I suppose, makes today my birthday.

I have to admit, this year has been a pretty amazing one.  I am so lucky to have the most wonderful, loving, and supportive family I could ask for, incredible and reliable friends both here in DC and around the country - who I love like family, a pretty spectacular boyfriend, a job I enjoy, my health - which I realize every day is an amazing gift, and, as a result, so much happiness. I'm so grateful for all of my good fortune. 

I can only help that this next year is as wonderful as the last!

photo by Amanda Farr

Speaking of incredible friends - my coworker, Amanda, was so nice and made me a beautiful birthday cake. It just so happened to be exactly what I wanted!  I purchased malt milk powder a few month's back with the hope of trying to make malted chocolate chip cookies, but I just haven't gotten around to it.  When I saw this recipe, I was really hoping Amanda would help me out by giving it a try. What am I going to do when she leaves DC!?

photo by Amanda Farr

The only recommendation Amanda had was to use a little more malt powder, as you couldn't really taste it.  It tasted amazing - like pound cake with chocolate frosting - and I was so excited to get to celebrate my birthday with my amazing coworkers.

photo by Amanda Farr

Tonight I'll get to celebrate with many of my friends in DC and in a few weeks I can celebrate at home with my family!  Thank you to everyone for a great year and many more to come!

Basic Yellow Butter Cake

From She Wears Many Hats

Ingredients

2 3/4 cups flour (I used all-purpose)

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

16 tablespoons (2 sticks) butter, room temperature (I used salted)

1 cup milk, divided

4 eggs

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Lightly whisk together first 4 ingredients; flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.

Add butter and 3/4 cup milk and beat together until just combined. Stop to scrape sides down a couple of times. Do not over beat.

In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs, remaining milk and vanilla extract together. Gradually add to flour/sugar/butter, and mix until just combined. Again, do not over beat.

Divide batter into two greased and parchment lined 9″ baking pans.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.

Chocolate Malt Buttercream Frosting

From She Wears Many Hats

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (again, I used salted)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar)

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 cup malted milk powder

7 tablespoons milk

Instructions

In a mixer, beat butter and vanilla extract together until smooth.

Add in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, malted milk powder, lightly mix.

Gradually add in milk, one tablespoon at at time until smooth.