Ever realized you’re turning fifty and thought, “Time for the best cake ever”? This 50th birthday cake is exactly that—bold, celebratory, and perfect for making the milestone glow 🎉.
Why this 50th birthday cake is awesome
This cake blends rich dark chocolate, fizzy champagne-infused frosting, and a hint of raspberry zing. It’s elegant, easy, and so impressive your guests will think you hired a pro. How’s that for turning 50 in style?
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups sugar
- ¾ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or yogurt)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup strong coffee (hot)
Champagne Frosting & Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temp
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp champagne or sparkling wine
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Topping
- Fresh raspberries
- Edible gold flakes (optional glam)
Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
Here’s where you’d link to Amazon:
- 2 × 9″ cake pans
- Electric mixer (stand or hand)
- Mixing bowls
- Offset spatula
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
- Cake turntable (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease pans.
- Whisk flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt.
- Beat sugar, eggs, buttermilk, oil, vanilla until smooth.
- Add dry mix, then stir in hot coffee—batter should flow like glory.
- Divide into pans, bake 30–35 mins. Test with a toothpick (tiny crumbs are good).
- Cool completely then level tops.
- Make frosting: beat cream cheese & butter, slowly add powdered sugar, then champagne.
- Spread jam on first layer, top with frosting, add second layer, finish full coverage.
- Decorate with raspberries and optional gold flakes. Chill 15 mins before serving.
Calories & Nutritional Info (per slice, 12 servings)
- ~420 kcal
- Carbs: 50 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Protein: 5 g
Tip: Use light cream cheese & less sugar to lighten it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dry cake? Don’t over-bake—stick toothpick with a few moist crumbs left.
- Frosting too runny? Make sure cream cheese and butter are room temp but not melted.
- Jam seeping? Cool cake completely before adding filling.
- Decoration sliding? Chill frosting first so raspberries stay put.
Variations & Customizations
- Keto-friendly: Use almond flour, erythritol, and swap jam for low-sugar berry puree.
- Mocha indulgence: Add 2 tsp instant espresso to batter.
- Berry lover: Add fresh raspberries between layers.
- Nutty crunch: Fold chopped pistachios into frosting.
- Citrus twist: Use orange zest in cake and frosting.
FAQ Section
- Can I bake ahead? Yes, layers freeze solid; thaw before assembly.
- How long does it keep? Refrigerated, it lasts up to 4 days—sealed.
- Non-alcohol option? Swap champagne for orange juice or cream.
- Can I use boxed cake mix? Sure, but add coffee for extra richness.
- Room-temperature serving? Bring to room temp 30 mins before.
- Egg-free substitute? Use egg replacer or flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water each).
- Make it dairy-free? Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.
Final Thoughts
Congrats on making a cake for the big 5-0! 🎈 This 50th birthday cake is stunning, tasty, and totally brag-worthy. Bake, snap, and let the celebration begin—because turning 50 never tasted better!