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Perfect Dad Joke Cake Recipe Easy Homemade Treat for Father’s Day

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A simple, fun, and delicious cake recipe perfect for Father’s Day, featuring a moist crumb, light cream cheese frosting, and a playful dad joke theme.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Edible markers or food-safe pens (for writing jokes)
  • Fondant or white chocolate sheets (optional)
  • Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk to combine evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and slightly frothy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a rubber spatula or mixing on low speed just until combined.
  5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Tap the pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges pull slightly away from the pan.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  8. Beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, mixing well after each addition. Finish with vanilla extract. Chill frosting for 15 minutes if too soft.
  10. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  11. Place the second layer over it and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula for a smooth finish or a piping bag for decorative edges.
  12. Write or draw your favorite dad jokes on fondant plaques or acetate sheets with edible markers and place them on or around the cake.
  13. Sprinkle colored sugar or sprinkles if desired. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and milk for best texture. Fold dry ingredients gently to avoid a dense crumb. Chill frosting if too soft before applying. Trim domed cake tops for level layers. Tent cake with foil if edges brown too fast. For dairy-free, substitute almond or oat milk and dairy-free cream cheese. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum.

Nutrition

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