Sparkling Sprinkle Cake Recipe: A Joy-Filled Sweet Treat

Sweet memories dance through my childhood with this delightful sprinkle cake that sparkles with colorful nostalgia.

Childhood birthday parties always seemed magical when these vibrant desserts arrived at the table.

Soft vanilla layers promise a delectable adventure for anyone seeking pure joy.

Multicolored specks embedded throughout create visual excitement and tempt eager taste buds.

Baking this cake feels like crafting an edible celebration that brings smiles to everyone.

Simple ingredients combine into something wonderfully whimsical and playful.

Storage Tips for Sprinkle Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or cake dome to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual cake layers or whole frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. Ensure room is cool and dry to prevent spoilage.
• Separate slices and store in sealed containers or wrap separately in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for quick grab-and-go treats that stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Sprinkle Cake FAQs

• Why do I need to cream butter and sugar together?

Creaming helps incorporate air into the mixture, creating a lighter, fluffier cake texture that’s soft and tender.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the cake from becoming too salty.

• How can I prevent sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss sprinkles in a little flour before folding into the batter to help them stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.

• What's the purpose of the crumb coat when frosting?

The crumb coat seals in cake crumbs and creates a smooth base layer, ensuring a cleaner and more professional-looking final frosting.

Sprinkle Cake That Brings Joy

• Create Colorful Memories: This sprinkle cake bursts with rainbow excitement, perfect for birthdays, parties, or any moment needing extra cheer.
• Bake with Ease: Straightforward instructions make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Kid-Friendly Delight: Mixing rainbow sprinkles into the batter creates a magical, playful experience that children will absolutely love helping prepare.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: The vibrant cake delivers stunning visual appeal with its colorful interior and sprinkle-decorated exterior, guaranteed to impress guests and spark conversation.

Ingredients for Sprinkle Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the sprinkle cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender cake crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Milk: Creates a smooth batter and adds tenderness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Gives a classic, warm flavor to the cake.

• Rainbow Sprinkles: Adds colorful fun and festive visual appeal to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet buttercream frosting.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the buttercream frosting light and creamy.
• Food Coloring: Optional ingredient for customizing frosting color.

Instructions to Bake Sprinkle Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F. Grab two round cake pans and give them a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust with flour so the cake won’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set this bowl aside for later magic.

Step 3: Create Butter Base

In a separate large bowl, whip butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Drop in eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each egg. Splash in vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly blend dry ingredients into your butter mixture. Pour in milk between flour additions. Gently fold in colorful rainbow sprinkles, creating a party in your batter.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Slide into the heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 6: Whip Up Buttercream

Beat softened butter until super smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add heavy cream and vanilla, whipping until frosting looks light and dreamy. Optional: Add food coloring for extra fun.

Step 7: Decorate and Finish

Apply a thin frosting layer (crumb coat) and chill for 30 minutes. Cover cake with final frosting layer, spreading evenly. Shower cake with extra sprinkles for a festive touch.

Pro Tips for Sprinkle Cake Success

• Prevent Sprinkle Sinking: Toss rainbow sprinkles in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Achieve Smooth Frosting: Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to create clean, smooth buttercream edges for a professional-looking finish.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a more consistent batter and achieve better cake texture.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold flour mixture and mix just until combined to prevent a tough, dense cake texture.
• Store Smartly: Keep the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Fun Variations for Sprinkle Cake

• Gluten-Free Sprinkle Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Celebration Cake: Swap butter for coconut oil, eggs for flax eggs, and use dairy-free milk and vegan buttercream to create a plant-based version of this festive treat.
• Chocolate Sprinkle Cake: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter and use chocolate buttercream for a rich, decadent alternative that still maintains the playful sprinkle aesthetic.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use a reduced-sugar frosting to create a lighter version of the classic sprinkle cake.

Pairings That Complement Sprinkle Cake

• Savor Sweet Celebration Companions
• Pair Sprinkle Cake with chilled vanilla bean milkshake for nostalgic childhood flavor burst that complements the cake's sugary rainbow sprinkles.
• Match Sparkling Wine Delight: Select light prosecco or champagne to enhance the cake's playful texture and add elegant effervescence to each delightful bite.
• Create Coffee Contrast: Serve with rich espresso or smooth cappuccino to balance the cake's sweetness and provide a sophisticated adult twist to this whimsical dessert.
• Complement Fruity Finish: Add fresh strawberry or raspberry coulis on the side to introduce bright, tangy notes that cut through the buttercream's richness.

Sprinkle Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Magical Sprinkle Cake brings childhood whimsy to dessert tables with its playful rainbow confetti and buttery vanilla layers. Delightful crumbs melt in your mouth, inviting sweet memories and joyful celebrations for anyone craving pure sugary happiness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavoring:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cake base by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing two 9-inch round cake pans with grease and flour coating.
2. Combine dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, setting the mixture aside for later use.
3. In a separate large bowl, thoroughly blend butter and granulated sugar until achieving a light, airy consistency.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition and mixing in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually fold the flour mixture into the butter blend, alternating with milk and maintaining a smooth texture. Gently fold rainbow sprinkles throughout the batter.
6. Distribute the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, ensuring balanced layers.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center that should emerge clean.
8. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Create buttercream frosting by whipping softened butter until creamy and smooth.
10. Gradually integrate powdered sugar, then add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
11. Once cakes are completely cooled, apply a thin initial frosting layer (crumb coat) and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
12. Complete the cake by applying a final, even frosting layer across the entire surface.
13. Embellish the cake’s exterior with additional sprinkles for a vibrant, celebratory appearance.

Notes

• Gently fold sprinkles into the batter at the last moment to prevent color bleeding and maintain their vibrant appearance.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent cake texture.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain cake’s soft structure.
• Reduce sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but keep proportions balanced to maintain cake’s moisture and crumb.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 364 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 162 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg