If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, look no further than this Festive Vanilla Cake with Confetti Sprinkles and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe. This cake is a delightful combination of tender, buttery vanilla layers paired with a luxuriously smooth buttercream, all topped with colorful sprinkles that bring instant joy. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special moment, this recipe blends classic flavors with a playful twist that’s sure to brighten up your table and put smiles on every face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Festive Vanilla Cake with Confetti Sprinkles and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe lies in its use of simple, high-quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the soft cake crumb to the creamy frosting and the vibrant sprinkles that finish the look.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb for the cake layers.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to both cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the buttercream.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Help bind the ingredients and create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cake and buttercream with a fragrant, classic flavor.
- Buttermilk (room temperature): Gives the cake a subtle tang and enhances softness.
- Large egg whites: Whipped to add lightness and smoothness to the buttercream.
- Confetti sprinkles: Bring that cheerful, festive look that makes this cake especially fun.
- Nonpareils: Tiny, crunchy sugar beads for texture and decoration.
How to Make Festive Vanilla Cake with Confetti Sprinkles and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper. This ensures your cake layers will release easily after baking, making the assembly process smooth and frustration-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting this aside is key so you can incorporate it evenly into the wet mixture later, which helps avoid overmixing and keeps the texture light and tender.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer on medium-high speed, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air, giving your cake that wonderfully soft crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and cohesive. Stir in the vanilla extract for that signature fragrant note.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, alternating between the two, and always starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined; overmixing can make the cake tough. This gentle approach ensures your layers stay light and tender.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and place them in the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here is crucial so the buttercream doesn’t melt when applied.
Step 6: Whip the Vanilla Buttercream
For the frosting, whisk the egg whites and sugar over a simmering water bath until the mixture is hot and the sugar dissolves. Then, whip it until you achieve stiff, glossy peaks. Gradually add the butter while continuing to whip, followed by the vanilla extract, until the buttercream is smooth, creamy, and perfect for spreading.
Step 7: Assemble and Decorate Your Cake
Frost the completely cooled cake layers generously with the vanilla buttercream. Finally, sprinkle confetti sprinkles and nonpareils all over the top to get that fun and festive vibe. This part is where your cake truly comes alive and becomes a centerpiece of any celebration.
How to Serve Festive Vanilla Cake with Confetti Sprinkles and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
Garnishes
A vibrant shower of confetti sprinkles and tiny nonpareils adds not just color but a playful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky buttercream. You can also add fresh berries or edible flowers for an elegant twist if you’re looking to dress it up.
Side Dishes
This vanilla cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness. A light, fruity sparkling wine or a cup of rich coffee also complements the flavors and makes the experience even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, try stacking the two cake layers with extra buttercream swirls peeking out at the edges and sprinkle some confetti on the serving plate as well. Using colorful cake stands or cake domes can add a festive flair, making your Festive Vanilla Cake with Confetti Sprinkles and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe a true celebration showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the buttercream fresh and prevent it from drying out, refrigeration is recommended if you plan to keep it longer, but bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Want to save this delight for later? You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to three months. Once thawed completely in the fridge, freshen them up with homemade buttercream and confetti sprinkles. If you want to freeze the whole frosted cake, it’s best to freeze it covered gently with plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Because this is a delicate vanilla cake with a buttery frosting, reheating isn’t necessary and can affect the texture negatively. Instead, allow chilled slices to reach room temperature to enjoy that moist crumb and buttery sweetness at its finest.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can but to mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of regular milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, then use. This helps maintain the tender texture and slight tang that buttermilk provides.
Is it safe to use raw egg whites in the buttercream?
Since the egg whites are heated over a simmering water bath until hot and the sugar dissolves, this process makes the meringue safe to eat by eliminating potential bacteria. If concerned, use pasteurized egg whites available in cartons as an alternative.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that’s meant for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture.
What makes this buttercream different from regular buttercream?
This vanilla buttercream is an Italian meringue buttercream, which is fluffier, less sweet, and more stable than traditional buttercream. The hot sugar syrup whipped with egg whites creates a silky smooth, airy texture that melts on your tongue.
Can I use sprinkles other than confetti or nonpareils?
Definitely! You can customize the cake’s look with any sprinkles you like—jimmies, pearls, or even edible glitter. Just pick colors that complement your theme to keep it festive and fun.
Final Thoughts
This Festive Vanilla Cake with Confetti Sprinkles and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe is one of those joyous bakes that instantly lifts the mood and adds a spark to any occasion. Its classic yet playful character makes it a favorite in my kitchen and I’m sure it can become a go-to treat at yours too. Give it a try and delight your friends and family with every colorful, buttery bite!
Print
Festive Vanilla Cake with Confetti Sprinkles and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Vanilla Cake is a moist and fluffy treat perfect for any celebration. It features a tender crumb made from simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, paired with a rich, smooth vanilla buttercream frosting decorated with colorful confetti sprinkles and nonpareils for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
Buttercream Frosting
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Decoration
- Confetti sprinkles
- Nonpareils
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This incorporates air and creates a light texture. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently after each addition until just combined to avoid overmixing and creating a dense cake.
- Bake: Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Once baked, cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Buttercream: To prepare the frosting, whisk the egg whites and granulated sugar together over a pot of simmering water until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm to the touch. Then, using a mixer, whip the mixture to stiff peaks. Gradually add the room temperature butter, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once the cake layers have completely cooled, spread a generous amount of vanilla buttercream on top of one layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake evenly with the remaining buttercream. Decorate the cake with colorful confetti sprinkles and nonpareils for a fun and festive finish.
Notes
- Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Use fresh egg whites for the buttercream to achieve the best stability and texture.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For extra moisture, brush each cake layer with a simple syrup before frosting.
