Confetti Layer Cake Recipe

Are you looking for a show-stopping cake that’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion? Look no further! This Confetti Layer Cake Recipe will not only impress your guests but also satisfy your sweet tooth. Packed with colorful sprinkles and fluffy layers of vanilla cake, this fun and festive dessert is sure to bring joy to any gathering. Keep reading to learn how to make this celebratory cake from scratch, step by step. By the end, you'll be ready to bake a cake that's as stunning as it is delicious!

this Recipe

What is a Confetti Layer Cake?

A Confetti Layer Cake is a soft and moist vanilla cake that’s packed with rainbow sprinkles both inside and out, creating a colorful, festive “confetti” effect. The cake is typically made with multiple layers of tender cake, each one filled with bright sprinkles that melt into the batter as it bakes. When sliced, the inside reveals vibrant pops of color that are sure to delight children and adults alike. The layers are stacked together with creamy, rich frosting, making every bite sweet, flavorful, and fun.

This cake is the perfect choice for birthdays, graduations, or any celebration where you want to add a little extra cheer to the menu. Best of all, it’s not just about appearances—each bite of this confetti cake is moist, buttery, and perfectly sweetened with vanilla flavor.

Ingredients List for Confetti Layer Cake

To bake the perfect Confetti Layer Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150g) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups (750g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
• Pinch of salt
• Extra rainbow sprinkles for decorating

By carefully measuring these ingredients and following the steps, you’ll create a perfectly balanced batter and frosting that come together to create the ultimate confetti cake.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum to ensure the cake holds its shape.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as margarine or a vegan butter substitute. Use almond milk or another dairy-free milk alternative in place of whole milk.
• Sugar Substitutes: For those looking to reduce sugar, you can use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener in the cake batter. However, powdered sugar in the frosting is harder to replace without affecting texture.

Variations:

• Chocolate Confetti Cake: Turn this into a chocolate confetti cake by replacing ½ cup of flour with ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also add chocolate sprinkles or mix white chocolate chips into the batter.
• Fun Flavor Twists: Add a twist by swapping out the vanilla extract for almond, lemon, or coconut extract to change the flavor profile of the cake. Each of these extracts pairs well with the sweet vanilla base.
• Different Sprinkles: Instead of classic rainbow sprinkles, try using pastel sprinkles, themed sprinkles (like stars or hearts), or even metallic sprinkles for an elegant touch.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and substitutions in mind, let’s dive into the actual process of making the perfect Confetti Layer Cake. Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking your colorful masterpiece.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy release once baked.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low speed, add one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the milk. Repeat this process until all the dry ingredients and milk have been added, ending with the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles

Using a spatula, gently fold in the sprinkles, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the sprinkles to bleed color into the batter.

Step 7: Divide and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Confetti Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you followed the previous instructions, you now have perfectly baked layers of cake. Next comes the frosting and assembly, which is just as important for the final presentation and taste.

Step 1: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Once all the sugar has been incorporated, add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Step 2: Level the Cake Layers

Using a serrated knife, level the tops of your cake layers if they’ve domed during baking. This ensures a stable and even stack of layers.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place the first layer of cake on a serving platter or cake board. Spread an even layer of buttercream over the top. Repeat this with the second and third layers, ensuring each one is evenly stacked.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Once the cake layers are assembled, use an offset spatula to apply a thin layer of frosting (the crumb coat) around the sides and top of the cake. This seals in the crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set. Afterward, apply the final, thicker layer of frosting.

Step 5: Decorate with Sprinkles

Press extra rainbow sprinkles into the sides of the cake and scatter some over the top. For a fun touch, you can add larger decorative sprinkles or even edible glitter for a bit of extra sparkle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake and may cause the sprinkles to bleed their colors into the batter.
• Not Leveling the Cake Layers: Uneven layers can cause the cake to tilt or fall apart.
• Using the Wrong Type of Sprinkles: Be sure to use jimmies, which are the long, cylindrical sprinkles. Nonpareils (tiny round sprinkles) can bleed into the batter and ruin the visual effect.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to presenting your Confetti Layer Cake, you want it to look as good as it tastes. Here are a few tips for serving and presentation:

How to Serve Confetti Layer Cake

• Slice Evenly: Use a sharp, long-bladed knife to slice the cake cleanly. Wipe the knife between cuts for a neat presentation.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Pair a slice of confetti cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Add Candles: For birthdays, don’t forget to top the cake with colorful candles to make the celebration even more festive!

Presentation Ideas for Confetti Layer Cake

• Cake Toppers: Use a fun cake topper that matches the occasion. Whether it’s a name banner, number topper, or themed decoration, it can add a personal touch.
• Tiered Stand: Display the cake on a tiered cake stand to elevate it, both literally and figuratively!
• Drip Icing: Consider adding a colorful drip icing effect around the edges of the cake for an extra layer of decoration.

Confetti Layer Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your cold ingredients (like eggs, butter, and milk) are at room temperature before starting. This ensures a smoother batter and even baking.
• Chill the Cake Layers: If you find the cake too crumbly while frosting, place the layers in the fridge for 30 minutes before frosting to make them easier to work with.
• Storage: The frosted cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them for up to 1 month. Just thaw them completely before frosting and assembling.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting?

A: While homemade buttercream offers the best flavor, you can certainly use store-bought frosting to save time.

Q: What type of sprinkles work best?

A: Use rainbow jimmies or confetti-style sprinkles. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed color into the batter.

Conclusion

This Confetti Layer Cake is the ultimate party cake, combining a soft vanilla crumb with bursts of colorful sprinkles and rich, fluffy frosting. Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Now that you have the full recipe, along with tips for avoiding common mistakes and ideas for serving and presentation, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Don't forget to have fun with the decorations and make the cake your own. Happy baking!

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