Confetti Cake Recipe: A Rainbow of Flavor in Every Bite
Baking a confetti cake is a fantastic way to inject joy and color into any celebration. This recipe focuses on achieving a perfectly moist and fluffy cake bursting with rainbow sprinkles, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Let's dive into the details!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields two 9-inch round layers. Feel free to adjust accordingly for different sized pans.
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for decorating)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Rainbow sprinkles for decorating
Baking the Perfect Confetti Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preparing the Batter:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
- Creaming Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender crumb. Use an electric mixer for best results.
- Adding Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternating Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
- Sprinkle Magic: Gently fold in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles. Be careful not to crush them.
Baking the Layers:
- Even Distribution: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Baking Time: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Dreamy Buttercream Frosting:
- Creamy Base: Beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Powdered Sugar Addition: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Milk & Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Assembling Your Confetti Masterpiece:
- Leveling (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to carefully level them.
- Frosting Time: Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of buttercream. Top with the second cake layer.
- Final Frosting: Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream. Get creative! You can use a piping bag for decorative swirls or simply spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle Extravaganza: Decorate the cake with extra rainbow sprinkles.
Tips for Confetti Cake Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming and mixing.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
This recipe will guide you to bake a stunning confetti cake that's as delicious as it is visually appealing. Enjoy the process and the sweet rewards! Happy baking!
