Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles

Highlighted under: Bakery-Style Treat Recipes

Celebrate your special day with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Perfectly moist and fluffy, it's a treat that everyone will love!

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T18:01:19.912Z

This Vanilla Birthday Cake is not just any cake; it's a celebration in every bite! With its fluffy texture and vibrant rainbow sprinkles, it brings joy to any occasion.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Light and fluffy vanilla cake that melts in your mouth
  • Colorful sprinkles add a festive touch
  • Perfect for birthdays and celebrations

The Perfect Birthday Treat

This Vanilla Birthday Cake is not just a dessert; it's an experience! With its light and fluffy texture, every bite feels like a celebration. Ideal for those special moments, this cake promises to bring smiles to faces young and old. Whether you're hosting a large gathering or an intimate family party, this cake serves as the centerpiece that captures the spirit of joy and festivity.

The addition of rainbow sprinkles elevates this cake from simple to spectacular. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also create a sense of fun that resonates with all ages. Everyone loves the joyful crunch of sprinkles, making it a cake that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s a delightful reminder that birthdays are meant to be celebrated in style!

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure that your Vanilla Birthday Cake turns out perfectly, start with room-temperature ingredients. This includes your butter, eggs, and milk. When these ingredients are at the same temperature, they combine more easily, leading to a smoother batter and a fluffier cake. Additionally, avoid overmixing once you combine the dry ingredients with the wet; this prevents the cake from becoming dense.

Another crucial tip is to properly measure your flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing and ensures you’re using the correct amount, which is essential for achieving that light, airy texture that makes this cake so special.

Serving Suggestions

Once your Vanilla Birthday Cake is frosted and adorned with vibrant sprinkles, it’s ready to shine at your celebration! Serve it with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Pairing it with fresh berries can also balance the sweetness and add a burst of freshness to each slice.

If you're looking to create a themed birthday party, consider using colored plates and napkins that match the sprinkles for a cohesive look. You can even customize the sprinkles to fit a specific color scheme or theme, making your cake not just delicious, but visually stunning as well. This attention to detail enhances the overall festive atmosphere of the celebration.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread frosting on top, then place the second layer and frost the top and sides. Decorate with additional sprinkles.

Slice and serve your beautiful Vanilla Birthday Cake!

Storage Tips

To keep your Vanilla Birthday Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to preserve it for a longer period, consider refrigerating it, which can extend its freshness for about a week. However, make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For those who love to plan ahead, this cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Variations and Add-Ins

While this Vanilla Birthday Cake recipe is perfect as is, feel free to customize it to suit your taste. You can add citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter for a refreshing twist. Alternatively, incorporate chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor that complements the vanilla base beautifully.

For a more decadent experience, consider making a layered cake with different flavored frostings, such as chocolate or strawberry. This allows you to create a cake that not only looks impressive but also offers a variety of flavors that guests will love. Mix and match flavors to make your celebration truly unique!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan option.

Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles

Celebrate your special day with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Perfectly moist and fluffy, it's a treat that everyone will love!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Bakery-Style Treat Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 2 cups granulated sugar
  6. 4 large eggs
  7. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup heavy cream
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

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

Step 03

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Step 06

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.

Step 07

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 09

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.

Step 10

Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread frosting on top, then place the second layer and frost the top and sides. Decorate with additional sprinkles.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g