If you have been searching for a show-stopping dessert that brings both nostalgia and joy, you have found it with this Vanilla Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting and Confetti Sprinkles Recipe. This cake is a perfect harmony of soft, moist vanilla layers and a luxuriously smooth buttercream that practically melts in your mouth. Topped with colorful confetti sprinkles, it’s not just a cake; it’s a party on a plate that instantly brightens any gathering or casual afternoon treat. Once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to for celebrations big and small, guaranteed to impress every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you dive into baking, let’s take a moment to appreciate the simplicity yet importance of each ingredient. Every item plays a vital role, from creating the tender crumb of the cake to achieving that luscious, creamy frosting and the whimsical sprinkle finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake’s fluffy but sturdy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise perfectly, ensuring lightness in every bite.
- Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, room temperature: Adds richness and moisture, crucial for both cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the buttercream’s glossy finish.
- Large eggs, room temperature: Provide structure and richness, also aiding in a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Offers the essence of warmth and depth that makes this cake truly special.
- Buttermilk, room temperature: Makes the cake tender and adds subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- Egg whites: Whipped into the buttercream to give it that light, airy texture.
- Confetti sprinkles and nonpareils: For that joyful, celebratory pop of color and texture on top.
How to Make Vanilla Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting and Confetti Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pans
Begin 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 cakes release easily and come out with smooth edges, ready to impress.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt, which allow the cake to rise properly and develop balanced flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer on medium-high speed, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, which is key for a light cake texture. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each to maintain an even batter, then stir in the vanilla extract for that signature fragrant note.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mixing just until combined keeps the cake tender rather than dense or tough—a subtle but important detail.
Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling fully before frosting helps the buttercream glide on flawlessly.
Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting
For the luxurious buttercream, whisk the egg whites and granulated sugar over simmering water until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is warm to the touch. Then whip this mixture to stiff peaks before gradually adding the butter and vanilla extract. The result is a silky, airy frosting that holds its shape beautifully and tastes heavenly.
Step 7: Assemble and Decorate
Spread a generous layer of buttercream between the cooled cake layers, then frost the outside evenly. The finishing touch is a playful shower of confetti sprinkles and nonpareils, transforming this cake into a joyful centerpiece filled with vibrant colors and happy memories.
How to Serve Vanilla Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting and Confetti Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your vanilla celebration cake with extra vanilla bean pods or edible flowers alongside the sprinkles. Fresh berries on the side add a natural sweetness and a pop of color that complements the cheerful sprinkles perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing accompaniments like lemonade, berry-infused iced tea, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Such combinations help balance the richness of the buttercream while keeping the overall joy of the dessert intact.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking mini versions of this cake for a whimsical dessert buffet or piping buttercream rosettes around the edges for a sophisticated twist. Serving slices on colorful plates or with edible gold leaf accents will impress your guests and elevate any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Vanilla Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting and Confetti Sprinkles Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the cake moist and fresh for up to 3 days without any loss of flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw completely before frosting to maintain that tender crumb. Frosted cake slices can also be frozen individually, just be sure to thaw slowly in the fridge.
Reheating
While reheating isn’t necessary for this cake, if you prefer a slightly warm slice, leave it at room temperature before serving. Microwaving for a few seconds is possible but do so cautiously, as frosting can melt quickly.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity and tenderness effect in the cake.
Is this buttercream safe to eat raw?
This buttercream is an Italian meringue style, meaning the egg whites are cooked with sugar over heat, making it safe to consume without concern.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking, ensuring it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for best results.
How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can bake the cakes and make the frosting up to 2 days ahead, storing each separately in the fridge. Assemble right before serving for the freshest taste and appearance.
What’s the best way to get the sprinkles to stick?
Apply sprinkles immediately after frosting the cake while the buttercream is still soft. Gently press them into the frosting so they adhere well and create an even coating.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly joyful about baking and sharing this Vanilla Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting and Confetti Sprinkles Recipe. It invites smiles, celebrations, and memorable moments with every bite. I hope you’ll enjoy making this cake as much as eating it, creating countless happy occasions around it with your loved ones.
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Vanilla Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting and Confetti Sprinkles Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic vanilla cake recipe produces moist, fluffy layers with a rich vanilla flavor, topped with a smooth and creamy homemade vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations, the cake is beautifully adorned with colorful confetti sprinkles and nonpareils, adding a festive touch to an already delightful dessert.
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 cake pans, then line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes bake evenly and are easy to remove from the pans.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make Buttercream: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, whisk together the egg whites and 1 1/2 cups sugar until the mixture is hot and the sugar has dissolved (about 3-5 minutes). Remove the bowl from heat and whip the mixture at high speed until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the softened 2 cups unsalted butter, a few tablespoons at a time, continuing to whip until the frosting is smooth and glossy. Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Assemble and Decorate: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of the vanilla buttercream. Place the second layer on top and continue frosting the top and sides of the cake. Finish by decorating with confetti sprinkles and nonpareils to create a festive look.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best mixing results, especially the eggs, butter, and buttermilk.
- The egg whites for the buttercream are cooked gently over simmering water for safety and to dissolve the sugar, which creates a smooth frosting texture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- For even cake layers, rotate the pans halfway through baking.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
