Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles

Highlighted under: Homemade Sweets Recipes

Celebrate your special day with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with colorful rainbow sprinkles. A perfect treat for any birthday celebration!

Anna Johnson

Created by

Anna Johnson

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:49:19.270Z

This Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is not just a dessert; it's a celebration! With its fluffy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, this cake is sure to bring joy to those who enjoy it. The added rainbow sprinkles make it visually appealing and perfect for any festive occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Light and fluffy vanilla cake that's a crowd-pleaser
  • Vibrant rainbow sprinkles add a fun touch
  • Perfect for birthdays and celebrations of all kinds

The Perfect Birthday Treat

Nothing quite captures the essence of a birthday celebration like a beautifully crafted cake. This Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is not just a dessert; it's a centerpiece that brings joy and excitement to any gathering. Its light and fluffy texture combined with the sweet, rich vanilla flavor makes it irresistible to both kids and adults alike. The colorful sprinkles add a festive touch, making every slice a delightful surprise.

When planning a birthday party, the cake is often the focal point. It's the moment when everyone gathers around to sing 'Happy Birthday' and share in the joy of the day. This cake is designed for such moments, ensuring that every bite is filled with happiness and celebration. Plus, its straightforward recipe makes it easy for anyone to bake, whether you're a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cake-making for the first time.

Customization and Variations

One of the best aspects of this Vanilla Birthday Cake is its versatility. While the basic recipe is a classic, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or themes. Consider adding different flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, to give your cake a unique twist. You could also incorporate fruit purees or chocolate chips into the batter for added flavor and texture.

For those who enjoy a more decadent treat, try filling the cake with layers of whipped cream, fruit, or even a rich chocolate ganache between the layers. Moreover, you can experiment with the frosting. While a simple buttercream is delightful, you can explore cream cheese frosting or even whipped ganache for a different taste experience. The possibilities are endless, and customization allows you to make this cake truly your own.

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the best results with your Vanilla Birthday Cake, it's essential to follow a few key tips. First, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light and fluffy texture we desire.

Another important tip is to check the doneness of your cakes carefully. Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cakes are ready. Allow them to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)

Make sure to prepare all ingredients before starting the baking process.

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

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

Bake the Cakes

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

Prepare the Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional rainbow sprinkles.

Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy the celebration!

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.

Storing Your Cake

Once your Vanilla Birthday Cake is made, you might be wondering about the best way to store it. If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a particularly hot or humid environment, consider refrigerating it to keep it fresh longer.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Birthday Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Fresh berries or a fruit compote can also complement the cake’s sweetness and add a refreshing contrast.

For a more festive presentation, you can add themed decorations or personalized cake toppers that reflect the birthday celebrant's interests. Whether it's a simple candle arrangement or elaborate decorations, these touches can make the cake even more special and memorable.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, cake flour will give you a lighter texture.

→ How long can I store the cake?

The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use applesauce or a commercial egg replacer as a substitute.

Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles

Celebrate your special day with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with colorful rainbow sprinkles. A perfect treat for any birthday celebration!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Anna Johnson

Recipe Type: Homemade Sweets Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  3. ½ tsp salt
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 2 cups granulated sugar
  6. 4 large eggs
  7. 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 2 tbsp heavy cream
  4. 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  5. ½ 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 bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 08

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional rainbow sprinkles.

Step 09

Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy the celebration!

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