Confetti Birthday Cake Recipe: Celebrate with Color and Joy
Every slice bursts with colorful sprinkles and velvety frosting for a festive touch.
A confetti birthday cake, sometimes called funfetti cake, is a timeless party dessert featuring soft vanilla cake layers flecked with colorful sprinkles and swathed in rich, creamy frosting. Perfect for milestone birthdays, graduations, or any celebration, this homemade version elevates the classic box mix to new heights with moist layers and vibrant presentation. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide, expert tips, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure you bake the perfect confetti cake every time.
Why Make Homemade Confetti Cake?
- Customizable flavor: Control the vanilla notes and moisture for a superior cake.
- Showstopping presentation: Layered cake with creamy white frosting and a riot of rainbow sprinkles.
- Fun to decorate: Add special touches with custom stencils or piped messages.
- Memorable centerpiece: Ideal for birthdays or any occasion where you want to spread joy.
Ingredients for Confetti Birthday Cake
This recipe uses pantry staples and colorful sprinkles, yielding three moist layers and a silky buttercream frosting.
| For the Cake | For the Frosting |
|---|---|
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Essential Equipment
- Three 6-inch (or 8-inch) round cake pans
- Nonstick baking spray
- Parchment paper circles
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare Pans
Preheat your oven to 325° F. Spray the cake pans with nonstick baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Create a Cake Topper Stencil (Optional but Fun)
To personalize your cake, make a number or letter stencil from heavy paper. Cut out your desired design about 4 inches tall and attach small tape handles for easy lifting later.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
4. Blend Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and oil until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until incorporated.
5. Incorporate Dry and Wet Mixtures
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; stir gently.
- Mix in milk and sour cream.
- Add the remaining dry mixture and whisk until just combined.
- Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent bleeding colors.
6. Divide Batter and Bake
- Evenly divide batter between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until tops are golden and spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks and cool completely—about 45 minutes.
7. Prepare Creamy Vanilla Buttercream
- Beat softened butter in a stand mixer on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add salt and 3 cups of powdered sugar; mix slowly until combined.
- Add the remaining powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk; beat on low, then increase speed to medium until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
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8. Level Cake Layers
Use a long serrated knife to slice off domed tops, ensuring each layer is flat for stacking.
9. Assemble the Cake
- Place a tablespoon of frosting in the center of your cake stand to anchor the first layer.
- Set one cake layer atop the frosting, spread ¾ cup frosting evenly.
- Add the second layer and repeat.
- Finish with the third cake layer, bottom side up for a smooth top.
- Apply a thin crumb coat if desired, then frost top and sides generously with remaining buttercream.
10. Decorate with Sprinkles and Stencil
- Press handfuls of rainbow sprinkles along the sides and top of the cake.
- Use the paper stencil to outline a number or shape with sprinkles or colored sugar.
- Remove the stencil to reveal your custom topper.
Tips for the Best Confetti Cake
- Use high-quality sprinkles: Quins or classic jimmies work best; avoid nonpareils as they bleed color into the batter.
- Don’t overmix: To prevent dense cake and discolored sprinkles, gently fold sprinkles in at the end.
- Room-temperature ingredients: Ensures even mixing and maximally tender cake layers.
- Crumb coat: Seal in crumbs with a thin layer of frosting before final decoration for a professional finish.
- Frosting consistency: If too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time; if too thin, add powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Birthday centerpiece: Decorate with candles and personalized messages.
- Holiday twist: Use themed sprinkles for festive occasions.
- Cupcakes: Divide batter among cupcake tins; bake 18–22 minutes.
- Flavor swaps: Try almond, lemon, or coconut extract for different cake flavors.
- Double batch for extra layers: For a taller, extravagant cake.
How to Store Confetti Cake
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for best flavor and texture before serving.
Confetti Birthday Cake: Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 62g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 44g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use boxed cake mix?
Yes, while this recipe is for homemade cake, boxed confetti cake mix can be used for convenience. Note that homemade offers superior flavor and texture.
Which sprinkles are best for confetti cake?
Classic jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles) are ideal because they hold their color during baking. Avoid nonpareils, which may bleed.
Why are my sprinkles melting in the batter?
This is often caused by overmixing or using thin nonpareils. Gently fold in sprinkles at the end and stick to sturdy varieties.
Can I make confetti cake ahead?
Absolutely. The cake layers can be baked 1–2 days in advance. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature, then frost and decorate on the day of serving.
What’s the difference between confetti cake and funfetti cake?
Confetti and funfetti cakes are essentially the same; both feature vanilla cake with colorful sprinkles throughout. “Funfetti” is simply a trademarked name.
Decoration Ideas for Extra Fun
- Ombre sprinkles: Decorate sides with a gradient of colors.
- Name or age toppers: Pipe out your child’s name or birthday number in colorful buttercream.
- Edible glitter: Add a sparkling finish for a magical touch.
Expert Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
- Flat cake layers: Ensure ingredients aren’t expired, especially baking powder. Level before stacking for stability.
- Frosting splits: If buttercream appears curdled, keep mixing at medium-high speed until smooth; temperature differences are usually the culprit.
- Cake sticks to the pan: Use both nonstick spray and parchment liners for easy release.
- Vivid sprinkles: Chill batter 15 minutes before baking to preserve color intensity.
Perfect Occasions to Serve Confetti Birthday Cake
- Birthday parties
- Anniversaries
- Graduation celebrations
- Gender reveal events
- Holiday gatherings
More Confetti Cake FAQs
How do I make a vegan or gluten-free confetti cake?
For gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a trusted 1:1 gluten-free blend. To make vegan, use dairy-free milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter for both cake and frosting. Substitute vegan-friendly sprinkles as needed.
Can I tint the frosting?
Yes, add gel or powder food coloring to portions of the frosting for pastel or bold hues. Mix gently to achieve desired colors.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Bake and freeze cake layers up to 1 month ahead. Thaw overnight and frost the day of serving. Fully assembled cake keeps best for 1–2 days refrigerated.
How do I cut perfectly neat slices?
Wipe the knife with a warm, damp towel between cuts for sharp, even pieces and to prevent frosting transfer.
Final Thoughts
The confetti birthday cake is more than just dessert—it’s the embodiment of celebration, cheer, and nostalgia. With its fluffy vanilla layers, bursts of color, and luscious buttercream, it’s the perfect centerpiece that brings smiles to every celebration. Whether for a loved one’s birthday or simply to spread joy, this recipe delivers fun and flavor in every bite.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65093493/birthday-cake-pie-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65911287/confetti-birthday-cake-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUAmAb4eRgs
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a79236/confetti-snack-cake/
- https://www.aol.com/happy-birthday-ree-drummonds-confetti-130000418.html
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