Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles

Name: Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 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 cup rainbow sprinkles; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)

Highlighted under: Gourmet Baking Bliss

Celebrate special occasions with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with vibrant rainbow sprinkles. It's a classic treat that brings joy to every celebration!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:54:18.886Z

This Vanilla Birthday Cake is not just a dessert; it's a centerpiece for your celebrations. The soft and fluffy layers are infused with real vanilla, and the colorful sprinkles bring a festive touch that everyone loves!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Classic vanilla flavor that appeals to everyone
Fun and colorful sprinkles for a festive look
Moist and fluffy texture that's perfect for any celebration

      

A Classic Birthday Celebration

Birthdays are special moments that call for an equally special treat. This Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is the perfect centerpiece for your celebration, bringing joy and nostalgia to both kids and adults alike. The classic vanilla flavor is universally loved, making it a delightful choice for any birthday party. Each slice is not only a dessert but a reminder of joyful celebrations and cherished memories.

The festive rainbow sprinkles add an element of fun and excitement, transforming an ordinary cake into a vibrant masterpiece. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash or a simple family gathering, this cake is sure to impress. It invites everyone to indulge in a slice of happiness, making every occasion feel more festive and memorable.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with this Vanilla Birthday Cake, it’s crucial to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with the flour and sugar. Sifting your dry ingredients can also help to incorporate air, resulting in a lighter cake. Remember to let your butter soften at room temperature, as this will create a smoother batter when creaming with sugar.

Additionally, make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better mixing. This helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, leading to a fluffier texture. Don’t rush the baking process; allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting. This ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off, keeping your cake looking beautiful and delicious for serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Birthday Cake is versatile and can be served in various ways. For a classic presentation, serve it plain with just a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles on top. If you want to elevate the dessert, consider adding fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries on the side. They provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake and add a refreshing element.

For an extra touch of indulgence, serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This combination adds a delightful creaminess that complements the fluffy texture of the cake wonderfully. Whether enjoyed as a simple dessert or dressed up for a special occasion, this cake is sure to be a hit!

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 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

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

Gather all your ingredients before you start for a smooth baking experience!

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, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix 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 pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

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

Prepare Frosting

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

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.

Decorate

Top the cake with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive finish.

Enjoy your beautiful Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles!

Storing Your Cake

To keep your Vanilla Birthday Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

If you have leftover cake, you can also freeze it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice of your special cake anytime you crave a sweet treat!

Customizing Your Cake

Feel free to customize this Vanilla Birthday Cake to suit your tastes! You can swap out the rainbow sprinkles for chocolate chips, nuts, or even fruit zests to create different flavor profiles. Adding a layer of fruit preserves or chocolate ganache between the cake layers can also enhance the overall taste and visual appeal.

If you’re looking for a more decadent treat, consider making a layered cake with alternating flavors, such as chocolate or lemon. This will not only surprise your guests but also elevate your baking game, making your cake the star of the party!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting would also pair wonderfully with this cake.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge until you're ready to frost and serve.

→ Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.