Confetti Layer Cake Recipe

A Confetti Layer Cake is a festive, fun, and colorful cake that's perfect for any celebration—whether it’s a birthday, a party, or simply a dessert to brighten up the day! With its fluffy vanilla cake layers speckled with rainbow sprinkles and topped with creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is as delightful to eat as it is to look at. The playful "confetti" effect is achieved by folding colorful sprinkles into the cake batter, making each slice a burst of vibrant colors. Ready to bake your own party in a cake? Let’s get started with this step-by-step guide!

What is a Confetti Layer Cake?

A Confetti Layer Cake (also known as a Funfetti Cake) is a light and fluffy vanilla cake with colorful sprinkles mixed into the batter, creating a fun “confetti” look when sliced. The sprinkles dissolve slightly during baking, leaving colorful specks throughout the cake layers. Paired with a smooth, rich buttercream frosting, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. You can customize it with different sprinkle colors or shapes, making it perfect for themed events or holidays.

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Ingredients List for Confetti Layer Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour – For structure and a tender crumb.
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – To help the cake rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt – To balance the sweetness.
• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature.
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar – For sweetness.
• 4 large eggs – At room temperature for better incorporation.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – For classic flavor.
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk – At room temperature for a smooth batter.
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream – Adds moisture and richness.
• ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles – Use “jimmies” or longer sprinkles that won’t bleed into the batter.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature.
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar – Sifted, to prevent lumps.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For a delicious flavor.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream – For a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Pinch of salt – To balance the sweetness.
• Extra rainbow sprinkles – For decorating.

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Substitutions and Variations

Make this Confetti Layer Cake your own by trying different flavors or variations.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring that the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure.
• Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based butter substitute and almond or oat milk in place of whole milk. For the sour cream, substitute with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative.
• Almond Confetti Cake: Replace 1 teaspoon of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, fragrant twist.
• Chocolate Confetti Cake: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and increase the milk to 1 ¼ cups for a fun chocolate version of the classic.
• Themed Sprinkles: Change the sprinkle colors for different holidays or themes. For example, use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or orange and black for Halloween!

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to bake a delicious Confetti Layer Cake step by step.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This process creates air pockets in the batter, giving the cake its soft texture.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can cause a dense cake.
2. Stir in the sour cream until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 5: Fold in the Sprinkles

1. Gently fold in the sprinkles using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed into the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cakes are golden on top.
3. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

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How to Make Buttercream Frosting: A Step-by-Step Guide

This buttercream frosting is rich, creamy, and easy to make. Here's how to create the perfect topping for your confetti cake.

Step 1: Beat the Butter

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter on medium-high speed until creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

1. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed until incorporated.
2. Increase the speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Cream

1. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on medium-high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
2. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.

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How to Assemble and Frost the Cake

Step 1: Level the Cake Layers

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops of each cake layer if they’ve domed. This will help your layers stack evenly.

Step 2: Layer the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of buttercream over the top, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with another layer of frosting. Finally, top with the third cake layer.

Step 3: Frost the Cake

1. Use the remaining buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting for a polished look, or create swirls for a more rustic finish.

Step 4: Decorate with Sprinkles

1. Decorate the cake with extra sprinkles, pressing them gently into the sides or sprinkling them on top. For a more dramatic look, cover the entire cake with sprinkles!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and chewy. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined.
2. Sprinkles Bleeding: Use "jimmies" or long sprinkles that are designed for baking. Avoid using nonpareils (tiny round sprinkles) as they tend to bleed their color into the batter.
3. Not Cooling the Cake Before Frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the buttercream to melt and slide off. Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting.
4. Too Much Frosting Between Layers: Be careful not to overload the cake with frosting between layers, as this can cause the layers to slip and slide.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Confetti layer cake is already a visual delight, but you can make it even more impressive with a few finishing touches.

How to Serve Confetti Layer Cake

• For clean, even slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
• Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously indulgent treat.
• For a special celebration, pair each slice with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider.

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Presentation Ideas for Confetti Layer Cake

• Naked Cake: For a trendy presentation, frost only the top and between the layers, leaving the sides exposed for a “naked cake” look.
• Sprinkle Explosion: Cover the entire cake with sprinkles for a festive, party-ready cake.
• Drip Cake: Drizzle a chocolate ganache or colorful icing down the sides of the cake for a fun, eye-catching effect.
• Themed Sprinkles: Use themed sprinkles to match your event—like pastel sprinkles for a baby shower or gold and silver sprinkles for New Year’s Eve.

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Confetti Layer Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures the cake rises evenly.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them for up to a month. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and thaw at room temperature before assembling and frosting.
• Transporting: To safely transport the cake, place it in a sturdy cake box and keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to move. This helps prevent the frosting from melting.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a boxed cake mix for this recipe?
A: Yes, if you're short on time, you can use a vanilla or yellow boxed cake mix. Just fold in the sprinkles before baking and follow the directions for the frosting.

Q: What type of sprinkles should I use?
A: Use “jimmies” (the long, thin sprinkles) as they hold their shape well and don’t bleed into the batter. Avoid nonpareils or sugar crystals, which can dissolve or bleed.

Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before assembling and frosting.

Q: How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?
A: Gently fold the sprinkles into the batter just before baking. Coating them in a little flour before folding them in can also help prevent sinking.

Q: Can I use other types of frosting?
A: Absolutely! You can pair the confetti cake with cream cheese frosting, chocolate buttercream, or even whipped ganache for a delicious twist.

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Conclusion

This Confetti Layer Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert, combining a light and fluffy vanilla cake with a burst of colorful sprinkles in every slice. With rich buttercream frosting and a fun, festive look, it's perfect for birthdays, parties, and any occasion that calls for a little extra joy. Follow these simple steps and tips to create a cake that's as delicious as it is beautiful. Happy baking!

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