If you’re searching for a slice of happiness, Confetti Layer Cake is the answer! This colorful cake brings pure joy to any celebration with its tender vanilla crumb loaded with vibrant sprinkles and swirled with clouds of creamy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a graduation, or just a cheerful weekend treat, this classic Confetti Layer Cake transforms an ordinary day into a party. Get ready to surprise your loved ones (and yourself) with the most delightful, festive cake that never fails to make people smile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make cake magic happen—just a handful of trusted ingredients that come together for bold flavor, fluffy texture, and pops of cheerful color. Each one plays a starring role, so here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
- All-purpose flour: Gives your cakes sturdy structure with just the right softness—don’t substitute cake flour for this recipe!
- Baking powder: Helps your layers lift sky-high for a perfect fluffy texture.
- Baking soda: Reacts with the acidity of the milk to keep everything extra tender.
- Salt: Balances out all the sweetness and boosts flavor in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (for cake and frosting): The backbone of flavor and richness—a must for luxurious cakes and ultra-creamy frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens things up and gives the cake that classic fine crumb.
- Egg whites: Create a light, airy texture and a pale, beautiful cake color.
- Vanilla extract: Don’t skimp here! Good vanilla makes all the difference for that classic birthday-cake taste.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness; room temperature is best for even mixing.
- Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies type): The real party starter! Jimmies hold their color when baked—avoid nonpareils to keep your batter from turning muddy.
- Powdered sugar: Makes for a smooth, soft frosting that spreads like a dream.
- Heavy cream or milk: For ultra-fluffy, creamy frosting—just add more if you need a softer texture.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Cuts the sweetness and keeps the frosting perfectly balanced.
How to Make Confetti Layer Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pans & Preheat
Start by firing up your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s piping hot by baking time. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, then line each with parchment paper on the bottom to guarantee perfect release—no broken layers here. Prepping the pans right from the start means less stress later.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step makes a big difference! Evenly distributing the leaveners ensures a beautifully tender, evenly risen Confetti Layer Cake with every bake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
With your mixer (or old-fashioned elbow grease), beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes does the trick. This sets the foundation for that signature soft, pillow-like crumb.
Step 4: Add the Egg Whites and Vanilla
Beat in the egg whites one at a time, pausing to mix well after each addition—this helps lock in air for lift and gives your cake that elegant white color. Splash in the vanilla extract for a burst of sweet aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry, Then Add Milk
Add your dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients for an even batter. Mix gently until just combined; over-mixing leads to dense cake, so celebrate with a light touch!
Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles
Switch to a spatula and ever-so-gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into your batter. Be careful not to stir too vigorously—this keeps the colors intact and avoids streaks. Your batter will look instantly more fun!
Step 7: Divide, Smooth & Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into your three prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Let them cool for ten minutes in the pans, then carefully flip onto wire racks to finish cooling.
Step 8: Make That Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
For the frosting, beat room-temperature butter until creamy, then slowly mix in the powdered sugar. Add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and enough cream or milk to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency. Beat it all for a few minutes until light, fluffy, and irresistible.
Step 9: Assemble and Decorate Your Confetti Layer Cake
Level your cake layers if needed, then set one on your serving plate. Frost the top, stack the second and third layers, frosting each. Coat the sides and top generously, then finish with a shower of extra sprinkles for that show-stopping confetti effect. Chill for 20 minutes before slicing to keep things neat, if you can possibly wait that long!
How to Serve Confetti Layer Cake
Garnishes
Pile on extra rainbow sprinkles right before serving for an irresistible pop of color and crunch. For a sophisticated twist, try a crown of fresh berries or even edible flowers around the base—the contrast is gorgeous!
Side Dishes
A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside a big slice of Confetti Layer Cake never disappoints. Or, serve with freshly sliced berries for a fruity, fresh finish that balances the cake’s rich sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your crowd, serve slices on brightly colored plates, or use sparkler candles for a grand entrance! Mini versions of Confetti Layer Cake in mason jars or as cupcakes also make perfect party favors or picnic-ready treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Confetti Layer Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Refrigeration ensures the frosting and cake stay moist, but let slices sit at room temp for a bit before enjoying for the softest texture.
Freezing
Both frosted and unfrosted cake layers freeze beautifully! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before decorating or serving.
Reheating
Confetti Layer Cake is best served at room temperature, but if you’d like to soften a slice straight from the fridge, zap it in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Just enough to make the frosting creamy and luscious again!
FAQs
Can I use nonpareil sprinkles instead of jimmies?
It’s tempting, but nonpareils tend to bleed and can turn your batter streaky or muddy. Stick with classic jimmies—that’s how you get those gorgeous pops of color in your Confetti Layer Cake.
Why do I need to use room temperature ingredients?
Room temperature butter, eggs, and milk create a smooth batter that traps more air for fluffy cake layers. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to split or bake up denser, so a little patience pays off.
How do I keep my cake layers from sticking to the pan?
Greasing, flouring, and lining your pans with parchment paper bottoms is the secret combo. This triple-prep ensures each cake layer lifts out cleanly and looks bakery-perfect every time.
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes or a sheet cake?
Absolutely! Just adjust the bake time: cupcakes usually take about 18–20 minutes, and a 9×13-inch sheet cake will need 30–35 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden top and clean toothpick test.
Is Confetti Layer Cake suitable for making ahead?
Yes! You can bake the layers a day ahead and wrap them tightly, or freeze weeks in advance. Assemble and frost when ready to serve for a freshly made, stress-free celebration.
Final Thoughts
This Confetti Layer Cake just radiates joy, from the first burst of colorful sprinkles to the last sweet, fluffy bite. I hope you’re inspired to bake and share it with someone special—every kitchen deserves a cake as fun and fabulous as this one!
Print
Confetti Layer Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Confetti Layer Cake is a colorful and fun dessert perfect for birthdays and celebrations. With layers of moist vanilla cake studded with rainbow sprinkles and a creamy buttercream frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any party.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies type, not nonpareils)
For Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg whites, vanilla extract, dry ingredients, and milk, mixing well. Gently fold in the sprinkles.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter among the pans and bake for 22-25 minutes. Let cool before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and cream until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Place a cake layer on a plate, spread frosting, repeat with remaining layers. Frost the sides and top of the cake.
Notes
- Use jimmies sprinkles to avoid color bleeding.
- For best results, chill the cake layers before frosting to reduce crumbs.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
