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: 1 cake
Ingredients: 2 ¾ 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; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2-4 tbsp heavy cream; ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

Celebrate your special day with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with colorful rainbow sprinkles. It's a classic treat that brings joy to every birthday party.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:51:19.411Z

This Vanilla Birthday Cake is the epitome of celebration! With its light and fluffy texture, it’s perfect for any festive occasion. Topped with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, it’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Light and fluffy vanilla flavor that everyone loves
Colorful sprinkles add a festive touch to your celebrations
Perfectly moist and tender crumb for a delightful bite

      

The Perfect Celebration Cake

A birthday is not complete without a delightful cake, and this Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is the ideal choice. Its light and fluffy texture, combined with the sweet vanilla flavor, makes it a beloved favorite among both kids and adults. The colorful sprinkles add a playful touch that instantly brightens the mood, making it a perfect centerpiece for your celebration.

This cake is not just about looks; it's about flavor too. Each bite delivers a moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a big birthday bash or a cozy family gathering, this cake will elevate the occasion and create lasting memories.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve a perfectly baked cake, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you start mixing. This helps to create a smooth batter and ensures even baking. Additionally, remember to measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife, as too much flour can lead to a dense cake.

When it comes to baking time, every oven is different. Keep an eye on the cakes as they bake, and use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, your cake is ready.

Creative Variations

While this Vanilla Birthday Cake is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Consider adding a layer of fruit preserves or a chocolate ganache between the cake layers for an extra flavor boost. You can also experiment with different types of sprinkles, such as themed colors for holidays or special occasions.

If you're looking for a more decadent treat, try adding a layer of whipped cream or a rich buttercream frosting. For a fun twist, mix in some edible glitter or flavored extracts like almond or coconut for a unique spin on this classic dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 ¾ 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 tsp vanilla extract
2-4 tbsp heavy cream
½ cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

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 separate 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. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

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

Bake

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

Cool and Frost

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Frost with your favorite buttercream frosting and top with additional sprinkles.

Enjoy your delicious Vanilla Birthday Cake!

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 need to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it, but be aware that this may slightly alter the texture. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to restore its softness.

If you've decorated your cake with frosting and sprinkles, it's best to store it in the refrigerator to prevent melting. When ready to enjoy, take it out and allow it to come back to room temperature before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Birthday Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more sophisticated touch, serve it alongside fresh berries or a fruit compote. These additions enhance the cake's sweetness and provide a refreshing contrast.

For parties, consider cutting the cake into fun shapes using cookie cutters. This not only adds a playful element but also makes it easy for guests to grab a slice. Don't forget to have extra sprinkles on hand for those who want to add a little more color to their cake!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and frost them on the day of serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.