This Vanilla Sprinkle Party Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any celebration. You’ll love making this simple cake recipe because it’s easy to follow and always brings smiles. It’s a classic dessert that never goes out of style.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or another granulated sweetener can work in a pinch.
- Unsalted Butter: Margarine or a dairy-free butter substitute can be used.
- Eggs: For an egg-free version, use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
- Vanilla Extract: No good substitutions here; it’s essential for the flavor!
- Sprinkles: Use any colorful sprinkles you like.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Extra sprinkles for decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Servings: 10-12
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies with serving size and frosting amount)
- Tools Needed: 8 or 9-inch round cake pan, electric mixer (handheld or stand), mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper. This prevents your simple cake from sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later. This ensures all the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, making your cake tender.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is fully combined.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough simple cake.
6. Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, or the colors might bleed into the batter. This adds that festive touch to your party cake.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
8. Cool Completely
Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Do not frost a warm cake, or the frosting will melt. This patience is key for a perfect finish.
9. Make the Buttercream Frosting
While the cake cools, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, until smooth and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
10. Frost and Decorate
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the vanilla buttercream frosting evenly over the top and sides. Decorate with extra sprinkles to make it a true party cake. Now you have a beautiful simple cake ready for enjoyment!
Variation Ideas:
- Almond Extract: Substitute ½ teaspoon almond extract for half of the vanilla in the cake batter for a different flavor profile.
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the cake batter for a bright citrus note.
- Chocolate Sprinkles: Use chocolate sprinkles instead of rainbow for a chocolate-vanilla contrast.
- Cupcakes: Bake the batter in cupcake liners for 20-25 minutes for individual servings.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Vanilla Sprinkle Party Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it unfrosted, wrapped tightly, at room temperature. Frost before serving.
- Why did my sprinkles bleed color? This usually happens if you overmix the batter after adding sprinkles or if the batter is too warm. Use good quality, colorfast sprinkles.
- My cake is dry, what went wrong? Overbaking is a common culprit. Ensure you don’t bake it longer than necessary; the skewer test is your best friend. Incorrect ingredient measurements, especially flour, can also cause dryness.
- Can I use a different size pan? You can, but you may need to adjust the baking time. For a 9×13 inch pan, the baking time might be slightly less, around 25-30 minutes.
- How do I get a perfectly flat cake top? You can use baking strips around your pan, which help the cake bake more evenly and prevent a dome. Alternatively, you can level the cake with a serrated knife after it cools.
- What kind of milk should I use? Whole milk or 2% milk works best for richness and moisture in this simple cake recipe.