Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles

Highlighted under: Celebratory Feast Recipes

Celebrate any occasion with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, it's the perfect treat for birthdays and celebrations.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T09:38:18.403Z

This Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is a classic that never goes out of style. Each bite is a celebration of flavor and fun!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fluffy vanilla cake with a delightful burst of sweetness
  • Colorful rainbow sprinkles that make every slice a party
  • Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion

A Celebration of Flavor

This Vanilla Birthday Cake is more than just a dessert; it's a centerpiece for your celebrations. Each slice reveals a moist and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, complemented by the sweet, rich flavor of vanilla. The addition of rainbow sprinkles not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful crunch, making every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a joyful gathering, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Perfectly paired with a creamy frosting, this cake brings a sense of nostalgia to any event. The lightness of the cake paired with the sweet frosting creates a harmonious balance that leaves everyone wanting more. It’s a timeless classic that resonates with both young and old, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or parties with friends.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Vanilla Birthday Cake, it’s crucial to have all your ingredients at room temperature. This ensures that the butter creams smoothly with the sugar, resulting in a lighter cake texture. Additionally, consider sifting your dry ingredients together; this not only combines them but also aerates the flour, contributing to a fluffier cake.

When folding in the rainbow sprinkles, be gentle to avoid deflating the batter. This step adds a fun surprise to each slice without compromising the cake's airy structure. Remember to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

Once your cake is baked and frosted, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the frosting to set slightly, making for cleaner slices. Pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more indulgent dessert experience. If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

To keep the cake fresh, you can also freeze it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy a slice of celebration whenever the mood strikes, even after the party is over. Just remember to let the cake thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying!

Ingredients

For the Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)

Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is well combined.

Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles into the batter.

Bake the Cakes

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

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate

Finish by sprinkling the remaining rainbow sprinkles over the top of the cake.

Slice and serve your delicious Vanilla Birthday Cake!

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When baking this Vanilla Birthday Cake, the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in the final product. Opt for high-quality vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla to enhance the flavor profile of your cake. Additionally, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your frosting and cake, ensuring a perfectly balanced sweetness.

Fresh eggs are also crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture. Whenever possible, choose large eggs from a reputable source. The freshness of your eggs will not only contribute to the texture but also to the overall flavor of the cake.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this Vanilla Birthday Cake to fit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For a fun twist, consider adding flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, to the batter. You can also substitute some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nutty flavor and unique texture.

If you’re looking for a chocolate variation, simply replace some of the flour with cocoa powder to create a chocolate birthday cake base. Pair it with vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles for a delightful contrast that everyone will love.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days.

→ What type of sprinkles should I use?

Use nonpareils or jimmies for the best results, as they hold up well in the batter and frosting.

→ How do 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 use a different flavor of cake?

Absolutely! You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract or any other flavor you prefer.

Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles

Celebrate any occasion with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, it's the perfect treat for birthdays and celebrations.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Celebratory Feast Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 servings

What You'll Need

For the Cake

  1. 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  3. 1/2 tsp salt
  4. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  5. 2 cups granulated sugar
  6. 4 large eggs
  7. 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  8. 1 cup whole milk
  9. 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
  4. 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  5. 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 02

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 03

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 04

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 05

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until everything is well combined.

Step 06

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles into the batter.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 09

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 10

Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 11

Finish by sprinkling the remaining rainbow sprinkles over the top of the cake.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g