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: 12 slices
Ingredients: 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 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Recipes

Celebrate any occasion with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake topped with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, perfect for all ages.

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:45:19.213Z

This Vanilla Birthday Cake is not just a treat; it's a celebration in every slice. With its fluffy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, it's a classic favorite that brings joy to every birthday party. The colorful rainbow sprinkles add a festive touch that makes it even more special!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Light and fluffy texture that's easy to slice and serve
Delicious vanilla flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet frosting
Bright, cheerful sprinkles that make every slice fun

      

The Perfect Celebration Cake

This Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is the pinnacle of festive desserts. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a reason to gather with friends, this cake brings joy to any occasion. Its light and fluffy texture make it a favorite among both young and old. The vibrant rainbow sprinkles not only add a pop of color but also evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of childhood celebrations filled with laughter and joy.

When it comes to making lasting memories, a delightful cake is often at the center of it all. This cake’s delicious vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with its sweet frosting, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience. The combination of fluffy cake and creamy frosting creates a mouthwatering treat that will keep your guests coming back for more. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch as smiles light up the room.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, it’s essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you get precise measurements, ensuring your cake turns out perfectly every time. Additionally, be sure to use room temperature ingredients, particularly the butter and eggs. This helps them incorporate better into the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake that rises beautifully in the oven.

Don’t skip the cooling step! Allowing your cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial for achieving a smooth and professional-looking finish. If the cakes are too warm, the frosting can melt and slide off, ruining that picture-perfect presentation. Finally, when it comes to decorating, don’t be afraid to get creative with your sprinkles. Mix in some chocolate chips or edible glitter for an extra special touch!

Storing and Serving Suggestions

If you find yourself with leftover cake, fear not! This Vanilla Birthday Cake stores exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can stay at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

When it’s time to serve, consider pairing slices of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You can also create a stunning dessert table by serving it alongside other treats like cookies or cupcakes. This cake is versatile and can complement a variety of other desserts, making it a fantastic centerpiece for your celebration.

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

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

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. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until combined.

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, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

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

Assemble the Cake

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

Decorate

Top the frosted cake with rainbow sprinkles for a festive finish.

Slice and serve your delicious Vanilla Birthday Cake!

Frequently Asked Questions

One common question about this Vanilla Birthday Cake is whether it can be made ahead of time. Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance, wrap them tightly, and store them in the fridge or freezer. Just be sure to frost them on the day you plan to serve for the freshest taste and texture.

Another frequently asked question is about gluten-free alternatives. You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. Just ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free version of this beloved cake.

Variations to Try

While this Vanilla Birthday Cake is a classic, there are so many fun variations you can try! Consider adding a layer of fruit preserves or custard between the cake layers for an added burst of flavor. Fresh strawberries or raspberries work beautifully with the vanilla and can elevate your cake to the next level.

For chocolate lovers, you can easily transform this recipe into a chocolate cake by substituting a portion of the flour with cocoa powder. This rich chocolate version topped with colorful sprinkles is sure to impress at any celebration!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or chocolate frosting would be delicious alternatives.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well.