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 servings
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; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Celebrate your special day with this delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake adorned with vibrant rainbow sprinkles. It's a classic treat that's sure to bring joy to any celebration!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:57:19.164Z

This Vanilla Birthday Cake with Rainbow Sprinkles is perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just because! The fluffy vanilla cake is complemented by a rich buttercream frosting, making it a delightful indulgence for everyone.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Light and fluffy vanilla cake with a delightful sweetness
Colorful rainbow sprinkles that add a festive touch
Easy to make and perfect for any occasion

      

The Perfect Celebration Cake

A Vanilla Birthday Cake is the quintessential choice for any celebration, embodying the joy and festivity of special occasions. This cake not only tastes incredible, but it also serves as a stunning centerpiece for birthdays and gatherings. The light and fluffy texture combined with a sweet vanilla flavor creates a delightful experience with every bite, making it an instant favorite among guests of all ages.

The addition of vibrant rainbow sprinkles elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary. These colorful accents not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a playful element that children and adults alike adore. Whether you’re throwing a birthday bash for a child or an elegant soirée for adults, this cake is versatile enough to suit any event.

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Vanilla Birthday Cake, it’s essential to use room temperature ingredients. This means letting your butter, eggs, and milk sit out for about 30 minutes before you start baking. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a more uniform crumb in your cake.

Don’t forget to properly measure your flour! Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, avoiding the common pitfall of packing it down, which can lead to a dense cake. Additionally, ensure that your oven is accurately preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing your cakes inside to achieve even baking.

Serving and Storing

Once your cake is frosted and decorated, it’s ready to be served! For an extra special touch, consider adding a few decorative candles that can be lit during the celebration, creating memorable moments as you sing 'Happy Birthday'. This cake can be enjoyed fresh, but it also stores well for later enjoyment.

If you have leftovers, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Simply thaw at room temperature when you're ready to indulge again in this delightful treat!

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
1 tbsp 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, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together 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. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake 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 bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Add heavy cream and vanilla, then mix until well combined.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake. Decorate with rainbow sprinkles.

Slice and serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Common Variations

While this Vanilla Birthday Cake is a classic, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit different tastes. For a fruity twist, consider adding layers of fresh berries or a fruit filling between the cake layers. Alternatively, you can infuse the batter with lemon or almond extract for a unique flavor profile that will surprise your guests.

Chocolate lovers can easily transform this recipe into a chocolate version by substituting a portion of the flour with cocoa powder. This simple adjustment will yield a rich, chocolatey cake that pairs beautifully with vanilla frosting and colorful sprinkles.

Allergy-Friendly Options

If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, it’s easy to adapt this Vanilla Birthday Cake recipe to be allergy-friendly. Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to create a delicious gluten-free cake that everyone can enjoy. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like baking powder and sprinkles, are also gluten-free.

For a dairy-free version, opt for plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk alternative, such as almond or oat milk. These swaps can help you create a delightful cake without compromising on flavor or texture, ensuring that everyone at your party can partake in the celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just store them covered at room temperature.

→ How can I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I substitute the butter in the frosting?

You can use margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.

→ What can I use instead of whole milk?

You can use any milk alternative, like almond or oat milk, to achieve a similar result.