Name: Confetti Celebration Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2/3 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies type); Buttercream frosting (for topping); Additional sprinkles for decoration

A Confetti Celebration Cake is the ultimate festive dessert, featuring a moist vanilla cake base filled with colorful sprinkles that burst into vibrant color with every slice. This cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion that calls for a touch of joy. Its soft crumb, buttery flavor, and eye-catching appearance make it a crowd-pleaser for guests of all ages.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Confetti Celebration Cake is more than just a treat for the eyes. It’s an easy-to-follow, homemade version of a classic birthday cake that yields delicious results every time. Whether you’re baking for a child’s party or bringing some color to a gathering, this cake brings smiles all around. It uses simple pantry staples, and you can customize it with your preferred colors or frostings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk
Sour cream
Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style are best to avoid bleeding color)
Buttercream frosting (for decorating)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the sour cream.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Gently fold in the sprinkles with a spatula.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Frost and decorate the cake with buttercream and extra sprinkles once fully cooled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields one 3-layer 8-inch cake, serving approximately 12–16 people.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: Around 2 hours

Variations

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and egg replacers like flaxseed eggs.
Flavor Twists: Add a hint of almond extract or lemon zest for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Confetti Cake: Use a chocolate cake base and mix in rainbow sprinkles for a chocolatey variation.
Mini Cakes or Cupcakes: Convert this recipe into cupcakes or mini cakes by adjusting the baking time to 15–18 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Wrap individual cake layers or frosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating:
While this cake is typically served at room temperature, if you prefer it slightly warm, microwave slices for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

How do I keep the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?

Gently fold the sprinkles into the batter at the end and avoid overmixing. Using “jimmies” style sprinkles also helps distribute them evenly.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting can be used for convenience, although homemade buttercream will provide better flavor and texture.

Can this cake be made in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them. Assemble and frost the cake on the day of serving for best results.

What’s the best type of sprinkles for this recipe?

Use jimmies or confetti quins. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed color into the batter.

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Yes, buttermilk adds extra moisture and tang. It can be used as a substitute in equal quantity.

How do I get flat cake layers without doming?

Use cake strips or level the tops with a serrated knife once baked and cooled.

Is sour cream necessary?

Sour cream adds richness and moisture. You can substitute it with full-fat plain yogurt if needed.

Can I make this in a 9×13-inch pan?

Yes, bake the batter in a greased 9×13-inch pan for about 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Do not overbake and ensure the cake is stored properly in an airtight container or wrapped well.

What’s the best way to decorate this cake?

Frost with a generous layer of buttercream and top with extra sprinkles or piped rosettes for a festive finish.

Conclusion

The Confetti Celebration Cake is the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festivity. It’s a versatile recipe suitable for birthdays, holidays, or any joyful gathering. With its moist layers, colorful interior, and customizable features, this cake is sure to delight your guests and become a go-to dessert for special occasions.