Confetti Layer Cake Recipe

Picture a slice of joy bursting with color, waiting to transform your celebration. You're about to embark on a baking adventure that'll make everyone smile: the perfect confetti layer cake. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a delightful dessert that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Want to learn how to create a showstopping cake that'll have your guests asking for seconds? Let's get started.

Recipe Highlights

• Use a white cake mix as the base, combining eggs, oil, water, and gently folding in rainbow sprinkles for a festive, colorful batter.
• Divide the sprinkled batter evenly between two 9-inch round cake pans and bake at the recommended temperature for 25-30 minutes until golden.
• Cool cake layers completely on a wire rack before applying smooth, room-temperature vanilla buttercream frosting between layers and on the exterior.
• Decorate the frosted cake with additional rainbow sprinkles to enhance the festive appearance and create a visually appealing dessert centerpiece.
• Store the finished Confetti Layer Cake in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring maximum freshness and preserving its celebratory spirit.

History

Although confetti cake might seem like a modern culinary invention, its roots trace back to mid-20th century American baking traditions.

You'll find this festive dessert emerged during the post-World War II era, when home bakers sought innovative ways to make celebrations more exciting.

Boxed cake mixes, popularized in the 1950s, played a crucial role in the confetti cake's development. Manufacturers began including rainbow sprinkles as a mix-in, transforming ordinary vanilla cakes into colorful, playful desserts.

You can thank marketing teams and home economics movements for popularizing this cheerful treat. The cake quickly became a staple at children's birthday parties and family gatherings, symbolizing joy and communal celebration.

Its simplicity and visual appeal made it an instant favorite among home bakers looking to create memorable, eye-catching desserts.

Recipe

Confetti Layer Cake brings joy and celebration to any occasion with its vibrant, colorful layers that promise delight in every slice. This classic dessert transforms a simple vanilla cake into a festive masterpiece, using rainbow sprinkles to create bursts of color that dance throughout the tender cake crumb.

A homemade confetti layer cake is surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal baking expertise. The magic happens when the sprinkles are gently folded into the batter, creating a stunning visual surprise that will make both children and adults smile with excitement.

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
• Vanilla frosting

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Gently fold 3/4 cup of rainbow sprinkles into the batter, being careful not to overmix and cause the colors to bleed.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to spread it smoothly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack before removing them from the pans.

Once cooled, frost the cake layers with vanilla frosting, stacking them carefully and covering the entire cake with a smooth layer of frosting. Decorate the top and sides with the remaining sprinkles, creating a festive and colorful finish that will delight your guests.

To ensure the best results, keep the sprinkles cold before adding them to the batter, and avoid overmixing to prevent color bleeding. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For the most enjoyable texture, allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Cooking Steps

You're about to transform those simple ingredients into a celebration-worthy confetti layer cake by following a few key cooking steps.

Start by gathering all your tools and ingredients, ensuring everything is measured and ready before you begin mixing the batter.

As you progress through measuring, mixing, baking, and frosting, you'll create a colorful, tender cake that's sure to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite.

Step 1. Gather Ingredients and Tools

Before diving into the confetti layer cake adventure, gather your kitchen arsenal and ingredients with precision. You'll need essential tools like:

• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Toothpicks

Ingredient checklist demands careful selection:

1. White cake mix (one box)
2. Large eggs (3)
3. Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)
4. Water (1 cup)
5. Rainbow sprinkles (1 cup)
6. Frosting of choice

Double-check measurements before starting. Ensure eggs are room temperature and sprinkles are fresh and vibrant. Verify your cake pans are non-stick or well-greased. Have all ingredients measured and tools laid out, creating an organized workspace that'll streamline your baking process and set you up for confetti cake success.

Step 2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once you've gathered your ingredients and tools, start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and electric mixer to create your confetti cake batter.

Pour the white cake mix into the bowl, then crack in the three eggs, measuring carefully. Add the 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 1 cup water, positioning your mixer at medium speed. Blend the ingredients until they're smooth and free of lumps, scraping down the bowl's sides as needed.

Before incorporating the sprinkles, pause to ensure your batter has a consistent, creamy texture. Gently fold in 3/4 cup of rainbow sprinkles using a spatula, being careful not to overmix—this prevents color bleeding and maintains the vibrant, distinct sprinkle appearance.

Your batter is now ready for the next exciting step.

Step 3. Pour Batter Into Pans

Two evenly greased 9-inch round cake pans will transform your rainbow-speckled batter into delightful confetti cake layers.

Carefully divide the batter between the prepared pans, using a rubber spatula to:

• Spread the mixture evenly
• Tap the pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles
• Ensure an equal distribution of sprinkles in each layer

Your goal is a smooth, level surface that'll bake into perfectly uniform cake layers.

Use the spatula's edge to create a slight depression in the center, which helps the cake rise evenly and prevents a domed top. This technique ensures each slice looks picture-perfect when you cut into your festive creation.

Watch for subtle signs of even distribution: sprinkles should be consistently scattered throughout the batter, promising a colorful surprise in every bite.

Step 4. Bake Until Golden Brown

After carefully spreading your sprinkle-studded batter into those greased pans, slide them into a preheated 350°F oven, where the magic of transformation begins.

Watch closely as the cake layers start to rise, developing a golden-brown exterior that signals perfect doneness.

Key baking indicators include:

• Even, uniform color across the surface
• Slight pulling away from pan edges
• Springy texture when gently pressed
• Toothpick test: clean when inserted into center

Your cake will need 25-30 minutes, depending on your specific oven. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as temperature fluctuations can cause uneven baking.

When the top looks uniformly golden and the toothpick emerges clean, remove the pans carefully using oven mitts.

Let the layers cool completely before attempting to frost or stack.

Step 5. Cool and Frost Cake

Since your confetti cake layers have finished baking and emerged golden-brown, you'll want to handle them with care during the cooling and frosting process.

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature, which typically takes about 1 hour.

Prepare your frosting while waiting:

• Use a smooth, vanilla buttercream
• Ensure frosting is at room temperature
• Beat until light and fluffy

When layers are cool, place the first cake on your serving plate.

Spread a generous, even layer of frosting across the top, then gently position the second cake layer. Cover the entire cake with remaining frosting, creating smooth sides and a clean top.

Sprinkle the reserved rainbow confetti around the edges and center for a festive finish.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're celebrating a birthday or simply craving a slice of joy, this confetti layer cake will brighten any moment with its colorful charm.

You'll find that mastering this recipe isn't just about baking—it's about creating memories. The key is precision: measure ingredients carefully, mix gently, and watch your cake transform from simple ingredients to a spectacular dessert.

Trust your baking instincts and don't fear experimentation. Try different frosting styles, adjust sprinkle quantities, or swap vanilla extract for almond for a unique twist.

Remember that every cake tells a story, and yours will spark smiles and delight. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the joy it brings to those around your table.