Confetti Smash Birthday Cake

Optional additions include a splash of almond extract for depth, sour cream for extra moisture, or colored sugar for crust enhancement. For those seeking allergen-friendly versions, gluten-free flour blends, egg replacers, and dairy substitutes can be carefully incorporated with excellent results.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment paper, and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ¾ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup (2 sticks) softened unsalted butter with 1 ½ cups granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add 4 room-temperature eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk and ¼ cup whole milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined—do not overmix.
6. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in ½ cup rainbow jimmies using a spatula. Be careful not to over-stir to prevent color bleeding.
7. Divide and Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with an offset spatula.
8. Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through for even baking.
9. Cool: Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks. Remove parchment and cool completely before frosting (at least 1 hour).
10. Make Frosting: Beat ½ cup softened butter and 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on low. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream to reach desired consistency.
11. Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Add the second layer and apply a thin crumb coat. Chill for 20 minutes, then apply a final thick layer of frosting on top and sides.
12. Decorate: Press rainbow sprinkles onto the sides and sprinkle abundantly on top. Use a palette knife or bench scraper for clean edges.
13. Serve: Slice and serve at room temperature. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.

Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and dairy are fully at room temperature to achieve a smooth, emulsified batter.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Prevent lumps and ensure even distribution of leaveners and sprinkles.
• Don’t Overmix: Once flour is added, mix only until combined to avoid a dense cake.
• Use Quality Sprinkles: Cheap sprinkles may dissolve or bleed. Opt for festive jimmies designed for baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Warm cakes will melt the frosting and cause sliding.
• Chill for Clean Slices: Refrigerate the frosted cake for 30 minutes before slicing for neat, crumb-free pieces.
• Crumb Coat is Key: This thin initial layer traps loose crumbs, ensuring a pristine final finish.
• Pipe Decorative Borders: Use a star tip to add rosettes or swirls around the base and top edge for extra flair.
• Color Coordinate: Match sprinkles to party themes—pastels for baby showers, brights for birthdays, or metallics for New Year’s.
• Transport Safely: If moving the cake, use a cake carrier and keep it level to avoid damage.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of the Confetti Smash Birthday Cake lies in its versatility. Here are creative ways to personalize it:

• Flavor Twists: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy kick, or swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty depth.
• Fillings: Insert layers of raspberry jam, cookie butter, or chocolate ganache between the cake tiers for surprise centers.
• Frosting Alternatives: Try whipped chocolate ganache, Swiss meringue buttercream, or vegan coconut frosting for different textures and dietary needs.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure sprinkles are certified GF.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream cheese, and almond milk to make it vegan-friendly.
• Mini Smash Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings—perfect for socially distanced celebrations.
• Colored Layers: Dye each layer a different pastel shade before adding sprinkles for a rainbow effect when sliced.
• Themed Toppings: Add edible glitter, fondant numbers, or candy figurines to match specific age milestones or interests.
• Alcohol Infusion: Brush cooled layers with vanilla-rum syrup for an adult-oriented version.
• Naked Cake Style: Apply minimal frosting with visible cake and sprinkles peeking through for a rustic-chic look.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While the Confetti Smash Birthday Cake is undeniably indulgent, it’s important to consider nutritional aspects, especially when serving children or guests with dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Highlights (per slice, approx. 1/12 of cake):

• Calories: ~380–420
• Fat: 18–22g (mostly from butter and cream cheese)
• Saturated Fat: 10–12g
• Carbohydrates: 55–60g
• Sugars: 40–45g (including added sugars from frosting and cake)
• Protein: 5–6g
• Calcium: Moderate (from dairy ingredients)

Health Notes:

• Sugar Content: High due to both cake and frosting. Consider reducing sugar slightly in the cake (down to 1¼ cups) or using a lighter frosting alternative.
• Allergens: Contains dairy, eggs, wheat, and soy (in most sprinkles). Always label if serving at gatherings.
• Portion Control: Serve smaller slices with fruit or tea to balance indulgence.
• Trans Fats: Avoid margarine or shortening; stick to real butter and quality ingredients.
• Kid-Friendly Tweaks: Use natural food dyes in homemade sprinkles or reduce frosting quantity for younger eaters.

For healthier alternatives, explore options like Greek yogurt-based frostings, honey or maple syrup substitutions (with texture adjustments), and adding pureed applesauce or mashed banana to increase moisture while cutting fat.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
• ¼ cup (60ml) whole milk, room temperature
• ½ cup (80g) rainbow jimmies (baking-safe)

For the Frosting:

• ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk

For Decoration:

• ½–1 cup rainbow sprinkles (various shapes and sizes)
• Edible glitter or stars (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy (3–4 minutes).
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Reduce speed to low. Gradually add one-third of the dry ingredients, followed by half the buttermilk and milk mixture. Repeat, ending with the last third of dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
6. Fold in ½ cup rainbow jimmies gently with a spatula.
7. Divide batter evenly between pans. Smooth tops with an offset spatula.
8. Bake 25–30 minutes, rotating pans halfway, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Remove parchment and cool completely.
10. For frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cream. Whip until light and fluffy.
11. Level cake tops if needed. Place first layer on a plate or cake board. Spread ¾ cup frosting on top.
12. Add second layer. Apply a thin crumb coat over entire cake. Chill 20 minutes.
13. Apply final layer of frosting. Use a bench scraper for smooth sides.
14. Press sprinkles onto sides and scatter generously on top.
15. Refrigerate 30 minutes before slicing. Serve at room temperature.

FAQ

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the layers up to 2 days in advance, wrap in plastic, and store at room temperature. Frost the day of serving for best appearance.

Why did my sprinkles bleed color?
This usually happens with low-quality or non-baking sprinkles. Use “jimmies” or sprinkles labeled “won’t bleed” for best results.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes. Freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before frosting. Frosted cake can be frozen but may affect sprinkle texture.

How do I get tall, bakery-style layers?
Use cake strips (wet fabric strips wrapped around pans) to slow edge baking and promote even rising.

Can I use a box mix?
Absolutely. Use a premium vanilla cake mix, add an extra egg and ½ cup sour cream for richness, and stir in ⅓ cup sprinkles.

Is cream cheese frosting necessary?
No. Vanilla buttercream, ermine frosting, or whipped cream work well too, depending on preference.

How many people does this serve?
Typically 10–12 generous slices, or 16 smaller portions.

Can I bake this in a 9×13 pan?
Yes. Increase baking time to 35–40 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Summary

The Confetti Smash Birthday Cake is a joyful, visually stunning dessert that combines a soft vanilla crumb bursting with rainbow sprinkles and a rich cream cheese frosting for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to customize and always a crowd-pleaser, it turns any occasion into a celebration with every colorful slice.