As a baker at Food and Meal, few things make my heart happier than a towering layer cake covered in rainbow sprinkles. The moment I pull one of these colorful confections from the oven and see those vibrant hues sandwiched between fluffy vanilla cake layers, I’m transported right back to childhood birthday parties filled with laughter, games and sweet treats.
Baking has always been my love language – I can’t help but feel giddy imagining the delight on someone’s face when they take that first sweet bite. And this rainbow sprinkle cake takes me right back to carefree childhood celebrations. Though it looks fancy, it’s simple to make with supermarket ingredients like cake mix, vanilla frosting and of course, rainbow nonpareils. I love imagining children’s eyes lighting up when they see the vibrant colors, or even just providing some much-needed cheer to adults.
So preheat those ovens and let your inner child rejoice! With tender moist cake, mounds of creamy frosting and a joyful rainbow sprinkle exterior, this showstopper cake is sure to make anyone feel special. No need to order an expensive bakery cake when you can create this funfetti masterpiece at home. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and let the sweet memories wash over you with each colorful bite!
Rainbow Sprinkle Cake recipes
Rainbow Sprinkle Cake with Crumb Topping
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1½ cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- â…“ cup rainbow sprinkles Betty Crocker brand will not color the batter
Crumb Topping
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- pinch kosher salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter cold, cubed
- 2.5 tbsp rainbow sprinkles
- 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with baking spray that contains flour; line pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of excess over the sides to aid in lifting cake after baking. Spray pan again.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- To make the crumb topping: in a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Using your fingers, work in cold butter until mixture has a sandy texture. Add sprinkles and vanilla, and mix with your fingers until small pebble-size crumbs remain.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix butter and sugar at medium speed until fluffy, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl. Add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add in vanilla.
- Reduce mixer speed to low, and gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in sprinkles. Pour batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with the prepared crumb topping.
- Bake until golden brown and a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Using excess parchment as handles, remove cake from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Making Rainbow Sprinkle Cupcakes Using a Microwave
Creating your whimsical Rainbow Sprinkle Cupcakes is as delightful as indulging in their vibrant sweetness. Begin by preparing the batter – whisking together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. In another bowl, embark on a creamy journey as softened butter and granulated sugar unite until light and fluffy. Eggs join the dance one by one, followed by the sweet embrace of vanilla extract. The symphony of flavors continues as you gradually introduce the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, creating a harmonious blend.
Now, the magic unfolds as you divide the batter into separate bowls, each a canvas for the rainbow of colors you desire. Add gel food coloring, stirring until your imagination comes to life in vibrant hues. Line a microwave-safe cupcake tray with paper liners, filling each with spoonfuls of colored batter, layering for a marbled masterpiece. A quick dance in the microwave, taking care to watch as they rise and set in 2-3 minutes.
As these miniature marvels cool, sprinkle them with rainbow confetti for that extra burst of color. Your Rainbow Sprinkle Cupcakes are now a visual and flavorful feast, ready to bring joy to your taste buds in every bite. Perfect for a swift and colorful dessert fix, savor the delightful simplicity of these microwave masterpieces. Enjoy!
Tips for making Rainbow Sprinkle Cake
Cooking Tips
I have a few helpful tips to make sure your Rainbow Sprinkle Cake turns out picture-perfect every time. Be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the sprinkles – just enough to evenly distribute them without deflating the rising agents. And when stacking the cooled layers, use a nice fluffy buttercream frosting instead of stiff whipped cream to avoid smushing your sprinkle art. Finally, use a gentle touch and patience when coating the frosted exterior with sprinkles, allowing gravity to pull them down the sides into a magical rainbow cascade.
Serving Suggestions
Picture savoring these vibrant treats alongside a bowl of soft Tofu Hot Pot, where the subtle flavors of the tofu complement the sweetness of the cupcakes. Alternatively, the aromatic richness of Pesto Panini offers a savory contrast, creating a delightful balance that tingles the taste buds. For those seeking a warm and comforting combination, the Persian Rice brings a fragrant and flavorful element to the colorful dessert experience.
If you’re in the mood for an exotic fusion, consider the harmonious blend of flavors with Sushi Ginger, adding a touch of Japanese inspiration to your rainbow-themed delight. For a refreshing interlude, delve into the Hibachi Soup, allowing its light and flavorful essence to cleanse the palate between bites.
FAQs of Rainbow Sprinkle Cake
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?Absolutely! Bake the layers in advance, wrap them well, and store in the freezer. Thaw and decorate when you’re ready to enjoy.
- How do I store leftover Rainbow Sprinkle Cake?Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze individual slices for longer storage.
- Can I use food coloring gels for a more intense color? Yes, gel food coloring is ideal for achieving vibrant colors without affecting the cake’s texture. Start with a small amount and add more as needed.
- Can I use different flavored extracts for variety?Absolutely! Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to add unique flavor profiles to your cake layers.
- Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free version of Rainbow Sprinkle Cake. Just be sure to check the labels of other ingredients for gluten content
Conclusion
As I pull my towering Rainbow Sprinkle Cake from the oven, I’m filled with childlike wonder all over again. This simple vanilla cake takes me back to birthday parties of yesteryear with its fluffy layers and vibrant rainbow sprinkles sandwiched throughout. Though easy to make with supermarket ingredients, it looks ever so fanciful and is sure to delight.
I hope you’ll give this recipe from Food and Meal a try soon. Feel free to get creative with the sprinkles and frostings – this cake template is perfect for customizing to your heart’s desire! No matter what age you are, take a bite and let the sweet nostalgia wash over you. This bake is sure to become your new go-to birthday cake. Thanks for reading and happy baking!
Hi! I’m Paula from the Philippines, the passionate blogger and skilled photographer behind Gobble the Cook. I also spearhead the media photography for Food And Meal in Vietnam.
I'm James F Anderson, a noted sous chef from London and a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus. My career began in a Michelin-starred Parisian eatery, where my blend of classic and contemporary cooking, using seasonal ingredients, earned accolades. Recognized in culinary publications and on cooking shows, I’m committed to mentoring aspiring chefs and delivering memorable dining experiences, marking me as a standout talent in the culinary world.