Funfetti Spring Birthday Cake 🌸🎂
Ingredients:
For the funfetti cake layers:
- 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, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best, not nonpareils)
For the buttercream frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A few drops of pink, pastel yellow, or mint food coloring (optional for spring vibes)
- Pinch of salt
For decorating:
- Pastel sprinkles
- Edible flowers or piped buttercream flowers
- Birthday candles
- Optional: white chocolate drip or frosting swirls
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Directions:
Step 1: Bake the cake layers
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 6-inch or two 8-inch cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add egg whites and beat until combined.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. Alternate adding flour mixture and buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in sour cream.
7. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles with a spatula.
8. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the buttercream
1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk/cream, vanilla, and salt.
3. Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Tint with pastel food coloring, if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the cake
1. Level cake layers if needed.
2. Place the first layer on a cake board or plate and spread with frosting.
3. Repeat with remaining layers, then apply a thin crumb coat. Chill for 15–20 minutes.
4. Frost the entire cake with a smooth layer of buttercream.
Step 4: Decorate
1. Add swirls of frosting on top using a star tip.
2. Sprinkle with pastel jimmies or sugar pearls.
3. Garnish with edible flowers or birthday candles for the full festive effect!
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Tips:
- Use room-temperature ingredients for the fluffiest texture.
- Gently fold in sprinkles to prevent color bleeding.
- Want a shortcut? Use a vanilla cake mix and add 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup sprinkles for an easy upgrade.