Save to Pinterest Celebrate the arrival of spring with this delightful Spring Funfetti Cake with Pastel Buttercream. This light and joyful vanilla cake is flecked with colorful sprinkles inside and topped with whimsical pastel buttercream swirls, making it perfect for birthdays or any festive spring gathering.
Save to Pinterest The combination of sour cream and whole milk ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the gentle folding of rainbow jimmies protects their bright colors inside the batter. The pastel buttercream allows playful creativity, swirling soft hues that are as delightful to decorate with as they are to enjoy.
Ingredients
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- For the Cake
- 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, room temperature
- 2/3 cup (100 g) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
- For the Pastel Buttercream
- 1 1/2 cups (340 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5 cups (600 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring gels: pastel pink, blue, yellow, and purple
Instructions
- 1.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
- 2.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- 4.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- 5.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk and sour cream until combined.
- 6.
- Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
- 7.
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula.
- 8.
- Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth tops.
- 9.
- Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 10.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Pastel Buttercream
- 11. Beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). 12. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until incorporated. 13. Add milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat on high until fluffy (2–3 minutes). 14. Divide buttercream into 4 bowls. Tint each with a different pastel color using food gel. 15. To decorate, dollop or pipe colored buttercream onto cooled cake layers as desired. Swirl colors together for a marbled pastel effect.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to ensure an even batter texture. When folding in sprinkles, be gentle to avoid color bleeding or melting. For even baking, rotate pans halfway through the baking time if your oven has hot spots.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If sour cream is unavailable, substitute with Greek yogurt for similar moisture and tang. For a playful twist, transform the recipe into cupcakes; reduce baking time to 22–24 minutes. Choose high-quality jimmie sprinkles to maintain vibrant colors without bleeding.
Serviervorschläge
This cake pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of sparkling Moscato or fresh lemonade. Serve at spring celebrations, birthdays, or any joyful occasion to impress guests with a visually stunning and deliciously moist vanilla cake.
Save to Pinterest This Spring Funfetti Cake with Pastel Buttercream brings festive color and joy to your table. Its tender crumb and playful frosting make every slice a celebration of spring's lighthearted spirit. Enjoy baking, decorating, and sharing this radiant dessert with your loved ones.
Recipe Q&A
- → What gives the cake its colorful appearance?
Rainbow jimmie sprinkles are gently folded into the batter, adding bursts of color throughout the cake without affecting texture.
- → How is the pastel buttercream made?
Buttercream is whipped using room-temperature butter combined with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and tinted with pastel food coloring before decorating.
- → Can sour cream be substituted in the cake?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream to maintain moisture and slight tang.
- → What baking pans are recommended?
Two 9-inch round cake pans lined with parchment paper ensure even baking and easy removal.
- → How should the cake be baked for cupcakes?
Cupcakes require a shorter bake time of about 22 to 24 minutes for optimal texture.
