This Easy Confetti Cake is a fun, festive, and simple-to-make dessert that’s perfect for celebrations. By enhancing a white cake mix with additional ingredients, this recipe achieves a homemade taste without the extra effort.

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Confetti Cake:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1 cup milk, at room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (use “jimmies” to prevent color bleeding)

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• Additional rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Directions

Confetti Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 335°F (168°C). Grease and line three 7-inch or 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Add the sour cream, milk, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing until combined.
4. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while mixing on low speed.
5. Increase the mixer speed to medium and whip the frosting for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread an even layer of vanilla buttercream frosting on top.
2. Place the second cake layer on top of the first and repeat the frosting process.
3. Add the third cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
4. Decorate the cake with additional rainbow sprinkles as desired.
5. Slice and serve at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 600 kcal
• Total Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 400mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 80g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 60g
• Protein: 4g

The Story Behind Confetti Cake

Confetti cake, also known as funfetti cake, is a nostalgic and beloved dessert that has been a staple at birthday parties and celebrations for decades. Originating in the late 1980s, this colorful cake quickly became a favorite among children and adults alike. The bright rainbow sprinkles scattered throughout the soft, moist cake give it a festive and cheerful appearance, making it a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and even weddings. What sets confetti cake apart from a traditional vanilla cake is its signature colorful specks, which are achieved by incorporating rainbow sprinkles into the batter. The sprinkles melt slightly during baking, creating a visually appealing explosion of colors in every bite. While the classic version of confetti cake uses white or yellow cake as a base, modern adaptations allow for a variety of flavors and creative twists.

Why This Confetti Cake Stands Out

This particular confetti cake recipe is an upgraded version of the classic. By enhancing a store-bought cake mix with additional ingredients, this cake achieves a homemade flavor while maintaining ease and convenience. Unlike many boxed cake recipes that can sometimes be dry or lack depth in flavor, this version incorporates sour cream and butter for an ultra-moist texture and rich taste. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake. Additionally, using a mix of granulated sugar and all-purpose flour in conjunction with the cake mix helps create a structure that is sturdy enough to layer yet remains light and fluffy. A key element of this recipe’s success is the choice of sprinkles. The best type to use for confetti cake is the classic “jimmies” sprinkles, which are elongated and do not bleed their color excessively into the batter. Nonpareils, the small round sprinkles, tend to dissolve and can create an undesirable streaky effect.

Perfect Occasions for Confetti Cake

Confetti cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed at a variety of celebrations. Some of the best occasions to serve this cake include:

• Birthdays – This cake is a classic choice for birthday parties, especially for children who love the vibrant colors and sweet flavor.
• Anniversaries – The joyful aesthetic of confetti cake makes it a fun choice for celebrating years of love and commitment.
• Graduations – Whether it’s a preschool, high school, or college graduation, a confetti cake brings an element of fun and festivity.
• Baby Showers – A great gender-neutral cake option that can be decorated with pink, blue, or pastel-colored sprinkles.
• Holidays – Customize the colors of the sprinkles to match specific holidays like red and green for Christmas or pastel hues for Easter.

Tips for the Best Confetti Cake

To ensure your confetti cake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few key tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps the ingredients mix together more smoothly, resulting in a uniform texture and better rise in the cake.
• Gently Fold in the Sprinkles – Stirring the sprinkles too vigorously can cause them to break down, leading to streaks rather than distinct colorful dots.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix only until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
• Use the Right Sprinkles – As mentioned earlier, stick with jimmies rather than nonpareils to prevent color bleeding.
• Evenly Distribute Batter – If making a layered cake, use a kitchen scale to ensure equal amounts of batter in each pan for uniform baking.
• Cool Completely Before Frosting – Applying frosting to a warm cake can cause it to melt and become runny.

Decorating Ideas

One of the best aspects of confetti cake is that it’s easy to customize and decorate. While the traditional version is covered in vanilla buttercream frosting and topped with extra sprinkles, you can get creative with different decorating techniques:

• Ombre Frosting – Use different shades of frosting for an eye-catching gradient effect.
• Drip Cake Style – Add a ganache drip in white or colorful chocolate for a trendy and fun look.
• Themed Toppings – Decorate according to the occasion, such as edible flowers for springtime or chocolate shavings for a more sophisticated touch.
• Cake Topper Fun – Add a playful cake topper, such as a “Happy Birthday” sign, small figurines, or even candles that match the sprinkle colors.

How to Store Confetti Cake

Proper storage is essential to keeping your confetti cake fresh and delicious. Here’s how you can extend its shelf life:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
• Freezer: To store for an extended period, wrap individual slices or the entire unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Common Questions About Confetti Cake

Can I use a different cake mix? Yes! While this recipe calls for a white cake mix, you can substitute it with a yellow cake mix or even a funfetti cake mix for an extra sprinkle boost. What if I don’t have sour cream? You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk to maintain the moisture and texture of the cake. Can I make this cake in advance? Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature for a day or freeze for longer storage. Frost the cake just before serving for the best results.

Conclusion

Easy Confetti Cake is a fun and festive dessert that brings a splash of color to any celebration. With its soft, moist texture, delicious vanilla-almond flavor, and vibrant sprinkles, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just a fun treat, this recipe ensures a delightful and joyful dessert every time.