Save to Pinterest Celebrate the arrival of spring with this delightful Spring Funfetti Cake with Pastel Buttercream. This light vanilla cake is flecked with colorful rainbow sprinkles, creating a joyful surprise in every bite. Crowned with whimsical swirls of pastel buttercream, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering, capturing the vibrant spirit of the season in both taste and appearance.
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This cake not only tastes wonderful but is designed to look as joyful as the season itself. The use of rainbow sprinkles within the batter adds a burst of color that brightens each slice, while the pastel-tinted buttercream invites creativity in decorating. Whether for a birthday, an Easter brunch, or a festive get-together, this cake brings a fresh and whimsical touch to your dessert table.
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
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- 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
For the best texture and flavor, ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Use a rubber spatula to carefully fold in the sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. Baking times may vary slightly depending on ovens; check doneness early to avoid overbaking. If you prefer cupcakes, reduce baking time accordingly, about 22–24 minutes.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt to add a subtle tang and moisture. Opt for high-quality jimmie sprinkles to prevent bleeding and maintain bright colors. You can customize the pastel colors of your buttercream to suit holidays or themes, mixing shades as desired for a personalized cake design.
Serviervorschläge
This cake pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of sparkling Moscato to complement its sweetness, or for a non-alcoholic option, serve alongside a refreshing lemonade. Garnish with fresh spring edible flowers or sprinkles at the table for extra charm.
Save to Pinterest 
With its vibrant sprinkles and dreamy pastel swirls, this Spring Funfetti Cake with Pastel Buttercream is sure to bring joy to your table and smiles to your guests. Baking this cake celebrates the season’s lighthearted spirit and creates a sweet centerpiece that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I prevent sprinkles from bleeding colors?
Use high-quality jimmie sprinkles, which are less likely to melt or bleed. Gently fold them into the batter at the end to avoid smearing.
- → What can I substitute for sour cream in the batter?
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, providing similar moisture and tang without altering the texture.
- → How do I achieve pastel colors in the buttercream?
Divide buttercream into separate bowls and add small amounts of gel food coloring in pink, blue, yellow, and purple until soft pastel shades are reached.
- → What is the best method to cream butter and sugar?
Beat room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- → Can this be baked as cupcakes?
Yes, bake cupcakes at the same temperature for 22 to 24 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
