Confetti Graduation Cake

Celebrate academic achievements with a vibrant and festive Confetti Graduation Cake. This delightful dessert combines a moist vanilla cake base with colorful sprinkles, creating a cheerful appearance reminiscent of confetti. Topped with a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any graduation celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Appearance: The colorful sprinkles baked into the cake batter provide a fun and celebratory look, ideal for marking special occasions.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of vanilla cake and buttercream frosting offers a classic and universally loved taste.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the cake’s colors and decorations to match school colors or personal preferences.
• Perfect for Celebrations: This cake not only tastes great but also adds a visual appeal to any graduation party.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Whole milk
• Rainbow sprinkles
• Confectioners’ sugar (for frosting)
• Heavy cream (for frosting)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar, butter, and heavy cream until smooth and fluffy.
10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second cake layer over it. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
11. Decorate: Add additional sprinkles on top and sides of the cake for decoration. Optionally, add graduation-themed toppers or edible decorations.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling and Decorating Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Variations: Incorporate different extracts like almond or lemon for a unique twist.
• Frosting Options: Substitute vanilla buttercream with cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache.
• Shape and Size: Use different cake pan shapes or sizes to suit your celebration needs.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. For a dairy-free cake, substitute with plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: If desired, bring the cake to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

FAQs

What type of sprinkles work best in a confetti cake?

Use jimmies or confetti quins, as they hold their shape and color during baking. Avoid nonpareils, which can bleed into the batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day of the event for best results.

How can I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?

Lightly coat the sprinkles with flour before folding them into the batter to help distribute them evenly.

Can I use a box cake mix for this recipe?

While homemade offers the best flavor, you can use a white or yellow box cake mix and add sprinkles to the batter for convenience.

How do I achieve a moist cake texture?

Ensure not to overmix the batter and avoid overbaking. Using ingredients like whole milk and proper measuring techniques also contribute to moisture.

What is the best way to frost the cake smoothly?

Apply a crumb coat first, chill the cake, then apply a final layer of frosting using an offset spatula for a smooth finish.

Can I add food coloring to the batter?

Yes, adding food coloring can enhance the festive appearance. Divide the batter and color each portion differently for a rainbow effect.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

How can I incorporate a graduation theme into the cake?

Use graduation-themed toppers, edible images, or pipe messages like “Congratulations” or the graduate’s name on the cake.

What is the ideal way to transport the cake?

Place the cake in a sturdy cake carrier or box, and keep it level during transport. Chill the cake beforehand to help it stay firm.

Conclusion

The Confetti Graduation Cake is a delightful and festive dessert that brings joy to any celebration. Its colorful appearance and delicious flavor make it a favorite among guests of all ages. With its versatility and ease of customization, this cake is sure to be a memorable centerpiece for your graduation festivities.

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