A piñata cake is a delightful and festive dessert that conceals a hidden treasure of candies within its layers. Upon slicing, an array of colorful sweets spills out, offering a delightful surprise for all. This cake is perfect for celebrations and is sure to impress both children and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Interactive and Fun: The hidden candy center adds an element of surprise and excitement to any gathering.
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Customizable: You can tailor the cake and filling to suit any occasion or personal preference.
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Visually Impressive: The vibrant colors and cascading candies make for a stunning presentation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Cake Layers:
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All-purpose flour
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Buttermilk
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Gel food coloring (optional, for colored layers)
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Frosting:
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Unsalted butter, softened
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Confectioners’ sugar
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Heavy whipping cream
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Vanilla extract
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Salt
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Filling:
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Assorted candies (e.g., M&M’s, jelly beans, sprinkles)
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Directions
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Prepare the Cake Layers:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour four 9-inch round cake pans.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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If desired, divide the batter into separate bowls and tint each portion with different gel food coloring.
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Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
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Prepare the Frosting:
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
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Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating well after each addition.
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Add the heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
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Assemble the Cake:
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Using a 4-inch round cutter or a sharp knife, cut a circle out of the center of two of the cooled cake layers.
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Place one whole cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
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Place one of the cut-out layers on top of the frosted base layer. Spread frosting on top and around the inner edges of the hole.
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Repeat with the second cut-out layer, ensuring the holes align to create a cavity.
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Fill the cavity with assorted candies, filling up to the top edge.
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Place the final whole cake layer on top to seal the candies inside.
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Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing it out evenly.
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Decorate:
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Decorate the cake as desired. You can use additional candies, sprinkles, or piping techniques to enhance the cake’s appearance.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: Approximately 14-16 slices
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Preparation Time: 1 hour
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Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
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Assembly Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 2 hours
Variations
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Flavor Variations: Experiment with different cake flavors such as chocolate, red velvet, or lemon to suit your preference.
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Themed Fillings: Customize the candy filling to match the theme of your event, such as pastel candies for Easter or red and green for Christmas.
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Size Adjustments: For a smaller gathering, consider making a mini piñata cake using smaller cake pans and adjusting the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the assembled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.
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Reheating: This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. If refrigerated, allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting.
FAQs
What is a piñata cake?
A piñata cake is a layered cake with a hidden compartment filled with candies or treats that spill out when the cake is sliced, resembling a traditional piñata.
Can I use a cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?
Yes, you can use a boxed cake mix to save time. Prepare the mix according to package instructions and follow the assembly steps as outlined.
How do I prevent the candies from sinking into the cake layers?
Ensure that the cake layers are completely cooled before assembly. The frosting between layers should act as a barrier to hold the candies in place.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers and prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting. Assemble the cake on the day of serving for best results.
What types of candies work best for the filling?
Small, hard candies like M&M’s, jelly beans, or mini chocolate chips work well. Avoid using candies that may melt or become sticky at room temperature.
How can I ensure my cake layers are even?
Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly among the cake pans. Additionally, leveling the cakes after baking can help achieve uniform layers.
Is it necessary to use food coloring?
No, food coloring is optional. It adds a fun visual element but can be omitted for a more traditional look.
Can I use different frosting flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different frosting flavors like chocolate, cream cheese, or flavored buttercreams to complement your cake.
How do I achieve a smooth finish on the frosting?
Use an offset spatula and a bench scraper to smooth out the frosting. Chilling the cake between crumb coating and final frosting can also help achieve a cleaner finish.
What should I do if my frosting is too thick or too thin?
If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of heavy cream to reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more confectioners’ sugar until it thickens.
Conclusion
Creating a piñata cake is a rewarding baking project that brings joy and surprise to any celebration. With its hidden candy center and customizable elements, it’s sure to be a showstopper at your next event. Enjoy the process and the delightful reactions from your guests as they discover the sweet surprise inside!
Piñata Cake
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling and decorating)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Piñata Cake is a stunning celebration dessert with a hidden candy center that spills out when you slice it! Made with layers of soft cake and filled with your favorite colorful candies, it’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any joyful occasion.
Ingredients
- For the cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- For the frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- For the filling
- 1–1 1/2 cups assorted small candies (mini M&Ms, sprinkles, jelly beans, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the batter, mixing until smooth.
- Divide batter evenly between the pans and bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Once cakes are cooled, use a 3-inch round cutter to remove the center from one or two of the middle layers (depending on how many layers you want).
- Stack the layers with frosting in between, placing the hollowed layer(s) in the middle. Fill the center with candies.
- Top with the final uncut layer and frost the entire cake. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting shades.
- You can use a cake mix to speed things up.
- Customize the candy filling for different themes or holidays.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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