Homemade Sprinkle Cake

Name: Homemade Sprinkle Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 31 min
Total time: 51 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 cups (177g) cake flour (spooned & leveled); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 2 large egg whites, at room temperature; 1/3 cup (80g) sour cream, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk, at room temperature; 1/2 cup (70g) sprinkles; 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (for buttercream); 3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar (for buttercream); 3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature (for buttercream); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for buttercream); Salt, to taste (for buttercream); Optional: sprinkles for garnish (for buttercream)

By:

dani

Published:

September 19, 2025

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There’s something magical about turning basic ingredients into a delightful treat, and that’s exactly what this Easy Homemade Sprinkle Cake does. Imagine a light, fluffy cake bursting with colorful sprinkles, ready to brighten any occasion. This cake brings back childhood memories of birthday parties and celebrations, making each bite a nostalgic experience. The best part? You don’t need to be a baking expert to whip it up. With just a few simple steps and ingredients you probably have at home, you can create something truly special that tastes homemade without the fuss. So let’s get started on this fun baking adventure together!

Why This Recipe Works

This Easy Homemade Sprinkle Cake recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and taste. The combination of cake flour, precise leavening agents, and room temperature ingredients ensures a tender, fluffy crumb that mimics the comforting flavors of a box cake mix but with the wholesome goodness of homemade baking. Plus, using cake flour makes a difference, giving the cake a lighter texture. The careful proportions of ingredients allow it to rise beautifully, creating a cake that is both delightful to eat and visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Homemade Sprinkle Cake

There’s something inherently joyful about a sprinkle cake. Its vibrant colors, delightful texture, and easy preparation make it a showstopper for any occasion, from birthdays to weekend treats. Plus, this cake is versatile—suitable for celebrations or a simple family dessert—and can even be personalized with your favorite flavors or add-ins. The sprinkles not only add a pop of color but also a touch of fun. Who doesn’t love a cake that looks as good as it tastes? And since we’re using straightforward ingredients, it comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 and 1/2 cups (177g) cake flour (spooned & leveled)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/3 cup (80g) sour cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup (80ml) whole milk, at room temperature
1/2 cup (70g) sprinkles

For the Vanilla Buttercream

3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 cups (360g) confectioners’ sugar
3 tablespoons (45ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Salt, to taste
Optional: sprinkles for garnish

How to Make Easy Homemade Sprinkle Cake

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×2-inch round cake pan. After greasing, line it with a parchment paper round and grease the parchment as well. This little step ensures that your cake comes out perfectly without any sticking.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later use. This combination creates the perfect base for your cake’s structure.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy—this should take about 1 minute. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and cream them together for another minute. This process helps incorporate air, giving the cake its nice lightness.

Incorporate the Egg Whites and Wet Ingredients

Now, it’s time to add the egg whites into the creamed mixture, beating until fully incorporated. Next, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract, scraping the bowl frequently to ensure everything blends evenly. Each ingredient adds moisture and richness to the cake, making it irresistible.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, pour the dry ingredients you set aside into your wet mixture. While doing this, blend on low speed, slowly adding in the milk. Mix just until combined; be careful not to over-mix, as this can toughen your cake. If there are a few lumps, run a spatula through the batter gently. Finally, fold in the colorful sprinkles, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Bake the Cake

Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for approximately 27-31 minutes. After about 18 minutes, tent your cake with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much on top. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or have a few crumbs attached.

Cool the Cake

Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is super important! Letting it cool fully helps maintain its shape and prevents it from breaking apart when you take it out of the pan.

Make the Vanilla Buttercream

In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Start mixing on low for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high for 2 minutes until you achieve a fluffy consistency. You can adjust the frosting consistency with more sugar or cream as needed, and don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to taste for that flavor balance!

Decorate the Cake

Now comes the fun part! Spread the buttercream evenly over the cooled cake using an icing spatula. A sprinkle selection on top adds that perfect finishing touch. The colorful sprinkles not only enhance the look but also add texture and that “wow” factor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this easy homemade sprinkle cake at parties, with coffee, or simply enjoy it as a delightful dessert treat. Pairing it with fresh fruit or a scoop of ice cream elevates the experience, making it even more enjoyable. You can imagine the smiles on faces when they see this lovely cake at any gathering!

Tips for Success

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results. This helps to create a homogenous mixture that’s essential for a tender cake.
Avoid over-mixing the batter. Over-mixing can toughen your cake, so be gentle when folding in sprinkles and combining wet and dry ingredients.
Feel free to personalize your cake with different flavored extracts or colored sprinkles to match the occasion or your preferences.

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate version of this sprinkle cake. Alternatively, substitute the sprinkles with mini chocolate chips or add some fruit zest for a different flavor profile. These twists can create new favorites in your home!

FAQ

1. Can I make this sprinkle cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance, keep it tightly covered, and frost it the next day when you’re ready to serve.

2. What if I don’t have cake flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour by measuring out a cup, removing 2 tablespoons, and adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to mimic the properties of cake flour.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep the leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to five days. It’s delicious either way!

4. Can I freeze the sprinkle cake?
Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw at room temperature.

5. What can I use instead of sour cream?
Greek yogurt or buttermilk can serve as excellent substitutes for sour cream, providing a similar creaminess.

This Easy Homemade Sprinkle Cake brings joy to any table with its soft texture, vibrant colors, and delightful flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a simple weeknight dessert, this cake is sure to please and create lasting memories. Its simplicity combined with the fun sprinkles makes it a favorite among bakers and dessert lovers alike!