Vanilla Cake Sprinkles are a delightful addition to any dessert, offering a burst of color and sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
These sprinkles are often used as a topping for vanilla cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods, creating a fun and festive atmosphere.
Made from sugar, cornstarch, and food coloring, Vanilla Cake Sprinkles are both visually appealing and delicious. Their light crunch adds texture to soft, moist cakes, making each bite even more enjoyable.
The inspiration behind Vanilla Cake Sprinkles comes from the desire to add a playful touch to desserts, transforming them into something extra special.
Once sprinkled on a freshly baked vanilla cake, they melt slightly, releasing their sweetness, which perfectly complements the rich, buttery flavor of the cake, making every bite irresistible.
How To Prepare Vanilla Cake Sprinkles?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, for faster mixing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (or another shape)
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the cake pans)
- Cooling rack (for cooling the cake layers)
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading the frosting)
- Cake decorating tools (if desired, for decorating with sprinkles)

Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (or your preferred color)
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk (or milk with vinegar) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
6. Add Sprinkles:
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour Batter Into Pans:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
8. Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.
10. Frost the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Add the second layer of cake, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate with more rainbow sprinkles.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and enjoy the delightful vanilla cake with colorful sprinkles!
Nutrition Facts Vanilla Cake Sprinkles
Nutrition | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 250 |
Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 7g |
Cholesterol | 70mg |
Sodium | 150mg |
Carbohydrates | 32g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 20g |
Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions For Vanilla Cake Sprinkles
This vanilla cake sprinkles is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any day that needs a little extra joy.
I love serving it with a simple vanilla buttercream frosting, topped with even more sprinkles for a festive touch. You can also pair it with fresh berries and whipped cream for a lighter, fruitier option.
Tips and Variations
1. Use Different Sprinkles:
Feel free to experiment with different types of sprinkles. Try rainbow, pastel, or themed sprinkles to match the occasion. Just make sure to use bake-stable ones if you’re mixing them into the batter.
2. Add a Flavor Twist:
For a flavor variation, add a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla, or mix in a tablespoon of lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
3. Make It a Layer Cake:
If you want to make this cake even more special, double the recipe and create a four-layer cake. Frost each layer with your favorite icing and add sprinkles between each layer for a colorful surprise.
What Are Cake Sprinkles Called?
Cake sprinkles, also known as “jimmies,” “nonpareils,” or “hundreds and thousands,” are tiny, colorful decorations used to add a festive touch to cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods.
These small, sugar-based toppings come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, and are often sprinkled over frosting or mixed into batters to create a fun, celebratory appearance.
Whether you call them sprinkles or by one of their other names, they’re a simple way to brighten up any dessert.
Are Sprinkles Healthy?
Sprinkles are more about adding visual appeal and fun to desserts than providing nutritional value.
They’re typically made from sugar, food coloring, and sometimes a bit of wax or starch. While they can make a treat more festive, sprinkles are high in sugar and offer little to no health benefits.
In moderation, they can be a fun addition to your desserts, but it’s best not to rely on them for any nutritional value.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover Vanilla Cake Sprinkles, keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity.
This will help maintain their freshness and prevent them from clumping or losing their vibrant color. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as moisture can cause them to lose their crunch.
Properly stored, Vanilla Cake Sprinkles can last for several months, ready to add a sweet touch to your next baking creation.
Conclusion
Vanilla cake sprinkles are a delightful way to add a burst of color and fun to a classic dessert. These tiny, sugary decorations turn an ordinary vanilla cake into a celebration-worthy treat, perfect for any occasion.
The sprinkles not only enhance the cake’s appearance but also add a subtle crunch that complements the soft, moist texture of the cake.
Baking for a party, a special event, or just to bring a little joy into your day, vanilla cake sprinkles are the perfect finishing touch.
Their playful and festive nature makes them a favorite among both kids and adults, ensuring your cake will be a hit every time.
More Delicious Vanilla Cakes
Old-Fashioned Depression Vanilla Cake Recipe
5 Ingredients Costco Vanilla Mousse Cake Filling Recipe
Deliciously Moist Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
Best Vanilla Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
Vanilla Wafer Cake Recipe Without Coconut – Bakerycooks

Vanilla Cake Sprinkles
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (optional, for faster mixing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans (or another shape)
- Parchment paper (optional, for lining the cake pans)
- Cooling rack (for cooling the cake layers)
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for spreading the frosting)
- Cake decorating tools (if desired, for decorating with sprinkles)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles or your preferred color
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk (or milk with vinegar) to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
Add Sprinkles:
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour Batter Into Pans:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake the Cake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream if needed.
Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Add the second layer of cake, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake. Decorate with more rainbow sprinkles.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice and enjoy the delightful vanilla cake with colorful sprinkles!