Classic Confetti Birthday Cake with Chocolate Buttercream

Name: Classic Confetti Birthday Cake with Chocolate Buttercream
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Yield: 12 - 16 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for pans; 2 2/3 c. all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for pans; 1/3 c. cornstarch; 2 tsp. baking powder; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 2 c. granulated sugar; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 1 tsp. cake flavoring; 1 c. whole milk; 1/4 c. canola oil; 1/2 c. rainbow sprinkles; 1 1/2 c. (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled; 1/4 c. heavy cream; 4 c. confectioners’ sugar; Pinch kosher salt; Additional sprinkles, for garnish

This classic cake is the best and most delicious way to celebrate a birthday.

By Beth BranchPublished: May 8, 2023

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classic confetti birthday cake with chocolate buttercream

Becky Luigart-Stayner

Yields:

12 - 16 serving(s)

Prep Time:

1 hr

Cook Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 25 mins

Nostalgia, anyone? This easy and delicious yellow cake recipe with fudgy chocolate frosting is filled with plenty of festive sprinkles, making it the perfect option for any birthday celebration.

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Ingredients

For the cake:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for pans
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for pans
1/3 cup cornstarch
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tsp. cake flavoring
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the buttercream:

1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
Pinch kosher salt
Additional sprinkles, for garnish

Directions

1. Step 1Make the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour three 8-inch cake pans. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
2. Step 2Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, beating until combined after each addition Beat in vanilla extract and cake flavoring. Beat in milk and oil. Slowly beat in flour mixture until combined. Stir in sprinkles.
3. Step 3Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake, until cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 23 to 25 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes; transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Step 4Make the buttercream: Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Beat in cocoa powder, chocolate chips, vanilla, and cream, scraping down sides as necessary, until combined. Add half of the confectioners’ sugar and mix until combined. Add remaining confectioners’ sugar and salt; beat for 1 minute.
5. Step 5Assemble cake: Remove domed cake tops with a serrated knife, if desired. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or plate and top with frosting (about 3/4 cup). Repeat with remaining layers. Frost sides of cake. Garnish with sprinkles.