If you’re searching for a showstopping dessert to celebrate spring, this Easter Cake Recipe is pure magic. Imagine three tender, pastel-hued layers nestled together under a cloud of creamy vanilla frosting, then showered with festive sprinkles and candies. It’s the kind of cake that draws everyone to the table, promising both a feast for the eyes and a delight for the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just want to brighten a family weekend, this Easter Cake Recipe is sure to become a new tradition—and maybe even steal the spotlight from the Easter eggs!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easter Cake Recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient has a purpose, ensuring the cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully vibrant. From the rich butter to the playful pastel food coloring, every element brings something special to your table.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure for those perfect slices.
- Baking powder: Gives your cake a lovely lift and keeps the layers light and airy.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for a tender crumb and rich, buttery flavor—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with that golden, irresistible finish.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and structure.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth—don’t skimp on the good stuff!
- Whole milk: Keeps the cake soft and adds creaminess to every bite.
- Pastel food coloring (optional): For that signature springtime look, a few drops go a long way—get creative with your colors!
- Unsalted butter (for frosting, softened): The base of a dreamy, fluffy frosting that melts in your mouth.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting while creating a smooth, luscious texture.
- Heavy cream: Loosens the frosting just enough for that perfect spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): Infuses the frosting with classic vanilla flavor.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Easter-themed sprinkles or decorations (optional): The finishing touch that brings a festive flair and a burst of color.
How to Make Easter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to ensure your layers come out effortlessly. This little bit of prep makes all the difference when it’s time to assemble your masterpiece.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed for a uniform rise and a light, fluffy cake crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key to aerating the batter and building a tender base for your Easter Cake Recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that classic, comforting aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry mixture and the milk to your creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—this keeps your cake light and prevents overmixing.
Step 6: Color the Batter (Optional)
If you want those gorgeous pastel layers, now’s the time! Divide the batter into separate bowls and tint each with a few drops of pastel food coloring. Swirl gently for a marbled look, or keep each layer a distinct color for a fun surprise.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely—patience here pays off when you frost!
Step 8: Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, beat the softened butter for the frosting until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible.
Step 9: Assemble and Decorate
Layer the cooled cakes with generous swaths of frosting, using an offset spatula for that professional finish. Get creative with Easter-themed sprinkles, candies, or piped frosting designs—this is where your Easter Cake Recipe truly becomes a centerpiece!
How to Serve Easter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing completes this cake like a sprinkle of pastel confetti, chocolate eggs, or even a crown of edible flowers. Play with textures and colors to make every slice feel like a celebration. If you’re feeling extra creative, pipe a few frosting rosettes or add a handful of coconut shreds for a “nest” effect.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think a fruit salad bursting with berries, a tangy lemon sorbet, or a crisp glass of sparkling lemonade. These accompaniments balance the richness of the Easter Cake Recipe and keep your springtime gathering feeling bright and festive.
Creative Ways to Present
Try presenting your cake on a pastel cake stand surrounded by dyed eggs or a nest of Easter grass. For a whimsical touch, serve each slice with a tiny chocolate bunny or marshmallow chick perched on the plate. You can even wrap up individual slices in cellophane as take-home treats for guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting helps keep the cake moist for up to 4 days, and the flavors meld even more beautifully overnight.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate as usual for a fresh-tasting Easter Cake Recipe any time.
Reheating
No need to reheat this cake, but if you prefer a softer texture, let chilled slices sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. The frosting will become silky and the cake’s flavors will sing.
FAQs
Can I make this Easter Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. Keep an eye on texture, as some gluten-free flours absorb liquid differently, but the results are still delicious.
What other flavors can I add to the cake?
Lemon zest, almond extract, or even a hint of orange make lovely additions for a spring twist. Fold in a little zest or an extra splash of extract with the vanilla for a subtle flavor upgrade.
How do I prevent my cake layers from sticking?
Be generous when greasing and flouring your pans, or try using parchment rounds for extra insurance. This ensures your layers release easily and look picture-perfect for assembling your Easter Cake Recipe.
Is it necessary to use food coloring?
Not at all! The cake is just as delicious without it, but if you want to capture that festive, springtime vibe, a few drops of pastel food coloring make a big impact.
Can I use a different frosting?
Definitely! Cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist, or try a citrus glaze for something lighter. Feel free to experiment and make this Easter Cake Recipe your own.
Final Thoughts
Give this Easter Cake Recipe a whirl and watch it become the highlight of your spring celebrations. With its fluffy layers, creamy frosting, and festive decorations, it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a memory in the making. Happy baking, and may your holiday be as sweet and colorful as every slice!
Print
Easter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Easter Cake Recipe features light and fluffy vanilla layers perfect for celebrating spring. The moist cake is enhanced with a creamy buttercream frosting and optional pastel food coloring to create a festive look. Easy to prepare and customizable with seasonal flavors or decorations, this classic American dessert is ideal for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Pastel food coloring (optional)
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Easter-themed sprinkles or decorations (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3–4 minutes. This step helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully combine. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing and dense cake.
- Color the Batter (Optional): If using, divide the batter evenly into separate bowls and tint each with pastel food coloring to create a festive layered effect.
- Bake the Cakes: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cake layers are fully cooled, use an offset spatula to layer and frost the cake evenly.
- Decorate: Finish by decorating with Easter-themed sprinkles, candies, or piped frosting designs to add a festive touch.
Notes
- You can add lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a fresh spring flavor twist.
- For a time-saving option, use boxed cake mix with homemade frosting.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator if preparing ahead to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
