Perfect Confetti Graduation Layered Cake Recipe with Easy Champagne Cream Cheese Frosting
A festive and moist confetti cake layered with a subtle champagne-infused cream cheese frosting, perfect for graduations and celebrations. Quick to make and crowd-pleasing with a playful yet elegant twist.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
- ¾ cup (120g) rainbow sprinkles (preferably jimmies)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tbsp (45ml) dry champagne (or sparkling white grape juice for non-alcoholic)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round pans and lightly dust with flour or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined.
- Slowly pour in champagne and vanilla extract, beating until fluffy. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about one-third of frosting evenly on top. Add second layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting.
- Chill cake for 30 minutes before serving for a polished look.
Notes
Use jimmies or thicker sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. Add champagne slowly to frosting to avoid thinning. Chill cake layers before frosting to prevent crumbs mixing in. For non-alcoholic version, substitute champagne with sparkling white grape juice or sparkling water with lemon. Butter should be softened, not melted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cak
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 3
Keywords: confetti cake, graduation cake, layered cake, champagne frosting, cream cheese frosting, celebration cake, easy cake recipe, festive dessert