There’s something truly magical about a pastel-colored cake. It reminds me of springtime, birthday celebrations, and the kind of happiness that comes from cutting into a cake that’s just as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside.

One of my fondest childhood memories is baking with my grandmother, who believed that every celebration deserved a homemade cake. She would let me mix the batter while telling stories of the cakes she used to make for family gatherings. Her cakes were always simple yet elegant, made with love and decorated with whatever we had on hand. I still remember the excitement of watching a plain white cake transform into a masterpiece with just a bit of frosting and sprinkles.

This Pastel Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting brings back that sense of joy. With its soft, colorful layers and creamy vanilla frosting, it’s a showstopping dessert perfect for Easter, birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for a bit of whimsy. The best part? It’s easy to make, even for those who aren’t expert bakers. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just because, this cake is guaranteed to bring smiles.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Beautifully Vibrant Layers – The soft pastel colors create a stunning, festive look.
• Moist and Fluffy Texture – Buttermilk and sour cream make the cake incredibly tender and rich.
• Creamy, Dreamy Buttercream Frosting – A light, smooth frosting that balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Fun and Customizable – Swap out the colors, add sprinkles, or decorate with fresh flowers for a unique touch.
• Perfect for Any Celebration – Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or baby shower, this cake adds a touch of magic to any occasion.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

For the Cake Layers:

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box of white cake mix
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup canola oil
• ¼ cup sour cream
• Blue, pink, and yellow food coloring

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 5 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2-4 teaspoons milk (if needed)

For Garnish:

• Candy eggs

Directions: Step-by-Step Guide to a Beautiful Layer Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, egg whites, buttermilk, oil, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

2. Divide and Color the Batter

Separate the batter evenly into three bowls. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to one, pink to another, and yellow to the last. Stir each until the color is evenly distributed.

3. Bake the Cake Layers

Pour each colored batter into separate cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth, adding milk 1 teaspoon at a time if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.

5. Assemble & Decorate

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over it. Repeat with the remaining layers. Frost the outside of the cake evenly and smooth the edges. Decorate with candy eggs on top.

6. Serve & Enjoy

Slice and serve this beautifully layered pastel cake at Easter, birthdays, or any special celebration!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~4g
• Fat: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~60g
• Sugar: ~45g
• Fiber: ~0.5g

This Pastel Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting is a stunning, soft, and delicious cake that brings a pop of color and sweetness to any occasion!

The History of Pastel Cakes & Celebration Baking

Cake has long been a symbol of celebration. From weddings to birthdays, a cake often marks life’s happiest moments. Pastel cakes, in particular, became popular as people sought more decorative and artistic ways to make their desserts stand out.

Pastel colors gained popularity in baking during the mid-20th century, when food coloring became widely available. Easter cakes, baby shower desserts, and spring-themed treats often featured these soft, delicate hues, making them feel light, airy, and perfect for warm-weather celebrations.

This Pastel Celebration Cake continues that tradition, blending classic flavors with a modern, eye-catching presentation. It’s a cake that not only tastes amazing but also brings a sense of nostalgia and happiness with every slice.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Cold eggs, buttermilk, or butter can create a dense cake. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure a smooth, even batter.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Mixing too much can cause a tough, dry cake. Stir until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.

3. Be Precise with Food Coloring

A few drops of food coloring go a long way. Start with a small amount, mix well, and add more if needed to achieve the perfect pastel shade.

4. Level Your Cake Layers

For an even, professional-looking cake, trim the tops of your cake layers with a serrated knife before stacking them.

5. Chill Before Frosting

Let your cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and achieve a smooth finish. For even better results, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before frosting.

Creative Ways to Customize This Cake

One of the best things about this cake is how easy it is to make it your own. Here are a few fun variations:

1. Turn It Into a Rainbow Cake

Instead of pastel colors, divide the batter into six colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) for a vibrant rainbow effect.

2. Add a Coconut Twist

For a tropical flavor, mix sweetened shredded coconut into the batter or sprinkle it over the frosted cake.

3. Use Different Frosting Flavors

Swap the vanilla buttercream for:

• Lemon buttercream for a citrusy brightness
• Chocolate frosting for a rich contrast
• Strawberry frosting for a fruity twist

4. Make It a Drip Cake

Melt white chocolate and drizzle it over the edges of the cake for a trendy, bakery-style finish.

5. Decorate with Edible Flowers

For an elegant touch, use fresh edible flowers like violets or pansies to decorate the top of the cake.

Best Ways to Serve & Enjoy This Cake

1. Paired with Tea or Coffee

A warm cup of tea (like chamomile or Earl Grey) or a creamy latte pairs perfectly with the cake’s light, fluffy texture.

2. As a Showstopper for Holiday Brunch

Serve this cake at Easter brunch or a spring picnic for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

3. With a Side of Ice Cream

Vanilla bean or lemon sorbet complements the cake’s sweet, buttery flavor beautifully.

4. Turn It Into a Birthday Cake

Add birthday candles and festive decorations to make this a fun and colorful birthday cake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Assemble and frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

2. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

3. Can I Freeze This Cake?

Yes! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw at room temperature before frosting.

4. How Can I Make This Cake More Moist?

Adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream or buttermilk will enhance the cake’s moisture and richness.

5. What’s the Best Way to Achieve Pastel Colors?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. Gel colors are more concentrated and won’t affect the cake’s consistency.

6. Can I Use This Recipe for Cupcakes?

Yes! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

Final Thoughts: A Cake That’s as Fun to Make as It Is to Eat

This Pastel Celebration Cake with Buttercream Frosting is more than just a dessert—it’s a way to create memories, joy, and a little bit of magic in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just because, the soft layers, smooth buttercream, and bright colors make it a true centerpiece.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and enjoy the simple happiness that comes from baking something beautiful. No matter the occasion, this cake is sure to bring smiles, laughter, and plenty of delicious moments.

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