Description

A vibrant vanilla layer cake that hides a playful surprise of colorful candies inside every slice. This sturdy yet tender sponge is colored in bright hues and paired with a rich cream cheese frosting, making it the ultimate centerpiece for birthdays and special celebrations.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
5 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
Gel food coloring (green, blue, purple, pink)
1 cup assorted small candies (M&Ms, jelly beans, or sprinkles)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour four 9-inch cake pans.
Whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl and set aside.
In a stand mixer, beat 1 cup of butter for 1 minute, then add sugar and beat on high for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Lower the speed and add eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, and mix until just smooth.
Divide the batter into four bowls, tint each with a different gel color, and pour into the prepared pans.
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean, then let cool completely on wire racks.
Prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter, then mixing in powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla.
Use a 4-inch round cutter to remove the center circles from two of the cooled cake layers.
Place one solid cake layer on a plate, frost the top, stack the two cake rings (frosting between them), and fill the hollow center with candy.
Top with the final solid cake layer, then frost the entire exterior of the cake and decorate.

Notes

To ensure the cleanest cuts when removing the centers of the cake layers, chill the sponges in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before using the cutter. Using a crumb coat—a thin first layer of frosting—will help keep the final exterior smooth and free of colorful cake crumbs. Always use gel food coloring for the most vibrant results without altering the batter’s consistency.

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American