Oh my goodness, friends, get ready to create the most adorable and delicious Easter centerpiece ever! This Easy Pastel Easter Cake is a breeze to make, and it’s bursting with vibrant pastel colors and sweet vanilla flavor. We’re talking a fluffy white cake swirled with delightful pastel hues and topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting and festive sprinkles. Perfect for Easter brunch, a spring celebration, or just a fun baking project with the kids. And guess what? It’s so simple, even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll have a masterpiece in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy: Starts with a cake mix, so it’s quick and foolproof!
Beautiful and Festive: The pastel swirls and sprinkles make it perfect for Easter.
Fun to Make: A great project for kids and adults alike.
Deliciously Moist: The sour cream makes this cake extra moist and tender.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cake Ingredients

White Cake Mix: The base of our easy, delicious cake.
Water: Adds moisture to the batter.
Egg Whites: Makes the cake light and fluffy.
Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and tenderness.
Sour Cream: Makes the cake extra moist and tangy.
Clear Vanilla Extract: Adds pure vanilla flavor without affecting the color.
Blue, Pink, and Yellow Food Coloring (Gel or Liquid): Creates the beautiful pastel swirls.
Pastel-Colored Sprinkles: For a festive, decorative touch.

Frosting Ingredients

Butter (Softened): The base of our creamy frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
Heavy Cream (or Milk): Adjusts the consistency of the frosting.
Food Coloring (Optional): To tint the frosting if desired.

Variations

Different Flavors: Add lemon or almond extract to the cake batter for a flavor twist.
Layer Cake: Use two 8-inch round pans to make a layered pastel cake.
Cupcakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners for individual pastel treats.
Fruit Filling: Add a layer of fruit filling, like strawberry or raspberry jam, between cake layers (if using layered method).

How to Make Easy Pastel Easter Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix Cake Batter

In a large bowl, beat cake mix, water, egg whites, oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer. Mix on low for 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Pour Base Layer

Pour 2 cups of the batter into the prepared pan.

Step 4: Color the Batter

Divide the remaining batter into 3 bowls. Add blue, pink, and yellow food coloring to each bowl.

Step 5: Swirl the Colors

Place spoonfuls of colored batter randomly on top of the white batter. Run a knife back and forth to swirl the colors.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make Frosting

Whip butter for 1-2 minutes until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and salt, mix on low to medium for 1 minute. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons of cream, beat for 1 minute. Add more cream as needed for desired consistency. Whip for 1 more minute.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Frost the cooled cake and decorate with Easter sprinkles.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake tender.
Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors with less liquid.

How to Serve

Easter Brunch: A festive addition to your Easter brunch table.
Spring Celebrations: Perfect for any spring-themed party or gathering.
Dessert Table: A beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze unfrosted cake in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use a yellow or vanilla cake mix instead of white.

2. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use buttercream or whipped cream frosting.

3. How do I prevent the colors from blending too much?
Gently swirl the colors with a knife and don’t overmix.

4. Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use two 9-inch round pans or cupcake liners. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Easy Pastel Easter Cake is a must-bake for anyone who loves a fun, festive treat! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any Easter celebration. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking! You’re going to love every colorful bite!