We love any reason to celebrate and this Memorial Day we tested out a new cake decorating style. The red, white, and blue sprinkle. I have never baked a red, white, and blue cake or did a full sprinkle design. The kids had a lot of fun and I was surprised at how easy it was to make.
Now before I share I will preface this and say that I used all store bought cakes mixes and followed directions as listed. However, you can make your cake from scratch and add dye to perfect the color and have a home baked taste. If you want to semi-homemade your cake substitute the following:
- Vegetable Oil for Melted Butter (some say to double the amount, but it is a preference)
- Water for Whole Milk
- Add an additional egg
You will need the following ingredients:
- Red Velvet Cake Mix
- White Cake Mix (please note this may come out more yellow than white)
- Blue Velvet Cake Mix
- Eggs
- Water or Milk
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter
- Red, white, and blue sprinkles
- Buttercream Icing
Here is my go to recipe for buttercream icing:
- 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening*
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups sifted powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 2 tablespoons milk, heavy cream or water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure or imitation) Select product: Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract, 8 oz.Imitation Clear Vanilla Extract, 8 oz.
- Pinch of salt (optional)
*can be substituted for an additional 1/2 cup unsalted butter
I like to use milk and sometimes use less or more depending on the stiffness I want. Make sure you use unsalted butter and not imitation brands as it will effect the consistency.
I used 9 inch cake pans and lined them with parchment paper and greased the edges. Follow the directions for baking and let cakes cool completely.
Add sprinkles to a large baking sheet or box and mix. Set aside.
Once the items cool layer your cakes and add a buttercream layer in between. Add your crumb coat. You can refridgerate your cake if you want, but it is not necessary at this point.
Place your iced cake in the sprinkles container. Grab a handful of sprinkles and start to pat on the cake while moving it in circles. If you do not have a cake decorating stand you can use a lazy susan or move the stand manually. You will continue this process until all icing is covered on the sides and top.
Pipe the edge of the cake in swirls or waves.
Place in the refrigerator to set. When you are ready to serve pull it out five minutes before to decrease the temp for a smoother icing taste.
*Pro tip: if you want to add character to the cake you can cut circles in each layer and before icing add your favorite candy for added flavor and fun!
This is a perfect addition for your 4th of July plans. Send me pics of the cake if you decide to make it! Have a good one and happy baking!
xo,
Vanessa
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