Easy Easter Cake with Pastel Buttercream

Hi I'm Benjamin

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 15, 2025

There’s something magical about a cake that’s not just delicious but also bursting with color and fun. For me, this Pastel Swirl Funfetti Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a nostalgic reminder of childhood birthday parties, laughter-filled baking sessions, and the simple joy of colorful sprinkles.

I still remember the first time I saw a marbled pastel cake at a family gathering. The soft hues of blue, pink, and yellow swirled together like a dream, creating a cake that was almost too pretty to eat. But, of course, one bite was all it took to fall in love—the moist vanilla cake, the fluffy buttercream frosting, and the crunch of playful sprinkles made it absolutely irresistible.

Years later, I set out to recreate that magical cake. After some experimenting, I found the perfect combination of ingredients to achieve a moist, flavorful, and beautifully swirled funfetti cake. It’s a cake that never fails to bring smiles, whether it’s for birthdays, baby showers, or just a weekend treat to brighten the day.

If you’re looking for a cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, this Pastel Swirl Funfetti Cake is the perfect choice. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to add a touch of whimsy to any occasion.

Why This Cake Will Become Your New Favorite

1. Moist and Flavorful

The combination of sour cream, egg whites, and vanilla extract ensures that this cake is soft, tender, and full of rich vanilla flavor.

2. Beautiful Pastel Swirls

With three pastel colors blended into a stunning marble effect, this cake is a feast for the eyes before you even take a bite.

3. Easy to Make

Using a simple cake mix as the base saves time, while the addition of a few extra ingredients gives it a homemade taste and texture.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

This cake is a showstopper at birthdays, baby showers, spring gatherings, and even Easter celebrations.

5. Fun and Customizable

Change up the colors, use different types of sprinkles, or even add a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers for a creative twist.

Ingredients: A Colorful Celebration

For the Cake:

1 box white cake mix
¼ cup water
4 egg whites
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream
1-2 tsp clear vanilla extract
Blue, pink, and yellow food coloring (gel or liquid)
Pastel-colored sprinkles

For the Frosting:

½ cup butter, softened (not melted)
2 cups powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2-4 tsp heavy cream (or milk)
Food coloring (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions: Creating a Magical Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, egg whites, vegetable oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. Add the Colorful Swirls

Divide the batter evenly into three bowls.
Add blue food coloring to one bowl, pink to the second, and yellow to the third. Stir each bowl until the color is evenly mixed.
Alternate spoonfuls of each color into the prepared cake pan, then gently swirl with a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect.

3. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

4. Make the Fluffy Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and salt, mixing until fluffy.
Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream (or milk), adjusting the consistency as needed.
If desired, add food coloring to create a pastel frosting.

5. Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Sprinkle pastel-colored sprinkles on top for a fun and festive finish.

Nutritional Breakdown: A Sweet Treat

Calories: 320 per slice
Protein: 3g
Fats: 15g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 28g

Best Occasions for a Pastel Swirl Funfetti Cake

While this cake is perfect for any time you crave something sweet and colorful, here are a few occasions where it truly shines:

Birthdays: A fun, festive cake that kids and adults alike will adore.
Baby Showers: The soft pastel colors make it a lovely addition to a gender reveal or baby shower party.
Easter Celebrations: The pastel hues perfectly complement springtime festivities.
Tea Parties: A delicate, colorful cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea.
Graduation Parties: Customize the colors to match school colors for a personal touch.

Tips for the Perfect Funfetti Cake

Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring creates vibrant pastel shades without adding extra liquid to the batter.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently swirl the colors together to maintain a beautiful marbled effect without blending them completely.
Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Frosting: This ensures that the frosting spreads smoothly and doesn’t melt into the cake.
Use Clear Vanilla Extract: Regular vanilla extract can slightly darken the cake. Clear vanilla extract keeps the colors bright and vibrant.
Chill the Frosting Before Use: If your frosting feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before spreading it onto the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding Too Much Food Coloring

Pastel colors are meant to be soft and delicate. Adding too much food coloring can result in bold, overly saturated hues instead of the dreamy, whimsical look you want.

2. Overmixing the Batter After Adding Color

Once the colors are mixed into the batter, gently swirl them with a toothpick or knife. Overmixing can cause the colors to blend too much, resulting in a muddy appearance rather than distinct swirls.

3. Using Too Much Liquid in the Frosting

Adding too much milk or heavy cream to the frosting can make it too runny to spread properly. Start with the lower amount and gradually add more if needed.

4. Not Greasing the Cake Pan Properly

This cake is soft and moist, so be sure to grease the pan well and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

5. Rushing the Cooling Process

If the cake is still warm when you frost it, the butter in the frosting will melt, leading to a messy and uneven finish. Patience is key!

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

2. How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

3. Can I Freeze This Cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting.

4. Can I Use Different Colors?

Of course! You can customize the colors to match any theme or occasion. Try purple and green for a mermaid-themed cake or red and blue for a patriotic celebration.

5. What If I Don’t Have Clear Vanilla Extract?

Regular vanilla extract works just as well but may slightly darken the cake batter. If you want the colors to stay extra bright, opt for clear vanilla.

6. Can I Turn This into Cupcakes?

Yes! Simply divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-20 minutes. Swirl the frosting on top and add sprinkles for a fun, bite-sized treat.

Final Thoughts: A Cake That Spreads Joy

Baking is more than just combining ingredients—it’s about creating something that brings happiness to those who enjoy it. This Pastel Swirl Funfetti Cake isn’t just visually stunning, but it also delivers on taste, texture, and nostalgia.

Every bite is soft, moist, and bursting with vanilla flavor, while the pastel swirls add a whimsical charm that makes this cake feel truly special. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just as a way to brighten someone’s day, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.

So, gather your ingredients, mix in some fun, and let this cake be the centerpiece of your next joyful moment. Because sometimes, the best way to celebrate life is with a slice of colorful, sprinkle-filled cake.