Sprinkles Red Velvet Recipe: Easy and Delicious Treats

Red velvet cake is a timeless classic beloved for its rich, velvety texture and signature deep red hue. When combined with colorful sprinkles, this dessert takes on an extra layer of fun and whimsy, making it perfect for celebrations, birthdays, or just an indulgent treat.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this sprinkles red velvet recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding. The subtle cocoa flavor paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting and bursts of sprinkles throughout creates a delightful taste and texture experience.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of making this beautiful and delicious cake from scratch. From mixing the batter to adding the perfect amount of sprinkles, you’ll learn how to bake a moist and flavorful red velvet cake that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Let’s dive in and bring some color and sweetness to your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sprinkles red velvet cake recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, so there’s no need for special trips to specialty stores.

The use of buttermilk and vinegar helps tenderize the crumb, giving the cake its signature moist and soft texture.

Second, the addition of colorful sprinkles inside the batter and on the frosting adds a playful crunch and festive look that makes this cake ideal for parties or just brightening up a regular day. Lastly, the recipe is flexible enough to be adapted into cupcakes, sheet cakes, or even cake pops, making it a versatile favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
• For the frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Extra sprinkles for decorating

Equipment

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer (stand or handheld)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling racks
• Wire whisk
• Sifter for dry ingredients (optional but recommended)
• Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting

Instructions

1. Prepare your pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round pans with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour. Alternatively, line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Sift dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon cocoa powder. Set aside.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups sugar and 1 ½ cups vegetable oil until combined. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 2 tablespoons red food coloring, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon white vinegar.
4. Combine wet and dry: Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Add sprinkles: Fold 1 cup of rainbow sprinkles carefully into the batter, ensuring even distribution without stirring too vigorously to prevent color bleeding.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare the frosting: Beat 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
9. Assemble: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
10. Decorate: Finish by sprinkling extra rainbow sprinkles on top and around the sides for a festive look.

Tips & Variations

“For best results, use high-quality red food coloring and avoid nonpareil sprinkles as they tend to bleed color into the batter.”

• Sprinkle choice: Use “jimmies” or rod-shaped sprinkles to prevent color bleeding and maintain vibrant colors inside the cake.
• Alternative frosting: If you prefer a lighter option, try whipped cream cheese frosting or even a classic buttercream.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Cupcake format: Bake the batter in lined cupcake tins for about 18-20 minutes, adjusting frosting and sprinkle decorating accordingly.
• Layered look: Add sprinkles between the layers of frosting for a surprise pop of color when slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This sprinkles red velvet cake pairs beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For an extra-special touch, serve with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

You can also slice the cake into squares for casual gatherings or turn the recipe into cupcakes for easy serving at parties. The colorful sprinkles make it especially fun for kids’ birthdays and festive occasions.

Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, this sprinkles red velvet recipe is a surefire way to impress. The moist, tender crumb combined with the tangy cream cheese frosting and playful sprinkles create a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a stunning cake that looks as good as it tastes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with decorations or try this recipe in different formats like cupcakes or sheet cakes.

Happy baking, and enjoy every colorful, delicious bite of your homemade sprinkles red velvet cake!

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