Pastel Eighteen Birthday Cake

Name: Pastel Eighteen Birthday Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 slices
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Food coloring (blue, pink, yellow, green); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats & Homemade Desserts

I absolutely adore creating special cakes for milestone birthdays, and the Pastel Eighteen Birthday Cake is a perfect celebration centerpiece. This cake is not just visually stunning with its layered pastel colors, but it's also incredibly delicious. Each slice is fluffy and moist, filled with sweet frosting that makes every mouthful a joy. Whether it's for a loved one or a personal treat, this cake brings such delight and festivity that it truly encapsulates the essence of turning eighteen. Let's dive into this delightful journey of cake-making together!

Created by

Lena

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:30:20.031Z

When I first made the Pastel Eighteen Birthday Cake, I was amazed at how the colors blended together. I wanted something that would not only taste great but also look stunning. By using natural food coloring, I achieved vibrant layers that caught everyone's eye. The secret to a moist cake lies in the buttermilk; it adds a rich flavor and tenderness that elevates the cake.

After experimenting with various frosting techniques, I found that a light cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the cake's sweetness. I also learned to apply a crumb coat to keep the layers neat and tidy. Each step was a labor of love, making the final result all the more rewarding to share with friends and family.

Why You Will Love This Cake
Vibrant colors that brighten any celebration
Moist and fluffy texture that everyone loves
A perfect blend of sweet flavors in each layer

Understanding the Layers

The Pastel Eighteen Birthday Cake features a unique four-layer approach, which allows you to experiment with different colors and flavors. As you layer each cake, consider alternating between subtly flavored batters, perhaps infusing vanilla with a hint of lemon zest or an almond essence for depth. This not only adds a surprising flavor twist but also enhances the overall experience of each slice, making it delightful for your guests.

When it comes to texture, the key to success lies in the technique while mixing. Ensure that the butter and sugar are creamed well enough to create air pockets, which contribute to the fluffiness of the cake. Don't rush this step; aim for a pale color and a fluffy consistency to guarantee a light outcome. Remember, overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients can lead to a denser cake, so mix just until combined.

Frosting Tips

For the frosting, the balance of cream cheese and butter plays a crucial role in achieving the desired richness. Too much butter may overpower the tanginess of cream cheese, while too little could lead to an overly sweet icing. I recommend sticking to the ratio in the recipe, but feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment by adding a splash of citrus juice to brighten the flavor.

Applying a crumb coat is an essential step when frosting layered cakes, especially ones as colorful as this. This thin layer of frosting helps to lock in loose crumbs and provides a smoother base for the final layer. Chill the cake after crumb coating for at least 30 minutes; it makes the application of the final frosting much easier and neater, preventing the vibrantly colored layers from bleeding into each other.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start!

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Food coloring (blue, pink, yellow, green)

Frosting Ingredients

1 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sprinkles for decoration

Prepare the Ingredients

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results!

Steps to Make the Cake

Follow these steps carefully for a perfect cake!

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.

Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture until combined.

Color the Batter

Divide the batter equally into four bowls. Add a different color of food coloring to each bowl, mixing until you achieve vibrant shades.

Bake the Cakes

Pour each colored batter into prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cooling before removing from pans.

Prepare the Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Place the blue layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add the pink layer, and repeat with the yellow and green layers. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 30 minutes.

Final Frosting and Decoration

After chilling, frost the entire cake and decorate with sprinkles. Slice and enjoy your masterpiece!

Enjoy Your Cake!

Serve the cake fresh and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

Pro Tips

For a more pronounced flavor, try adding a teaspoon of citrus zest to the batter or frosting. This adds a refreshing touch that complements the sweetness!

Storing and Serving

This cake can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, but for longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a cake dome to prevent it from drying out. If you want to make the cake ahead of time, you can bake the layers and frost them up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they are well wrapped to maintain moisture.

Serving this cake is as delightful as making it. To showcase its stunning layers, use a serrated knife for clean, even cuts. A warm slice lightly paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate the experience even further. Additionally, consider pairing it with fresh fruits such as strawberries or a drizzle of fruit sauce for a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Variations to Consider

While the pastel colors are enchanting, you can adapt the colors to fit different themes or seasons. For instance, using warm autumn shades like orange, red, and yellow can create a festive vibe for a fall celebration. Alternatively, for a winter wonderland theme, shades of icy blue, silver, and white with coconut flakes as decoration could work wonderfully.

To enhance the flavor profile, think about incorporating fillings between the layers. A layer of raspberry jam or lemon curd can provide a tart contrast to the sweet frosting and cake, creating a more complex taste experience. You could also swap up the frosting by using a chocolate ganache or a fruity whipped cream for a different texture and flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Chocolate or whipped cream frosting would also work wonderfully.

→ How can I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the layers in advance and freeze them. Just frost before serving.

→ What if I want a smaller cake?

You can halve the recipe and bake in smaller pans, just adjust the baking time accordingly.