When I initially delved into the world of cake baking, my first venture was to create a cake adorned with sprinkles. Initially, as I gazed at the picture, it seemed like a straightforward endeavor, but the reality hit me once I began the process of applying the sprinkles onto the cake.
The situation quickly descended into chaos, and my lack of experience became evident. To cut a long story short, I abandoned the project and decided to give it another shot later on. It was somewhat disheartening since I had a strong desire to craft that particular cake. However, in retrospect, I’m grateful for my initial failure because it ultimately led me to master the art of creating a delightful rainbow sprinkle cake.
What’s fantastic about crafting this Rainbow Sprinkle Cake is its complete immersion in sprinkles. This implies that you won’t need to incorporate any additional decorations once it’s generously coated in sprinkles. Of course, if you wish, you can still include other adornments, but it’s genuinely not necessary. I also adore the diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes that sprinkles offer, allowing you to craft a one-of-a-kind appearance for the cake.
Items needed:
- Cake
- Buttercream
- Sprinkles
- Cake Smoother
- Large Sheet Pan
- Turn Table
Tip 1: Calculate the quantity of sprinkles required to coat the cake.
In this guide, Rainbow Colored Sprinkles were employed. I procured these sprinkles in bulk from Nuts.com, which boasts a wide array of color options and provides prompt delivery service. Depending on the size of both the sprinkles and the cake, you can gauge the amount required to cover your cake.
For a three-tiered cake, I utilized two 1-pound bags of standard-sized sprinkles. If you opt for dot sprinkles, you might require 3 to 4 bags of them. Ultimately, the quantity needed for your project hinges on both the type of sprinkles you choose and the size of each cake tier.
Tip 2: Ensure Complete Coverage of the Cake with Buttercream.
Before proceeding, it’s essential to apply a crumb coat to the cake. This layer of buttercream will serve as the adhesive to securely affix the sprinkles onto the cake.
Additionally, ensure that the buttercream layer on your cake is somewhat thick to prevent any part of the actual cake from being visible. A firmer consistency of buttercream is advantageous, as overly soft buttercream can be susceptible to drooping on the sides under the weight of the sprinkles.
Tip 3: Set the Cake on a Baking Sheet
To begin, position the cake within a spacious baking sheet atop a cake turntable, then commence the sprinkles application onto the cake. The baking sheet serves as a safeguard against sprinkles spilling onto your countertops and floors.
I recommend being in close proximity to a sink as you add the sprinkles to the cake. This way, if any sprinkles happen to land on the counter, you can easily wipe them into the garbage disposal, simplifying the cleanup process later on.
Tip 4: Refine the Cake’s Finish
Once you’ve applied all the sprinkles to the cake, gently even out the cake’s edges and surface. During this process, lightly press the sprinkles into the cake to ensure they adhere securely and don’t come loose.
Some sprinkles may still come off the cake, but this step will help keep the majority of them firmly attached to the cake’s surface.
Your Rainbow Sprinkle Cake is now finished!
With the cake’s completion, you have the option to further enhance its design by adding fondant accents or a chocolate drizzle. In the case of this cake, I incorporated a fondant ribbon and bow.
There are alternative methods for applying sprinkles to cakes, like coating the cake by rolling it over a bed of sprinkles in a pan, but that approach felt a bit too precarious for my liking.
Each of us has our own preferred techniques that suit our individual styles, so I strongly encourage you to select the approach that aligns best with your preferences. Please don’t hesitate to share your own techniques and what has proven successful for you when it comes to covering cakes in sprinkles. Thank you, everyone!
