Introduction
Making a vibrant and delightful cake can be a fantastic way to celebrate any occasion. This recipe combines a colorful cake with a creamy pudding filling and a light whipped topping, perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. The addition of sparkling unicorn candy sprinkles adds a whimsical touch that is sure to impress everyone. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for creating this stunning dessert!
Ingredients
1 box white cake mix
Water, as specified on the cake mix box
Vegetable oil, as specified on the cake mix box
Egg whites, as specified on the cake mix box
Blue gel food coloring
Purple gel food coloring
Pink gel food coloring
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) French vanilla instant pudding mix
4 cups whole milk
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping
Unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-28 minutes
Total Time
1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
Yield
12 servings
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the cake batter by mixing the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites until fully combined.
3. Divide the batter evenly into three separate bowls.
4. Add 3-4 drops of blue food coloring to the first bowl, 5-7 drops of purple to the second, and 5-7 drops of pink to the third. Stir each until the color is uniform.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly into the dish.
7. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes approximately 1 inch apart across the entire cake.
11. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mixes until the mixture begins to thicken.
12. Spoon the pudding into the holes, ensuring they are filled, then spread the remaining pudding evenly over the top of the cake.
13. Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer.
14. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
15. Before serving, sprinkle the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles over the whipped topping.
16. Slice into squares and serve. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites as specified on the cake mix box. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
Step 3: Divide the Batter
Divide the prepared cake batter evenly into three separate bowls.
Step 4: Color the Batter
Add 3-4 drops of blue gel food coloring to the first bowl, 5-7 drops of purple gel food coloring to the second, and 5-7 drops of pink gel food coloring to the third. Stir each bowl until the colors are uniform throughout the batter.
Step 5: Grease the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Create the Color Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of each colored batter randomly into the greased baking dish, allowing the colors to overlap.
Step 7: Swirl the Colors
Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the colors together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish.
Step 10: Poke Holes in the Cake
After the cake has cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes approximately 1 inch apart across the entire surface of the cake.
Step 11: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk and the two packages of French vanilla instant pudding mix until the mixture begins to thicken.
Step 12: Fill the Holes with Pudding
Spoon the pudding mixture into the holes, ensuring they are filled completely. Spread any remaining pudding evenly over the top of the cake.
Step 13: Add Whipped Topping
Spread the container of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer on top of the cake.
Step 14: Refrigerate the Cake
Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 15: Add Sprinkles Before Serving
Before serving the cake, sprinkle the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles generously over the whipped topping for a festive touch.
Step 16: Slice and Serve
Slice the cake into squares and serve. Keep any leftovers refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Notes
Storing
This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Color Intensity
Adjust the amount of gel food coloring to achieve your desired color intensity.
Additional Toppings
Feel free to add additional toppings such as fresh fruit or chocolate shavings if desired.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Cake Batter
Combine the cake mix with the specified amounts of water, vegetable oil, and egg whites until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Coloring the Batter
Divide the prepared batter into three bowls and add gel food coloring to each. Stir until the colors are evenly distributed, ensuring a vibrant hue.
Creating a Marbled Effect
Drop spoonfuls of the colored batters randomly into a greased baking dish, then use a toothpick or skewer to create a gentle swirl for a beautiful marbled appearance.
Baking the Cake
Bake the cake in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before proceeding with the next steps.
Poking Holes for Filling
Once the cake is cooled, use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke even holes across the top of the cake, ensuring they are spaced approximately one inch apart.
Making the Pudding Mixture
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk and instant pudding mixes until the mixture is thickened consistently, which will act as a filling for the cake.
Filling the Poked Holes
Spoon the prepared pudding into the holes in the cake, making sure they are adequately filled, then spread any remaining pudding on top of the cake.
Adding Whipped Topping
Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer evenly to create a smooth, creamy finish for the cake.
Chilling the Cake
Cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least one hour to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
Garnishing with Sprinkles
Before serving the cake, sprinkle the unicorn sparkle candy sprinkles generously over the whipped topping for a fun and festive touch.
FAQ
Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with another flavor, but consider the color scheme when using food coloring.
How can I achieve brighter colors in the cake?
Add more drops of gel food coloring to intensify the colors, but be cautious not to alter the batter’s consistency significantly.
What if I don’t have gel food coloring?
You can use liquid food coloring, but the colors may not be as vibrant. Adjust the quantity based on the intensity desired.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for whole milk in the pudding mixture?
You can use alternative milk like almond milk, but it may affect the thickness and flavor of the pudding.
Can I freeze this cake?
While the cake can be frozen, the texture of the whipped topping may change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.
What variations can I try with the cake design?
Feel free to use different color schemes or sprinkles to match themes or celebrations, such as pastel colors for spring or festive colors for holidays.
Conclusion
This vibrant and delightful cake is a perfect treat for celebrations and gatherings. The combination of colorful layers and creamy pudding filling, topped with whipped topping and sparkly sprinkles, creates a stunning centerpiece that is as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. Whether for a birthday party, baby shower, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to bring joy and excitement to your dessert table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Rainbow Cupcakes
Use the same colored batter technique to make fun and colorful cupcakes. Top with buttercream frosting and edible glitter for an extra pop.
Layered Parfaits
Create individual servings by layering the cake pieces with pudding and whipped topping in clear cups. Add fresh fruits or candy for added flavor and color.
Funfetti Cake Bars
Mix rainbow sprinkles into the cake batter before baking to create playful funfetti bars. Serve with a drizzle of icing on top.
Frozen Cake Pops
Transform leftover cake into cake pops. Crumble the cake, mix with frosting, shape into balls, and dip in colored chocolate.
Colorful Cheesecake
For a twist, use the same colored pudding concept to create a colorful cheesecake topping over a graham cracker crust for a delicious dessert.
Jelly Layer Cake
Incorporate different flavored jelly layers between the cake and pudding for a fruity surprise. Each bite can offer a burst of flavor alongside the colorful cake.
