Nothing brightens up springtime quite like a cheerful, colorful cake to share with friends and family. This Easy Pastel Easter Cake Recipe is the perfect celebration dessert, combining a fluffy white cake base with delicate swirls of soft pastel colors that evoke all the joy and warmth of the season. From the tender crumb to the creamy, dreamy frosting topped with festive sprinkles, every bite is a little piece of springtime happiness. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or just craving something sweet with a seasonal twist, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers a show-stopping result that everyone will adore.

Easy Pastel Easter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together simply but are absolutely essential in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and pastel beauty in your cake. Each one plays a role—from the moist sour cream in the batter to the vibrant food coloring that brings the pastel magic to life.

1 box white cake mix: Provides a reliable, fluffy cake base that bakes evenly and tastes delicious.
¼ cup water: Moistens the batter for the ideal cake structure.
4 egg whites: Add lightness and help the cake rise beautifully.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake tender and keeps it moist day after day.
1 cup sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and richness that enhances the cake flavor.
1-2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract: Brings a sweet, aromatic note without altering the cake’s beautiful color.
Blue, pink, and yellow food coloring: Use gel or liquid to create those soft pastel hues that make this cake so festive.
Pastel-colored sprinkles: The perfect final touch for a fun and festive look.
½ cup butter, softened (not melted): The base for the luscious frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that classic creamy texture.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Gives the frosting a fragrant, comforting vanilla flavor.
2-4 teaspoons heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to creamy perfection.
Food coloring (optional): Add to frosting if you want to match or complement the pastel cake layers.

How to Make Easy Pastel Easter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will have a smooth surface for frosting later on.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Grab your largest mixing bowl and an electric mixer. Combine the white cake mix, water, egg whites, vegetable oil, sour cream, and clear vanilla extract. Begin mixing on low speed for about 30 seconds until everything starts to come together, then scrape the bowl sides to mix in any stray pockets of dry ingredients. Increase to medium speed and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fluffy—this makes a huge difference in texture!

Step 3: Base Layer in the Pan

Pour 2 cups of this smooth batter into your greased baking pan. This will be the lovely white canvas for the colorful pastel swirls you’ll add next.

Step 4: Create Your Pastel Colors

Divide the remaining batter evenly between three medium bowls—about ½ cup each. Add a few drops of blue food coloring to one bowl, pink to another, and yellow to the last. Stir gently after each drop until you reach your desired soft pastel shade. This step is where your cake really starts to get festive vibes!

Step 5: Swirl the Pastels into the Cake

Drop spoonfuls of the colored batter randomly over the white base you poured earlier. Don’t worry about being neat here—that’s part of the charm! Using a butter knife, gently drag it back and forth through the batter. This swirls the colors beautifully without fully mixing them, creating that dreamy pastel effect inside the cake.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before moving on to frosting—patience here pays off with a flawless finish.

Step 7: Whip up the Frosting

Use your electric mixer to cream the softened butter for 1 to 2 minutes until it lightens in color and becomes fluffy. Slowly add the powdered sugar and salt, mixing on low to medium speed for about a minute. Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, beating for another minute. If you want, add a touch of food coloring to create pastel frosting that complements your cake. Adjust the texture by adding more cream or milk as needed, then whip for a final minute until it’s light, airy, and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Spread your gorgeous frosting over the cooled cake in an even layer. Finally, sprinkle liberally with pastel-colored sprinkles for that extra festive Easter feel. And voilà—you have created a stunning, delicious centerpiece that tastes as amazing as it looks!

How to Serve Easy Pastel Easter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a few simple garnishes can elevate your cake presentation even more. Consider fresh edible flowers such as violets or pansies, or scatter some pastel mini chocolate eggs alongside your sprinkles. For a fresh touch, a handful of berries or a dusting of powdered sugar adds charm without overpowering the cake’s delicate flavors.

Side Dishes

Pairing your cake with light and refreshing sides is a great idea for an Easter gathering. A crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or a platter of fresh fruit, balances the sweetness of the dessert. For brunch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn every bite into a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly eye-catching display, try cutting the cake into pastel eggs or bunny shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange slices on a decorative platter lined with pastel-colored napkins or spring-themed linens. You can also serve individual portions in clear dessert cups layered with frosting and sprinkles for a modern twist everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 3 days. This ensures the frosting stays creamy and the cake remains moist without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting or serving for best results.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake, reheating is generally not needed. However, if you prefer, serve at room temperature or chill for a cooler, firmer icing. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and change the texture of the cake.

FAQs

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of clear in the cake batter?

Absolutely! Using regular vanilla extract will still provide lovely flavor, but it may slightly tint the batter’s color. If you want to maintain that pristine white base, clear vanilla is best.

What type of food coloring works best for this recipe?

Gel food coloring is preferred because it adds vibrant pastel colors without thinning the batter. Liquid food coloring works too but use sparingly to avoid altering the batter’s texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, try substituting the white cake mix for a certified gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.

Is the frosting too sweet for some people?

You can easily adjust the frosting sweetness by reducing the powdered sugar a bit or adding a pinch more salt to balance out the flavors. Taste as you go for the perfect balance!

How far in advance can I prepare this cake?

This Easy Pastel Easter Cake Recipe can be baked and frosted a day before your event, then stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pastel Easter Cake Recipe is pure springtime joy baked into a single dessert. Its bright colors, fluffy layers, and creamy frosting make it a standout treat for any Easter celebration or just a cheerful sweet fix on a sunny day. I can’t wait for you to try it out and watch it become a favorite in your own kitchen. Happy baking and happy Easter!