Name: Cortadillo Cake with Creamy Pink Frosting and Nonpareil Sprinkles Recipe
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: PT-497453H26M1S
Total time: PT-497453H26M1S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 1/3 cups buttermilk, at room temperature; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; Cooking spray; 2 2/3 cups cake flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup cold heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 15 drops red or pink gel food coloring; 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons nonpareil sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 23 reviews

There is something utterly delightful about the Cortadillo Cake with Creamy Pink Frosting and Nonpareil Sprinkles Recipe that makes it a standout treat for any occasion. Imagine a moist, tender cake with the perfect crumb, lovingly topped with a silky, pink-hued frosting that’s as creamy as a dream and adorned with charming little nonpareil sprinkles for a pop of playful color and texture. This recipe brings together classic baking essentials in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh, creating a stunning dessert that’s as joyful to make as it is to savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several baking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. In the top right, a large bowl is filled with white flour with a light wooden spoon resting in it. Below it, there is a medium white bowl with six raw eggs showing yellow yolks and clear whites. To the left, a white bowl holds white granulated sugar with a wooden spoon inside. Next to it, a small white bowl is filled with small, colorful round sprinkles. Above that is a small bowl with dark brown liquid, likely vanilla extract. Nearby, a small bowl of white powder, possibly baking powder, is beside a wooden bowl with a small amount of salt. A clear glass jar of white liquid, probably milk, is near the top left. Additionally, there is a clear glass pitcher with yellow oil on the right side. The overall setting is neat and organized for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple with ingredients that are easy to find but essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each item plays a crucial role in making your cake tender, your frosting creamy, and your sprinkles just joyful.

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb, essential for both cake and frosting.

Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that lifts the cake’s flavor brilliantly.
Large eggs: Create structure and moisture to keep the cake delightful and not dense.
Cake flour: Ensures a soft and delicate cake texture that melts in your mouth.

Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners work together to give the perfect rise and lightness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens evenly and helps with the cake’s tender texture.

Powdered sugar: The base of the creamy frosting, offering smooth sweetness.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.
Gel food coloring: Gives that irresistibly vibrant pink frosting color without watering it down.

Nonpareil sprinkles: These tiny, colorful candies add a joyful crunch and festive look.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and rounds out flavors beautifully.
Cooking spray and parchment paper: For a flawless cake release and easy handling.

How to Make Cortadillo Cake with Creamy Pink Frosting and Nonpareil Sprinkles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and generously coating a 9×13-inch metal baking pan with cooking spray. To make life easier when removing the cake, line the bottom and two long sides with parchment paper that hangs over the edges—you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time to lift the cake out seamlessly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together 2 2/3 cups of cake flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a medium bowl. This blend will give your cake that perfect rise and soft texture every time.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a liquid measuring cup, whisk 1 1/3 cups room-temperature buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. These create the moist, flavorful base that will transform your cake into a tender delight.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 2 sticks of room-temperature unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is critical for incorporating air, ensuring a light cake crumb.

Step 5: Add Eggs One at a Time

Beat in three large eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps keep the batter stable and smooth while building structure within the cake.

Step 6: Combine Flour and Buttermilk Mixtures

Add half the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture on low speed, then slowly pour in the buttermilk mixture. It may look a bit curdled at first, but don’t worry—that’s normal. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and give everything a gentle mix until just combined. The batter will be thick and luscious.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake until the cake is light golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean — about 30 to 35 minutes. Once baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan, roughly an hour and a half.

Step 8: Make the Creamy Pink Frosting

While the cake cools, clean your stand mixer bowl and paddle attachment. Beat together 2 sticks of room-temperature unsalted butter, 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 1/4 cup cold heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy, which takes about 2 to 5 minutes.

Step 9: Add Color and Beat to Fluffy Perfection

Add 15 drops of red or pink gel food coloring to the frosting and beat for about 3 minutes until soft, fluffy, and vibrantly colored. Scrape down the sides as needed to make sure every dollop is perfectly pink and luscious.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Spread the frosting over your completely cooled cake using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for a pretty swooping effect. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons of nonpareil sprinkles over the top, then refrigerate the cake for 15 to 20 minutes to set the frosting.

How to Serve Cortadillo Cake with Creamy Pink Frosting and Nonpareil Sprinkles Recipe

A large white bowl filled with smooth, thick pink batter with bubbles on the surface sits on a white marbled texture. A spatula with a wooden handle and white silicone head rests inside the bowl, partially covered in pink batter. Around the bowl are three small white bowls; one filled with a white liquid, another containing white powdered sugar, and a small metal sieve with powdered sugar in it. Next to these is a small bottle of red food coloring with an open cap. A yellow cloth peeks in from the bottom right corner on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a few extra nonpareil sprinkles just before serving creates a whimsical and festive touch that’s sure to catch the eye. If you want to go further, a light dusting of edible glitter or a few fresh berries on the side adds a splash of elegance and freshness.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with this cake, balancing its creamy sweetness perfectly. For an added contrast, fresh fruit salad or lightly roasted nuts provide texture and freshness that sing alongside every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For surprise guests or special celebrations, cut the cake into petite squares and serve them on colorful dessert plates. Layer slices with fresh fruit or edible flowers on a cake stand for a stunning presentation that will make your Cortadillo Cake with Creamy Pink Frosting and Nonpareil Sprinkles Recipe the star of any party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted and decorated, store your cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the frosting soft and the cake moist. Refrigeration can dry it out but is an option if your environment is warm.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. For frosted cake, freeze after refrigerating the frosted cake until the frosting is firm, then wrap carefully to protect the sprinkles.

Reheating

Bring refrigerated or thawed portions to room temperature before serving to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving the whole cake, but small slices can be warmed gently for 10-15 seconds to soften the frosting slightly.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to it, buttermilk is preferred for its tangy flavor and tenderizing acidity that contribute significantly to the cake’s moist crumb.

Is gel food coloring necessary for the frosting?

Gel food coloring is ideal because it provides vibrant color without thinning the frosting. Liquid coloring can be used in a pinch but may affect the frosting’s consistency.

How do I ensure my cake stays moist?

Using room-temperature buttermilk and butter, and not overmixing the batter, helps maintain a tender cake. Also, proper storage after baking is key to preserving moisture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You could experiment by substituting the cake flour with a gluten-free blend, but adjustments might be needed for texture. This recipe is designed with traditional cake flour for the very best results.

What’s the best way to decorate without sprinkles?

If sprinkles aren’t your thing, try garnishing with fresh edible flowers, finely chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a sophisticated twist.

Final Thoughts

This delightful Cortadillo Cake with Creamy Pink Frosting and Nonpareil Sprinkles Recipe is truly a joyful celebration of texture, color, and flavor all in one slice. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this recipe promises smiles, compliments, and a few happy hands reaching for seconds. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, too!