Description

Celebrate with a spectacular surprise-inside cake featuring four colorful layers of moist vanilla bean sponge. When sliced, a cascade of candies and sprinkles spills out from the center, making it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays and special occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste or extract
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
Gel food coloring (assorted colors)
1 cup small candies like M&Ms or chocolate chips
1/4 cup festive sprinkles
4 cups cream cheese frosting

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease four 9-inch cake pans.
In a stand mixer, cream the butter for 1 minute, then add the sugar and beat on high for 5 minutes until very light and fluffy.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla, mixing well after each addition.
Lower the mixer speed and alternate adding the flour in three parts and the buttermilk in two parts, starting and ending with the flour.
Divide the batter evenly into four bowls and tint each with a different shade of gel food coloring.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool completely on wire racks to ensure they are sturdy enough for assembly.
Use a 4-inch round cutter to remove the center from two of the cooled cake layers, creating rings.
Place one solid cake layer on a serving plate, frost the top, and stack the two ring layers on top, frosting between them.
Fill the central cavity with your choice of candies and sprinkles.
Top with the final solid cake layer to seal the surprise and frost the entire exterior of the cake.

Notes

For the cleanest cut and structural integrity, chill your cake layers for 20 minutes before cutting the center holes. Ensure your candy filling is completely dry, avoiding fruit or moist treats, to prevent the internal cavity from becoming soggy.

Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American