Easter Cake Recipe

Easter Cake Recipe

This easy Easter swirl cake is the perfect treat for beginner bakers who want big results without the stress. Made with a simple white cake mix and upgraded with a few pantry staples, this cake turns out moist, fluffy, and full of colorful pastel swirls. Each slice reveals a fun surprise inside, making it especially perfect for kids and Easter celebrations. Topped with a smooth vanilla frosting—no fancy decorating required—this cake looks impressive but stays wonderfully simple. Whether you’re new to baking or just want an easy holiday dessert, this Easter swirl cake is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes & Smart Swaps
White cake mix – Any brand works just fine as long as it’s a white mix. A lighter base helps the pastel swirls stand out beautifully once baked.
Clear vanilla extract – This is key for keeping the batter bright. Regular vanilla can darken the mix and muddy your colors.
Food coloring – Soft Easter shades like pink blue, and yellow look amazing, but feel free to use whatever colors you have on hand. Stick with lighter tones for the best swirl effect.
Eggs – Four egg whites give you the cleanest color. Short on eggs? Three whole eggs will still work though the cake may have a faint yellow hue. Flavor-wise, you’re totally safe.
Butter for frosting – Salted or unsalted both work. If using salted butter, simply skip adding extra salt. Make sure the butter is very soft before starting—room temperature butter blends best and makes smoother frosting.

Method

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Add the cake mix, water, egg whites, oil, sour cream, and clear vanilla to a large bowl or stand mixer. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed.

3. Pour 2 cups of plain batter into the prepared pan. Divide the remaining batter evenly into three small bowls. Tint each bowl with a different food color, mixing until smooth and evenly colored.

4. Spoon random dollops of each colored batter over the white base. Using a butter knife, gently drag it through the batter in loose motions to create swirls. Less is more—overmixing will blend the colors instead of swirling them.

5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

6. Frost the cooled cake, add festive Easter sprinkles or candy, and serve!

Notes

Tips & Storage

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but refrigeration is best for the frosting.
This recipe works for other holidays too—just change the colors and decorations.
Stick to no more than three contrasting colors to keep the swirls clean and visible.
Go easy on food coloring. A few drops go a long way, and too much can affect flavor.

FAQs

How do you create a swirl pattern in a cake?
Start with a base layer of plain batter, then spoon colored batter on top. Drag a knife gently through the batter to create a marbled look. The swirls bake right into the cake.

Can this cake be frozen?
Yes—this cake freezes best without frosting. Line the pan with parchment paper before baking. Once cooled, lift the cake out, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely, then frost and decorate before serving.

Final Thoughts

This swirl cake proves that simple baking can still feel special. With easy steps, forgiving techniques, and playful colors, it’s a stress-free dessert that looks impressive without trying too hard. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a party, or just because, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—and a confidence booster for beginner bakers too 🍰✨