Photorealistic overhead view of a professional baking setup with vibrant pink cake batter in a stainless steel mixer bowl, surrounded by cake pans, ingredients, and baking tools, with a finished ombre pink cake in the background.

Bubblegum Pink Birthday Cake: A Show-Stopping Celebration Dessert

Quick Facts and Essential Information

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 24
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $20-$40

Dietary Considerations
  • Vegetarian
  • Adaptable to gluten-free and dairy-free diets
  • Contains common allergens: wheat, dairy, eggs, soy

Close-up of pink cake batter in a stainless steel mixer bowl, showcasing its creamy texture with bubblegum extract, illuminated by soft natural light; nearby, measuring tools and bottles of extracts and pink gel food coloring are neatly arranged on a marble countertop.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools
  1. 4 round cake pans
  2. Stand mixer or hand mixer
  3. Offset spatula
  4. Bench scraper
  5. Mixing bowls
  6. Measuring tools
Nice-to-Have Extras
  1. Spinning cake stand
  2. Large piping bag with open star tip
  3. Cake board

Ingredients Breakdown

Cake Base
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 cup egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups full-fat sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp bubblegum extract
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pink gel food coloring
Substitution Options
  • Gluten-free flour blend
  • Dairy-free butter alternatives
  • Aquafaba for egg whites

Baking Method: Step-by-Step

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)
  2. Prepare cake pans with parchment and grease
  3. Bring all ingredients to room temperature
Mixing Technique
  • Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
  • Gradually incorporate egg whites
  • Add sour cream, oil, and extracts
  • Divide batter and create ombre pink layers
Baking Process
  • Bake for 33-35 minutes
  • Check doneness with toothpick test
  • Cool completely on wire rack

Pro Decorating Tips

Buttercream Secrets
  • Beat butter until super smooth
  • Add extracts and salt
  • Gradually incorporate powdered sugar
  • Adjust consistency with cream
Decoration Techniques
  • Create smooth crumb coat
  • Chill between frosting layers
  • Make pink ganache drip
  • Pipe buttercream swirls
  • Add bubblegum balls and sprinkles

Professional overhead shot of a four-layer ombre pink cake on a silver stand, featuring smooth buttercream frosting, piped swirls, pink ganache drip, and colorful bubblegum balls, against a clean white backdrop.

Storage and Make-Ahead Notes

  • Refrigerate for 3-4 days
  • Bring to room temperature before serving
  • Keep bubblegum balls separate to prevent stickiness

Variation Ideas

  • Funfetti bubblegum version
  • Vegan adaptation
  • Gluten-free option
  • Ombre color variations
  • Salted buttercream twist

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Don’t overmix batter
  • Ensure ganache is right temperature for dripping
  • Chill thoroughly between frosting layers
  • Add decorations just before serving
Safety Note

⚠️ Gumballs can be a choking hazard for young children

Recommended Decorating Tools

  • Quality food coloring
  • Offset spatula
  • Piping bags and tips
  • Cake turntable

Enjoy your show-stopping bubblegum pink birthday cake that’s sure to be the centerpiece of any celebration!

Pin This Now to Remember It Later
Pin This

Similar Posts