Swirled Easter Cake: A Colorful & Fun Easter Dessert

Looking for Easter sheet cake ideas that are colorful, festive, and easy to make? This Swirled Easter Cake is the perfect treat! Made with soft, fluffy cake and swirls of pastel colors, this cake is a beautiful centerpiece for any Easter celebration. Whether you’re making a pastel cake, a cake roll, or even a Easter Bundt cake, this recipe is easy, fun, and guaranteed to impress.

If you love cake recipes simple, bright cake colors, and festive Easter desserts, this Easter swirl pie-inspired cake is the perfect choice for your holiday table!

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What Is a Swirled Easter Cake?

This easy Easter cake features a soft vanilla base swirled with pastel-colored batter to create a marbled effect. It’s baked in a sheet pan, Bundt pan, or as a cake roll, making it a versatile Easter sheet cake idea that’s both delicious and stunning.

Topped with a smooth buttercream frosting and festive sprinkles, this cake is the ultimate Easter baking project that’s simple enough for beginners but elegant enough for a party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bright & Colorful: A pastel swirl pattern makes this cake pop!
• Soft & Moist: A fluffy cake with a smooth buttercream finish.
• Simple Ingredients: No complicated techniques required.
• Customizable: Make it as a sheet cake, Bundt cake, or Easter cake roll.
• Perfect for Parties: A festive dessert that kids and adults will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• Gel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, and purple for pastel swirls)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for consistency)
• Pastel sprinkles or Easter decorations

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (for batter and frosting)
• Electric mixer (for smooth batter and frosting)
• 9×13-inch baking pan or Bundt pan (for baking the cake)
• Toothpick or skewer (for swirling the colors)
• Piping bag or spatula (for frosting the cake)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish or Bundt pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Add the Pastel Swirls

1. Divide the batter into 4 bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each (pink, yellow, blue, and purple).
2. Drop spoonfuls of different colored batters randomly into the cake pan.
3. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the colors together.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

1. Bake for 30–35 minutes (for a sheet cake) or 40–45 minutes (for a Bundt cake), until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
2. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

1. Beat butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar.
2. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, whipping until light and fluffy.
3. If desired, tint the frosting pastel colors for extra Easter fun.

Step 6: Decorate & Serve

1. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
2. Decorate with pastel sprinkles, Easter pretzels, or candy eggs.
3. Slice and enjoy this colorful Easter swirl cake!

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Tips for the Best Swirled Easter Cake

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel colors without adding extra liquid.
• Don’t over-swirl the batter—you want defined colors, not a muddy mix.
• Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
• For a marbled Bundt cake, layer the colored batters instead of swirling too much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter: This can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking for easy removal.
• Adding too much food coloring: Start with a little and adjust as needed.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Easter Cake Roll: Bake the batter in a jelly roll pan, roll with frosting, and slice.
• Easter Bundt Cake: Use a Bundt pan and drizzle with a pastel glaze.
• Swirled Easter Cupcakes: Divide batter into cupcake liners for a fun, individual treat.
• Lemon Swirl Cake: Add lemon zest and juice for a citrusy twist.

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap unfrosted cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Make Ahead Tip: Bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Swirled Easter Cake pairs well with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• A cup of hot tea or coffee
• A side of fresh berries
• A pastel-themed dessert table

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FAQs

Can I make this cake without food coloring?

Yes! The cake will still taste amazing without the colors.

Can I use cake mix instead of homemade batter?

Absolutely! Use white or vanilla cake mix and follow the same swirl method.

How do I make a glaze instead of buttercream?

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a simple glaze.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Conclusion

This Swirled Easter Cake is a beautiful, festive, and easy Easter dessert that’s perfect for Easter sheet cake ideas, cake recipes simple, and pastel cake ideas. Whether you’re making an Easter Bundt cake or a fun Easter cake roll, this colorful cake is a guaranteed hit for your holiday table!

Try this easy Easter cake today and celebrate with a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious!

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