When it comes to birthdays, sometimes the cake is more than just dessert—it’s the centerpiece of the celebration. A glitter cake is the ultimate way to bring sparkle, shine, and joy to any birthday party. Whether you’re planning elegant cake designs for a 24th birthday, a glamorous bling bling cake for a milestone party, or even a classy 73rd birthday cake for someone special, this shimmering creation will light up the table.
One of the most popular trends in recent years is the glitter blowing cake with crown—a design that combines edible glitter, elegant piping, and a regal topper. Add in a custom touch with name cakes birthday lettering, and you’ll have a cake that not only tastes amazing but also goes viral as a birthday cake birthday cake moment on social media.
This recipe will walk you through baking a moist, fluffy cake base, layering it with a silky buttercream, and finishing it with sparkling edible glitter. Perfect for bday cake designs for women who love glamour, this cake can be tailored to any age or style.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- Edible glitter (gold, silver, or rose gold)
- Optional: Crown cake topper
- Piping gel for writing names
- Edible pearls or rhinestones
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. - Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. - Add Eggs & Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. - Combine Wet & Dry
Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined. - Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely. - Make the Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy. - Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a stand. Spread with buttercream. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake. - Decorate with Glitter
Smooth the frosting, then gently press edible glitter onto the surface using a pastry brush or spoon. Add pearls, rhinestones, or a glitter crown topper for extra sparkle. - Personalize
Use piping gel to add the birthday name. This is where you can make it a viral birthday cake moment.
Tips & Variations
- Color Theme: Match the glitter to the birthday party’s color scheme (rose gold for chic, silver for modern, gold for classic).
- Flavor Twist: Add almond or lemon extract for a subtle twist.
- Design Ideas: Try ombre glitter fading from top to bottom, or a half-glitter look paired with fresh flowers.
- Crown Option: For a glitter blowing cake with crown, place a small crown topper at the center for a royal finish.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect as the star centerpiece for:
- Milestone birthdays (24th, 50th, 73rd)
- Glamorous girls’ nights
- Viral-worthy celebrations where photos are a must
Pair it with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider for a true celebration.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Looking for another fun birthday cake idea? Try my Easy Strawberry Shortcake.
- If you love sparkle, you’ll also enjoy this Funfetti Cake Recipe.
- For lighter party desserts, check out my Mini Cheesecake Cups.
FAQ
Q: Is edible glitter safe?
A: Yes! Be sure to use FDA-approved edible glitter, not craft glitter.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Bake and frost the day before, then add the glitter right before serving.
Q: Can I make this into cupcakes?
A: Yes! This recipe makes about 24 cupcakes. Just reduce the baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Q: How do I make it extra shiny?
A: Mix edible glitter with a little clear alcohol (like vodka) and paint it on for a metallic sheen.
Q: What flavor pairs best with a glitter cake?
A: Vanilla and buttercream are classic, but chocolate layers also look stunning under gold glitter.
Glitter Cake
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter (frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- edible glitter
- crown topper (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch pans.
- Mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Alternate adding flour mix and milk until smooth.
- Divide into pans, bake 30–35 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
- Make buttercream by whipping butter, sugar, cream, and vanilla.
- Frost cake, smooth sides, and top.
- Decorate with edible glitter, pearls, and optional crown topper.
