Pink Velvet Cake Recipe with Glam Barbie-Inspired Decoration

If you're looking to add a touch of elegance and fun to your dessert table, a Pink Velvet Cake with Barbie-themed sprinkles is the perfect choice. Not only is it visually stunning with its soft blush hue and dazzling sprinkles, but it's also incredibly moist, flavorful, and beginner-friendly. In this detailed, SEO-optimized guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to bake and decorate the ultimate Pink Velvet Cake from scratch.

What is Pink Velvet Cake?

Pink Velvet Cake is a colorful twist on the classic Red Velvet Cake. It shares the same velvety texture and subtle cocoa flavor but uses pink food coloring instead of red, giving it a playful and modern appeal. This cake is perfect for birthdays, baby showers, bridal showers, or any event where you want to impress your guests with something unique and beautiful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, left to sit for 5 minutes)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tbsp Watkins All Natural Original Baking Vanilla®

• 1 tsp white vinegar

• Pink food coloring (gel food coloring preferred for vibrant color)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2–2½ cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp Watkins All Natural Original Baking Vanilla®

• Pinch of salt

For Decoration:

• Watkins Barbie Pink Medley Sprinkles

• Optional: edible glitter, white chocolate curls, fresh berries, piping bag with star tip

Instructions for Baking the Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step usually takes 2-3 minutes and helps incorporate air into the batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the Watkins All Natural Original Baking Vanilla® and white vinegar.

Step 5: Alternate Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Add Pink Coloring
Stir in the pink food coloring gradually until you achieve your desired shade. Gel coloring is recommended for its intensity and minimal impact on batter consistency.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt
Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the Watkins vanilla and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

Decorating Your Cake Glam-Style

Step 1: Apply a Crumb Coat
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of frosting over it. Add the second layer and apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to catch crumbs. Chill for 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Final Frosting Layer
Apply a generous final layer of frosting using a spatula. Smooth out the surface and edges for a clean look.

Step 3: Glam It Up
Press Watkins Barbie Pink Medley Sprinkles around the base of the cake or let them cascade from the top edge downward for a waterfall effect. Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe decorative swirls or rosettes on top.

Step 4: Add Optional Glam Touches
Enhance the glam factor with edible glitter, white chocolate curls, or fresh berries. Arrange these around the top or at the center for a professional finish.

Tips for Success

• Always bring your ingredients to room temperature before mixing.

• Use gel food coloring for vibrant results.

• Don’t overmix the batter to maintain a soft and velvety texture.

• Chill your cake before decorating to make frosting easier.

Why Use Watkins Vanilla and Sprinkles?

Watkins All Natural Original Baking Vanilla® is known for its rich, authentic flavor and high quality. It elevates the taste of both the cake and the frosting. The Watkins Barbie Pink Medley Sprinkles add a touch of whimsy and elegance, making your cake look bakery-level fabulous with minimal effort.

Final Thoughts

A Pink Velvet Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or just because, this detailed recipe will guide you every step of the way. With Watkins Vanilla and Barbie-themed sprinkles, you’re guaranteed a cake that tastes as good as it looks. Happy baking!