Confetti Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream

1 . Stage

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F. Get out the shortening and grease two 9-inch round baking pans, then line the pans with parchment paper and grease the paper, too. This will help the cakes release from the pans perfectly.

2 . Stage

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Slowly beat in the butter. Add the egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in the milk and extracts. Once combined, it's time to make the magic happen. Grab the sprinkles and gently stir them into the batter. Fold in those rainbow-colored delights just until they're evenly dispersed, being careful not to over mix the batter. Test Kitchen Tip: Don’t have time to bake a cake from scratch? Simply add 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles to your favorite white or yellow cake mix from the box.

3 . Stage

Split the confetti-speckled batter evenly between the prepared pans. Gently tap the pans against a countertop to release any air bubbles. Tapping the pans also helps smooth out the surface, but if it still looks uneven, have at it with a rubber spatula.

4 . Stage

Stick the cakes in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once they're cooked, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes or so, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

5 . Stage

While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a heatproof bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together egg whites, brown sugar and salt until blended. If you don't have a stand mixer, this recipe can double as a workout for the arms and shoulders! Place the bowl on a double boiler so it sits over simmering water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the mixture constantly until a thermometer reads 160°. This will take two to three minutes. Remove the bowl from the heat. With the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, beat on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form, about seven minutes. Gradually beat in the softened butter, a few tablespoons at a time, on medium speed until smooth. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract and, if desired, food coloring. Test Kitchen Tip: Use clear vanilla extract—the dark stuff alters the frosting's hue.

6 . Stage

Pull out your favorite serving plate or just a cardboard cake circle, like pro bakers do. Frosting a cake can get messy. To achieve a clean look, line the edges of the serving plate with strips of parchment paper, then lay a cake layer on top. Spread frosting liberally between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake.

7 . Stage

To decorate as shown, grab a handful of sprinkles and lightly press them into the bottom edge of the cake. Test Kitchen Tip: To avoid getting confetti all over your kitchen, keep the parchment under your cake until you've finished pressing on the sprinkles. Then remove each piece of parchment by gently tugging it from beneath the cake.