Show-Stopping Firecracker Confetti Cake

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If you want to light up your dessert table this New Year’s Eve without spending hours in the kitchen, this Show-Stopping Firecracker Confetti Cake is your ticket. Packed with bright colors, popping textures, and a sweet, buttery base, it’s guaranteed to delight your guests and help you wow your friends as you count down to midnight.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box of vanilla cake mix (plus eggs and oil as directed)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (for extra moisture)
  • 1/2 cup sprinkles or confetti candy
  • 1 cup of your favorite frosting (vanilla or buttercream)
  • Edible glitter or extra sprinkles for garnish
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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a standard 9×13-inch baking pan by lightly coating with cooking spray or lining with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cake will pop right out of the pan when it’s time to decorate.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions. Add in the sour cream for extra moisture—this little trick helps your cake stay soft and fluffy all the way through your New Year’s celebration. Stir the batter gently until combined, then fold in the colorful sprinkles. The confetti bursts will infuse the batter with little pops of color.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before moving on to the fun part—frosting and decorating!

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Spread your favorite frosting over the top. If you want an extra festive finish, sprinkle additional confetti or add a dusting of edible glitter. The sparkle will give it that New Year’s Eve “firecracker” effect, perfect for impressing a crowd.

This recipe is fantastic for all levels of bakers: seasoned pros can dress it up with fancy piping techniques, while beginners can keep it simple and still look like dessert superstars. Because it’s so customizable, you can swap in different cake mixes (chocolate, lemon, or even strawberry) and frostings to suit your taste, dietary needs, or party theme. It’s also easy to adapt if you prefer a gluten-free or dairy-free version—just choose a compatible mix and frosting. Whether you gather in a cozy family setting or a lively party with friends, this Firecracker Confetti Cake is the perfect sweet spark to ring in the New Year.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.