Cinco de Mayo Piñata (Printable)

A colorful layered cake with a hidden candy center, ideal for festive celebrations and joyful moments.

# What You Need:

→ Cake Layers

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 2 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 1¼ cups whole milk, room temperature
10 - Gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple

→ Piñata Filling

11 - 1½ cups assorted small candies (mini M&Ms, rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears)

→ Frosting

12 - 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
13 - 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - ¼ cup whole milk
15 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
17 - Gel food coloring for decorating (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly into six bowls. Tint each portion with a different gel food color to create red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple batters.
07 - Pour each colored batter into greased and lined 8-inch pans. If using only three pans, bake in batches. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
08 - Allow layers to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
09 - Using a 3-inch round cutter, cut a hole in the center of four of the six layers. Leave the top and bottom layers whole.
10 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
11 - Place the purple whole layer on serving plate. Spread thin frosting layer. Stack first cut-out layer and frost lightly. Repeat with remaining cut-out layers.
12 - Pour assorted candies into the center cavity created by stacked cut-out layers.
13 - Place the final whole cake layer over the candy-filled cavity to seal the piñata filling inside.
14 - Frost the outside and top of cake generously with remaining frosting. Decorate with colored frosting, sprinkles, or festive decorations as desired.
15 - Refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing to ensure clean cuts and reveal the candy surprise inside.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Interactive surprise element that delights guests of all ages when sliced
  • Stunning rainbow layers create an Instagram-worthy presentation
  • Customizable candy filling lets you choose favorite treats
  • Moist, tender vanilla cake that tastes as amazing as it looks
  • Perfect centerpiece for Cinco de Mayo, birthdays, or any festive occasion
02 -
  • Use a 3-inch round cutter consistently to ensure the candy cavity aligns perfectly through all interior layers
  • Avoid overfilling the candy chamber—1 ½ cups creates the perfect cascade without causing structural issues
  • Choose small, lightweight candies; large or sticky items can make slicing difficult
  • Chill the cake for 30 minutes before serving to help it hold its shape when cut
  • For ultra-smooth frosting, use an offset spatula dipped in hot water and wiped dry between strokes
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