Everything is always better with sprinkles. Sprinkles can make any plain cake more exciting by adding sprinkles to the batter or the outside of the cake.  I truly believe that and almost always end up leaving Michael’s or JoAnn with more sprinkles than I need.  This has been quite interesting because I have so many of the same colors and now I need a new area to store them all.  But these new bespoke sprinkles are my favorite.  I have been ordering them from Sprinkle pop because I get just a small amount to test and it comes with free shipping.  Today I am going to show you the easy way to add sprinkles (any kind) to a cake. Surely there are many ways to do this, but I like this way the best because it has less spillage.

You know what I mean if you have ever tried to put sprinkles on a cake, they are everywhere; even if you use a large tray to keep them contained.  I know for sure if you checked my kitchen floor there are a few sprinkles hidden somewhere.  That certainly doesn’t stop me from getting more sprinkles.

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Before we get into the tutorial, there are a few things about sprinkles you will need to know and any questions you might have.

• Sprinkle colors does bleed into cake frosting.  Once you add them to your cake, cupcakes, or cookies, it will be fine.  However, as it sits, the sprinkles will start to bleed.
• When is the best time to add sprinkles?  It is best to add sprinkles after cakes or cookies are baked.  I like to add sprinkles to a cold cake.  However, when it comes to cupcakes, it is best to add once the frosting is added.  Sprinkles will not adhere to an American buttercream after the buttercream has crusted.
• Will sprinkles to stick to fondant/ How do you attach sprinkles to fondant?  Sprinkles will stick to fondant.  To add sprinkles to fondant use piping gel or water and brush the area that you want the sprinkles to be added. The sprinkles will stick to the moist fondant.
• Will sprinkles melt in the cake batter?  Adding sprinkles to a cake batter makes the cake much more fun.  The sprinkles dissolve as they bake and leave colored spots behind in the cake.  This is called a confetti/funfetti cake and is very popular with kids.  It is best to use this with a white cake or vanilla cake.  With that said, there are some sprinkles that will not work in the batter and that are nonpareils.  These babies bleed into each other, and you will have a very unflattering looking cake.  It is best to use rainbow sprinkles/jimmies for this.
• Lastly, let’s take about the bespoke sprinkles.  These sprinkles as beautiful as they are, the metallic dragees are coated in non-toxic gold and silver powder that had not been approved by the FDA. Therefore, it is best to remove them from the cake/cupcake before eating.

How to add Sprinkles to a cake

To add sprinkles to a cake you need:

• Buttercream cake preferably cold (see tutorials on how to add buttercream to a round cake and a square cake)
• Wax paper
• Non-stick spray
• Cake turntable
• Large cookie tray
• Spatula
• Sprinkles (I used the valentines sprinkles from Sprinkle Pop), not an affiliate.

Steps to add sprinkles

• The first step is to measure the height that you want the sprinkles.

• Cut the wax paper to size.  I suggest cutting a smaller size because it is easier to handle.  Then spray with non-stick spray.  Spray liberally. 
• Add this to a larger piece of wax paper at the edge.  This makes it easier to lift.
• Then add the sprinkles. Make sure the sprinkles are all sticking by pressing them down and moving to the edge.
• Place the sprinkles on the turntable, so that it is easier to add it to the side.
• This part is a bit nerve-wracking, but you can do it.  Lift the wax paper and adhere the sprinkles to the cake.  Rub the sprinkles in so that they begin to stick.  You might need to repeat this a few times.
• Remove the wax paper from the cake.  If you notice there are still some sprinkles on the wax paper, rub them in again.  Then add the loose sprinkles with a spatula.  Add as many or as little as you like.
• That’s it for the sprinkles.

Adding the white drip to the cake

I felt that the top of the cake needed some loving.  I decided to add a white drip to the top of the cake.  Unlike the black and gold drip cake, I used Wilton white candy melt to make the drip. I used 1 cup candy melt which was a little over 60z of candy melt and 1/3 cup heavy cream.  Use 1/2 cup heavy cream for a thicker drip.  Then I placed the heavy cream in the microwave (make sure it is not too hot) and add the candy melt. Make sure each one is submerged in the cup.

Then mix until there are no lumps.  This was still not there, but you get the idea.  Add to a piping bag or a squeeze bottle.

Then add the drip to the cake (make sure the cake is cold).  Add at the edge first then add in the center.  Place in the refrigerator to set up.

I finished decorating by adding three fondant hearts (no apparent reason) and adding some more sprinkles to the top.  That’s it now you have a cake decorated with a white drip cake and sprinkles.  

What is your favorite way to add sprinkles?