2012’s Top Pick


The Grand Finale: Unveiling Your Most Loved Post of the Year!

For the past two weeks, we’ve been on an exciting journey, meticulously counting down the most beloved content from our archives. We embarked on an extensive review, sifting through hundreds of posts from the memorable year of 2012 to identify the true audience favorites. This deep dive was guided by your invaluable engagement across various platforms: your consistent pageviews on our blog, the heartfelt likes on our Facebook page, and the countless inspiring pins on Pinterest. It has been a thrilling experience to revisit these popular creations, each one a testament to the incredible talent and shared passion within our vibrant baking community. Today, our countdown reaches its pinnacle, as we proudly reveal the absolute number one favorite post that captured your hearts and imaginations the most!

And the #1 Most Popular Post of 2012 Is…

The anticipation has been building to a fever pitch, and now it’s time for the grand reveal! Drumroll, please… the undisputed champion, the post that garnered the most attention, admiration, and enthusiastic sharing from all of you in 2012, is none other than a tutorial that promises pure joy and vibrant color. This particular creation clearly resonated deeply, proving that sometimes, the simplest pleasures bring the greatest delight and widespread appeal. Prepare to be inspired all over again by this truly iconic cake design that continues to spark creativity among bakers everywhere.

The Spectacular DIY Rainbow Sprinkle Cake Tutorial!

Yes, you guessed it! Based on an overwhelming number of views, likes, and pins, the top spot goes to this magnificent Rainbow Sprinkle Cake Tutorial! It’s undeniably evident that our collective love affair with sprinkles runs deep. There’s something inherently magical and irresistibly charming about a cake lavishly adorned with a cascade of colorful, edible joy. But what truly elevated this post to its legendary status was the detailed, step-by-step guidance provided, showing precisely how to achieve that perfectly neat, sprinkle-covered masterpiece. This tutorial didn’t just showcase a beautiful cake; it ignited immense sharing, inspired countless home bakers to try their hand at the technique, and undoubtedly prompted more than a few delightful squeals of excitement in kitchens worldwide. It’s a truly fabulous DIY project, meticulously crafted by the incredibly talented Kate Wagner from The Greedy Baker!

Why This Rainbow Sprinkle Cake Tutorial Became an Instant Classic

The enduring popularity of the Rainbow Sprinkle Cake tutorial is no mere coincidence. It perfectly encapsulates several key elements that resonate deeply with both seasoned baking enthusiasts and casual observers alike. From its visually stunning aesthetics to the sheer joy and nostalgia it evokes, this tutorial became a beacon of creativity, accessibility, and pure fun in the dynamic world of cake decorating. Let’s delve deeper into the core reasons why this particular post captured so many hearts and minds, cementing its place as our all-time favorite of 2012 and a continued source of inspiration.

The Irresistible Allure of Sprinkles

Sprinkles hold a unique and cherished place in our culinary hearts. They are far more than just tiny sugary decorations; they are vibrant symbols of celebration, unadulterated joy, and often, cherished childhood memories. The dazzling, vibrant hues of rainbow sprinkles instantly evoke feelings of happiness and festivity, effortlessly transforming any ordinary cake into an extraordinary centerpiece. Their diverse textures, ranging from crunchy nonpareils to softer jimmies, add an exciting and playful dimension to every single bite. A cake completely covered in sprinkles isn’t merely a dessert; it’s a bold statement, a radiant burst of optimism, and an invitation to pure fun. This tutorial brilliantly tapped into that universal appeal, offering a straightforward and achievable path to creating a dessert that is both visually spectacular and deeply comforting. Whether it’s destined for a lively birthday party, a festive family gathering, or simply intended to brighten an ordinary day, the sprinkle cake remains a timeless favorite, appreciated by all ages for its simple yet profound ability to bring smiles and happiness.

The Empowering Magic of DIY Cake Tutorials

In an era where personalized creations and homemade touches are highly valued, the demand for accessible, high-quality DIY tutorials has seen an unprecedented surge. This Rainbow Sprinkle Cake tutorial stands as a prime example of how effective step-by-step instructions can genuinely empower even novice bakers to achieve professional-looking results. The original post didn’t just present a beautiful cake; it meticulously guided readers through each crucial stage of the decorating process with clear, concise language and supportive, illustrative visuals. This masterful approach demystifies what might initially seem like a complex or intimidating technique, transforming it into an enjoyable and eminently achievable project for anyone. The profound power of a truly great DIY tutorial lies in its ability to build confidence, foster budding creativity, and provide the immense satisfaction of crafting something beautiful and delicious with your own hands. It effectively transforms abstract inspiration into tangible achievement, making the intricate art of cake decorating less daunting and far more rewarding. Learning a new skill, especially one that culminates in something as delightful as this sprinkle cake, is a deeply satisfying experience that encourages continued exploration and experimentation in the kitchen.

  • Clear, Visual Instructions: The tutorial offers unparalleled photographic guidance, breaking down even complex steps into easily manageable and understandable actions.
  • Accessible to All Skill Levels: It is thoughtfully designed to be straightforward for beginners, yet equally inspiring and insightful for experienced decorators seeking new ideas.
  • Cost-Effective Creativity: Encourages the joy of home baking, which is often a more economical and rewarding alternative to store-bought options.
  • Limitless Personalization Potential: Provides a robust foundation upon which bakers can confidently add their unique flair, colors, and creative touches.
  • Instant Gratification: Leads directly to a stunning final product that brings immediate joy, a sense of accomplishment, and pride in your baking prowess.

A Tribute to Creative Talent: Kate Wagner of The Greedy Baker

We extend our deepest and most sincere gratitude to Kate Wagner of The Greedy Baker for her exceptional creativity, innovative spirit, and immense generosity in sharing this incredible tutorial with our community. Kate’s genuine passion for baking, coupled with her remarkable skill in breaking down intricate processes into clear, understandable steps, is truly inspiring. Her invaluable contribution not only provided our readers with a fantastic and achievable project but also brilliantly showcased the incredible talent that thrives within the online baking community. Such collaborative efforts and shared expertise enrich our platform immensely, enabling us to consistently bring you diverse, innovative, and truly captivating content that resonates deeply. We wholeheartedly encourage everyone to visit The Greedy Baker for more of Kate’s delightful creations, expert baking tips, and endless inspiration!

Recreate the Magic: Essential Tips for Your Own Perfect Sprinkle Cake

Feeling inspired to make your own dazzling Rainbow Sprinkle Cake? We highly recommend revisiting Kate’s original post for the full, detailed instructions and comprehensive photo guide. You can easily jump back to the step-by-step photo instructions and the complete guide HERE. To further assist you in achieving absolute perfection, here are a few extra, insider tips for ensuring your sprinkle cake is as flawless, festive, and show-stopping as possible:

  • Chill Your Cake Layers Thoroughly: Always ensure your cake layers are completely cooled, and ideally lightly chilled, before you begin frosting. This crucial step helps prevent frustrating crumbs from mixing into your smooth frosting layers.
  • The Crumb Coat is Your Best Friend: Apply a very thin, even layer of frosting (known as a crumb coat) and then chill the cake again for at least 15-20 minutes. This essential step effectively locks in any loose crumbs, guaranteeing a pristine and smooth final coat of frosting.
  • Utilize Firm, Stable Frosting: For best results, use a frosting that holds its shape well and sets slightly, such as a sturdy buttercream or ganache. This provides a stable and adhesive surface for the sprinkles to securely adhere to.
  • Work Over a Catching Tray: Strategically place your frosted cake on a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet or a large, clean tray. This clever setup will efficiently catch any excess sprinkles, making cleanup significantly easier and allowing you to conveniently reuse them.
  • Apply Sprinkles Generously and Evenly: Don’t be shy with the sprinkles! Gently press handfuls of sprinkles against the sides of the cake, working your way around until it’s fully and evenly covered. For the top, sprinkle them generously and gently flatten them into the frosting with your hand or a small offset spatula.
  • Store Your Masterpiece Properly: Once beautifully decorated, store your sprinkle cake in an airtight container at cool room temperature for a day or two, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness. This helps maintain its vibrant appearance and delicious taste.

Beyond Rainbows: Creative Variations for Your Sprinkle Cake

While the classic rainbow sprinkle cake is undeniably charming and universally loved, the fundamental concept opens up an exciting world of creative possibilities. Don’t limit your imagination to just one color palette! Consider these inspiring variations to personalize your next sprinkle creation and tailor it to any occasion, theme, or personal preference:

  • Monochromatic Magic: Opt for sprinkles of a single color or varying shades within one color family for a sophisticated, elegant, and surprisingly modern look. Imagine an all-gold sprinkle cake for a chic anniversary or different hues of blue for a serene winter wonderland theme.
  • Seasonal Sprinkles Spectacle: Fully embrace the spirit of the holidays! Think festive red and green for Christmas, soft pastels for a delightful Easter celebration, spooky orange and black for Halloween, or patriotic red, white, and blue for national holidays.
  • Themed Party Perfection: Perfectly match your sprinkles to your party’s specific theme – playful polka dots for a children’s party, shimmering metallic sprinkles for a glamorous event, or even custom character sprinkles for unique birthdays.
  • Stunning Ombré Effect: Create a visually captivating gradient by meticulously starting with darker sprinkles at the base of the cake and gradually lightening the color as you work your way towards the top for an elegant ombré transition.
  • Inside Out Surprise: Take the sprinkle fun a step further by incorporating sprinkles not just on the exterior, but also mixing them directly into the cake batter or the frosting layers for an extra burst of surprising color and texture with every slice.
  • Artistic Sprinkle Borders: If a full sprinkle coating seems a bit daunting, try using sprinkles strategically only on the bottom edge, the top edge, or even to meticulously create specific patterns or designs on the cake’s surface.

A Year of Inspiration: Looking Back and Leaping Forward

2012 was truly a remarkable year, brimming with incredible inspiration, innovative ideas, and countless delectable creations generously shared by talented individuals from across the globe. We sincerely hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed this delightful journey back in time, reliving the magic and celebrating your Top 10 Favorite Posts of 2012. Revisiting these cherished moments and recognizing the most beloved content has been just as delightful and rewarding for us as we hope it has been for you! We extend our heartfelt thanks to every single baker, event planner, and culinary artist who so generously shared their amazing cakes, beautifully executed events, and mouth-watering recipes with our vibrant community last year. Your boundless creativity fuels our passion and continues to inspire millions of home bakers and professionals alike.

What’s Next on Our Baking Adventure: Fresh Delights for the Future!

As much as we cherish reminiscing about past successes, we are always eagerly looking forward to new horizons and exciting challenges in the dynamic world of baking and cake decorating. We don’t know about you, but we are absolutely thrilled and ready for the future, bursting with fresh ideas and innovative projects! Get ready for a fresh wave of innovative content, meticulously designed to inspire your next baking project, enhance your decorating skills, and fill your kitchen with the most delightful aromas. Coming your way very soon are a plethora of brand-new posts, meticulously curated to delight and inspire, including:

  • A breathtakingly gorgeous Valentine’s Day themed shoot, perfectly crafted for sparking romantic baking ideas and sweet gestures.
  • An all-new, absolutely must-try cake tutorial that we are entirely confident you are going to absolutely adore, offering fresh techniques, innovative designs, and stunning results you can achieve at home.
  • A delicious new recipe, carefully tested and perfected to ensure maximum flavor and ease of preparation, ready to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.
  • Insightful articles on the latest baking trends, detailed ingredient spotlights, and expert tips from seasoned professionals to truly elevate your baking and decorating skills.
  • Exclusive interviews with renowned pastry chefs and inspiring home baking heroes, sharing their invaluable secrets, unique stories, and professional wisdom.
  • And so much more! We are constantly working diligently to bring you the best, most inspiring, and most engaging content from the wonderful world of baking and beyond.

Join Our Vibrant Baking Community!

Your unwavering engagement and enthusiastic participation are truly the heart and soul of our blog and everything we do. We absolutely love seeing your stunning creations, hearing your insightful feedback, and connecting with you across all our social media channels. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Pinterest to stay updated with our very latest posts, get exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses, and, most importantly, to share your own baking triumphs and culinary adventures with our supportive community! We wholeheartedly encourage you to leave comments, ask questions, and generously share your baking journey with us. Every single interaction enriches our community, fosters a spirit of shared learning, and helps us grow and evolve.

Thank you once again for being an incredible and cherished part of our baking family. Happy baking, happy creating, and we eagerly look forward to seeing you back here for all-new posts very soon! Have a truly wonderful weekend filled with sweet inspiration, and we’ll connect again bright and early on Monday with even more delightful baking ideas!