How to Add Sprinkles to the Side of Cake

Introduction

Ever tried adding sprinkles to the sides of a cake only to end up with more sprinkles on your kitchen floor than on your beautiful creation? You’re not alone. Mastering how to add sprinkles to the side of cake is one of those deceptively tricky decorating techniques that can transform an ordinary cake into a showstopper—when done right. Without proper technique, you’ll waste expensive sprinkles and potentially ruin hours of careful frosting work in seconds.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share professional techniques I’ve refined over 15 years of cake decorating that will help you achieve that perfect sprinkle-covered finish that wows your guests and elevates your baking game.

Why Adding Sprinkles to Cake Sides Can Be Challenging

Before diving into the techniques, it’s important to understand why adding sprinkles to cake sides presents unique challenges:

• Gravity works against you – Unlike the top surface, sprinkles won’t simply stay put on vertical surfaces.
• Timing is crucial – The frosting must be at the perfect consistency—too soft and the sprinkles sink in, too firm and they won’t adhere.
• Coverage consistency – Achieving even distribution around the entire perimeter requires specific techniques.
• Mess management – Without proper methods, you’ll create a colorful disaster zone in your kitchen.

Understanding these challenges is the first step to mastering how to add sprinkles to the side of cake like a professional.

Essential Tools and Materials

Successful sprinkle application starts with having the right tools:

Must-Have Tools:

• Turntable – Allows smooth rotation for even application
• Bench scraper or cake smoother – For achieving flat frosting surfaces
• Baking sheets with rims – To catch falling sprinkles
• Parchment paper – For various application techniques
• Small offset spatula – For precise frosting touch-ups
• Acetate sheets – For advanced techniques (available at craft stores or online)

Frosting Requirements:

• Your frosting should be smooth but not too soft—buttercream at room temperature often works best
• Consider a crumb coat plus a final coat for best results

Sprinkle Options:

• Jimmies/rods – The most versatile for side application
• Nonpareils – Small round sprinkles (more challenging but beautiful)
• Sugar pearls – Heavier but create elegant designs
• Custom blends – Create your own mix for unique designs

Having these tools ready before you begin will significantly improve your chances of success when learning how to add sprinkles to the side of cake.

Preparing Your Cake

Proper preparation is crucial for successful sprinkle application:

1. Ensure your cake is properly chilled – A cold cake with firm frosting provides the best foundation (30-60 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal).
2. Create a perfectly smooth frosting surface – Use a bench scraper while rotating your turntable to achieve flat sides.
3. Set up your workstation strategically:
   • Place your turntable on a rimmed baking sheet to catch falling sprinkles
   • Have all tools within arm’s reach
   • Consider covering surrounding counters with parchment for easier cleanup
4. Bring frosting to optimal temperature – The outer layer should be slightly tacky but not wet or too firm (about 10 minutes at room temperature after chilling often works well).

This preparation phase is often overlooked but is essential when mastering how to add sprinkles to the side of cake with minimal frustration and maximum success.

5 Methods to Add Sprinkles to the Side of Cake

Method 1: The Hand Method

This traditional technique works well for beginners and smaller cakes:

Steps:

1. Hold your cake on the turntable with your non-dominant hand.
2. Take a small handful of sprinkles in your dominant hand.
3. With your palm facing up, use your fingers to gently press sprinkles against the side of the cake.
4. Rotate the turntable slowly, continuing the application around the entire perimeter.
5. Work in sections, starting from the bottom and moving upward.

Pro tip: Cup your hand slightly under the area you’re working on to catch falling sprinkles and reduce waste.

Method 2: The Parchment Paper Technique

This technique offers more control and less mess:

Steps:

1. Cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the height of your cake.
2. Spread a generous amount of sprinkles on the parchment.
3. Lift the parchment and gently press it against the side of the cake, allowing sprinkles to adhere to the frosting.
4. Slowly rotate the turntable while holding the parchment in place.
5. Reload parchment with fresh sprinkles as needed and continue until the entire perimeter is covered.

Pro tip: Slightly curve the parchment paper to match the cake’s contour for more even application.

Method 3: The Sprinkle Tray Method

Perfect for full coverage with minimal waste:

Steps:

1. Fill a large, shallow tray or baking sheet with a generous layer of sprinkles.
2. Hold your cake on a cardboard round or with a wide spatula.
3. Tilt your cake and gently roll the sides in the sprinkles, rotating slowly to cover the entire perimeter.
4. Use gentle pressure to ensure sprinkles adhere properly.
5. Touch up any sparse areas using Method 1 or 2.

Pro tip: This method works best for shorter cakes (under 4 inches tall) and requires a confident hand.

Method 4: The Acetate Collar Technique

This professional method creates a perfectly even coat of sprinkles:

Steps:

1. Cut an acetate sheet to match the height and circumference of your cake, plus a 1-inch overlap.
2. Apply a thin, fresh layer of frosting to the sides of your chilled cake.
3. Press sprinkles onto the inner surface of the acetate sheet.
4. Wrap the sprinkle-covered acetate around the cake, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Chill for 20 minutes before carefully removing the acetate.

Pro tip: This technique allows for creative patterns and is excellent for achieving professional results when learning how to add sprinkles to the side of cake.

Method 5: The Sprinkle Presser Method

This innovative technique works well for partial coverage or design elements:

Steps:

1. Create a “sprinkle presser” by covering a flat, rectangular object (like a small cutting board) with double-sided tape.
2. Press the tape into your sprinkles to create a sprinkle-covered surface.
3. Gently press this surface against sections of your cake where you want sprinkles.
4. Repeat with fresh tape for each section.

Pro tip: This method allows for precise placement of sprinkles in specific areas or patterns.

Each of these five methods has its strengths, and mastering them all will give you complete flexibility when determining how to add sprinkles to the side of cake for any project.

Tips for Different Types of Cakes

Adapting your technique based on cake type is essential for success:

For Layer Cakes:

• Work with a completely assembled and frosted cake
• Ensure layers are stable and well-secured before adding sprinkles
• Consider applying sprinkles before adding any top decorations

For Sheet Cakes:

• Focus on the narrow sides using the hand method
• Use a template for consistent height if only applying to the bottom portion

For Cupcakes:

• Dip frosted tops directly into sprinkles for the sides
• Use a cupcake collar for sprinkles on vertical surfaces

For Ice Cream Cakes:

• Work extremely quickly as the frosting will soften rapidly
• Consider freezing between steps
• The acetate method works particularly well here

Understanding these nuances ensures you’ll know exactly how to add sprinkles to the side of cake regardless of the specific cake type you’re decorating.

Working with Different Types of Sprinkles

Each sprinkle variety requires slightly different handling:

Jimmies/Rod Sprinkles:

• Most forgiving for side application
• Adhere well to frosting at various consistencies
• Work with most techniques, especially the hand method

Nonpareils (Tiny Balls):

• More challenging due to their round shape and tendency to roll
• Work best with the parchment or acetate methods
• Require slightly softer frosting for proper adhesion

Sugar Pearls and Larger Sprinkles:

• Best applied individually or in specific patterns
• May need extra frosting support due to their weight
• Often work well with the sprinkle presser method

Custom Mixes:

• Test a small section first to ensure all components adhere properly
• May require multiple application techniques for even distribution
• Consider layering different types for depth and texture

Choosing the right sprinkle type and corresponding technique is crucial when learning how to add sprinkles to the side of cake for optimal visual impact.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even experienced bakers encounter challenges with side sprinkles. Here are solutions to common issues:

Problem: Sprinkles falling off immediately Solution: Your frosting is likely too firm. Allow it to warm slightly at room temperature, or apply a thin fresh layer before attempting again.

Problem: Sprinkles sinking into frosting Solution: Your frosting is too soft. Chill the cake for 15-20 minutes before trying again.

Problem: Uneven coverage or bald spots Solution: Use the hand method to touch up specific areas, pressing gently to match the density of surrounding sprinkles.

Problem: Frosting smearing during application Solution: Your cake isn’t chilled enough. Return it to the refrigerator for 30 minutes before proceeding.

Problem: Sprinkles only sticking to bottom half Solution: Gravity works against the upper portions. Try the acetate method or apply in smaller sections, working from bottom to top.

Understanding these troubleshooting techniques ensures you can overcome any obstacle when learning how to add sprinkles to the side of cake.

Creative Design Ideas Using Side Sprinkles

Once you’ve mastered the basic techniques, explore these creative applications:

Ombré Effect:

• Apply darker sprinkles at the bottom, gradually transitioning to lighter shades toward the top
• Works beautifully with the parchment method, changing sprinkle colors as you move upward

Color Blocking:

• Divide the cake into vertical sections using acetate as a guide
• Apply different colored sprinkles to each section for a modern look

Patterned Designs:

• Use stencils or tape to mask areas where you don’t want sprinkles
• Create stripes, polka dots, or geometric patterns

Sprinkle Gradient:

• Start with dense sprinkle application at the bottom, gradually becoming sparser toward the top
• Creates an elegant “fading” effect

Mixed Media:

• Combine sprinkles with other decorative elements like edible glitter, crushed cookies, or nuts
• Creates interesting texture contrasts

These creative approaches take how to add sprinkles to the side of cake from basic technique to artistic expression.

Expert Q&A: Professional Bakers’ Insights

I consulted with three professional cake decorators for their insights on adding sprinkles to cake sides:

Aria Johnson, Wedding Cake Specialist: “Temperature control is everything. I always chill my cakes until the frosting is firm, then let them sit for exactly 7 minutes before applying sprinkles. This gives the perfect tacky surface for adhesion without smearing.”

Marcus Lee, Bakery Owner: “For high-volume production, we exclusively use the acetate collar method. Yes, it takes longer initially, but the consistent results and reduced waste make it worthwhile for professional settings.”

Sophia Patel, Pastry Chef: “Don’t overlook the importance of sprinkle quality. Premium sprinkles have more consistent shapes and often better colors that don’t bleed into frosting. This makes a noticeable difference in the final presentation.”

These expert insights provide valuable perspective on how to add sprinkles to the side of cake in professional settings.

Conclusion

Mastering how to add sprinkles to the side of cake transforms a basic decorating skill into an opportunity for creative expression. While it may seem challenging at first, the techniques outlined in this guide—from the basic hand method to the professional acetate collar approach—provide options for decorators at every skill level.

Remember that practice makes perfect. Your first attempt might not be flawless, but each cake will improve as you refine your technique and develop a feel for working with different frostings and sprinkle types.

Whether you’re decorating for a special occasion or building your professional skills, these methods will help you create show-stopping cakes that delight both the eye and the palate. The extra effort to master side sprinkle application is always worth it when you see the joy these colorful creations bring to any celebration.

FAQs About Adding Sprinkles to Cake Sides

Now you have all the knowledge you need to perfectly execute sprinkle decoration on your next cake! Remember that knowing how to add sprinkles to the side of cake is both a technical skill and an art form—enjoy the creative process.