Funfetti Cake Recipe
If you’re in need of a bright, celebratory treat guaranteed to make everyone smile, let me introduce you to the absolute joy that is Funfetti Cake. This classic bakery-inspired cake is a cheerful explosion of buttery vanilla crumb dotted with colorful rainbow sprinkles – every slice gives you a party on a plate! There’s something undeniably nostalgic about those vivid specks, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or just brightening up a Tuesday. Once you bake your own Funfetti Cake from scratch, you’ll never settle for the boxed stuff again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes are a few pantry staples and a generous handful of sprinkles to bring this Funfetti Cake to life. Each ingredient is chosen to build the ideal fluffy, moist crumb and pack in that signature flavor and joyful appearance.
- All-purpose flour: Sifted for the softest, most tender crumb – the perfect canvas for those sprinkles!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden, gently crisp edge.
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature is key for effortless creaming and a rich, velvety texture.
- Large eggs: Bring structure, richness, and a bit of lift to your batter; always use at room temperature for best results.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps everything blend smoothly, creating a beautifully tender cake.
- Pure vanilla extract: Don’t skimp! Real vanilla gives a luscious, bakery-style aroma and flavor.
- Baking powder: Essential for a nice, even rise and fluffy layers.
- Fine salt: Just a half teaspoon dramatically enhances every other flavor in the cake!
- Rainbow sprinkles: Use the “jimmies” style (not nonpareils), as they keep their color and shape in the oven for classic Funfetti drama.
- Optional almond extract: Just a splash deepens the vanilla notes—totally up to your flavor preference.
- Optional sour cream: Sub in a few spoonfuls for milk if you love extra-moist cake with a hint of tang.
- Optional extra sprinkles: A handful for the top or between layers makes for show-stopping presentation.
How to Make Funfetti Cake
Step 1: Prep Oven & Pans
First things first, set yourself up for cake success! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans and give them a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment rounds. This makes getting your perfectly confetti-speckled layers out of the pan an absolute breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter on medium speed until smooth and slightly fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and continue creaming until the mixture is light in color and texture, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is where you build both flavor and that irresistible tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition so your batter stays silky and uniform. Pour in the vanilla extract (plus almond extract if using). The aroma is glorious already!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
In a separate bowl, whisk together your sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to your wet mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently between each addition—this keeps the cake tender and never tough. If using, add the sour cream with the milk for extra plushness.
Step 5: Fold in Sprinkles
Now comes the most fun part! Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula, being careful not to overmix (too much stirring can make the colors bleed). Divide the sunshine-speckled batter evenly between your prepared pans.
Step 6: Bake & Cool
Slide your pans into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks. Peel off the parchment rounds and let them cool completely—this prevents the frosting from melting and gives you layers ready for stacking and decorating!
How to Serve Funfetti Cake
Garnishes
For the ultimate party effect, frost your Funfetti Cake with a snowy swirl of vanilla buttercream and absolutely shower more rainbow sprinkles on top. If you’re feeling creative, try a colorful drip glaze, piped blobs of whipped cream, or edible confetti glitter for extra wow factor.
Side Dishes
Funfetti Cake pairs wonderfully with light, fresh accompaniments. Think a scoop of creamy vanilla or strawberry ice cream, a bowl of freshly sliced berries, or even a refreshing fruit salad. A glass of milk, cold-brew coffee, or zippy lemonade keeps things playful and palate-cleansing.
Creative Ways to Present
Get whimsical with presentation! Make a towering layer cake with contrasting frosting hues between layers, slice into cupcakes for easy sharing, or create a sprinkle-dusted sheet cake for backyard parties. Individual mini cakes or cake pops (using leftover scraps) delight guests of any age and occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Funfetti Cake, simply wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container. At room temperature, it stays irresistibly moist and fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Funfetti Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to decorate and serve. Frosted leftovers can be frozen, too—just let them firm up uncovered in the freezer, then wrap and store.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover slices at their fluffiest, let them come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop a slice in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds—just enough to bring back the fresh-baked aroma and softness.
FAQs
Can I use nonpareils instead of jimmies in Funfetti Cake?
It’s best to stick to jimmies! Nonpareils tend to bleed their colors into the batter, resulting in streaks rather than those classic Funfetti dots. Jimmies will stay colorful and keep their shape as the cake bakes.
What kind of frosting works best with Funfetti Cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream is always a crowd-pleaser, but cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a silky Swiss meringue buttercream work beautifully. Feel free to tint your frosting for extra color, or add lemon or almond extract for a twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Check that your sprinkles are gluten-free as well, and follow the recipe as written.
Do I have to use whole milk?
Whole milk delivers the richest taste and texture, but you can substitute with 2% milk or a non-dairy alternative like oat milk or almond milk. If you go lower fat, consider adding a tablespoon or two of sour cream for extra moisture.
How far in advance can I make Funfetti Cake?
You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and keep them well wrapped at room temperature, or freeze them up to months in advance. Finish with frosting and sprinkles the same day you plan to serve for the freshest flavor and best presentation.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake (and devour) this homemade Funfetti Cake! Whether it’s for a special birthday, a graduation, or any moment that needs an extra bit of sparkle, this cake delivers joy in every confetti-packed crumb. Go on and give it a try—your inner child, and all your friends, will thank you!
Print
Funfetti Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 1 3-layer cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the colorful and delightful world of Funfetti Cake with this easy and delicious recipe that promises a burst of sprinkles in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour (- Sifted for best texture)
- 1 ½ cups Granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tsp Baking powder
- ½ tsp Fine salt (- Enhances flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup Unsalted butter (- Room temperature)
- 4 Large eggs (- Room temperature)
- 1 cup Whole milk (- Room temperature)
- 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract (- Real vanilla for flavor)
Additional:
- ½–¾ cup Rainbow sprinkles (- Jimmies-style (not nonpareils))
- Optional Almond extract (- For flavor depth)
- Optional Sour cream (- Adds moisture (replace part of milk))
- Optional Extra sprinkles (- For decorating top or layers)
Instructions
- Prep Oven & Pans: Preheat oven, grease pans, and line with parchment.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, then mix in eggs and flavorings.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Whisk dry ingredients and alternate with milk into the batter.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Fold in sprinkles and divide batter into prepared pans.
- Bake & Cool: Bake, then cool cakes in pans and on wire racks.
Notes
- For a more pronounced almond flavor, use almond extract in addition to vanilla.
- Sour cream adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Decorate with extra sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Funfetti Cake, Sprinkle Cake, Celebration Cake
