Best Funfetti Cake Recipe

There’s something about the bright, colorful sprinkles in a Funfetti cake that instantly lifts your mood.

Whether it’s for a birthday, a special celebration, or a “just because” treat, Funfetti cake is the ultimate party cake that brings smiles to both kids and adults alike.

It’s more than just a cake—it’s a symbol of joy, fun, and celebration.

With every slice, you get a burst of color and flavor that makes you feel like you’re at a party, even if it’s just a regular Tuesday afternoon.

My Love Affair with Funfetti Cake

I remember the first time I made a Funfetti cake—it was for my best friend’s birthday.

I was nervous because I wanted the cake to be perfect, but the moment I mixed in those rainbow sprinkles, I knew I was creating something magical.

Watching the vibrant specks of color bake into the fluffy vanilla cake brought back memories of childhood birthdays and the excitement of cake-cutting ceremonies.

Since that day, Funfetti cake has become my go-to for any celebration.

It never fails to impress, and the nostalgia it evokes is always a hit.

Why This Cake Is a Must-Try for Every Baker

In this post, you’ll discover how to make a homemade Funfetti cake that’s fluffy, moist, and full of fun.

I’ll guide you through each step, share tips for the perfect frosting, and offer decoration ideas to make your cake stand out.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to brighten any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour (Gives the cake structure)
Granulated sugar (Sweetens the cake)
Unsalted butter (Provides moisture and richness)
Baking powder (Helps the cake rise)
Salt (Enhances the flavor)
Eggs (Adds structure and helps with moisture)
Vanilla extract (Gives the cake a classic, sweet flavor)
Whole milk (Makes the cake moist and tender)
Rainbow sprinkles (The star of the show! Be sure to use "jimmies" sprinkles, not nonpareils, as they hold up better during baking)

Optional:

Almond extract (For a slightly nutty flavor)
Sour cream (Adds extra moisture and tang to the cake)

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How to Make Flourless Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This will help ensure your cakes release easily after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set this aside; you’ll add it to your wet ingredients later.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter (at room temperature) and 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is essential for achieving a light and airy cake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

With the mixer on low speed, add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. You can also add ½ teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.

5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and 1 cup of whole milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

6. Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold in ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles using a spatula. Be sure to use "jimmies" sprinkles, as they hold up during baking without bleeding their color into the batter. Stir just enough to distribute the sprinkles evenly.

7. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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For Classic Buttercream Frosting

A fluffy vanilla buttercream is the perfect match for a Funfetti cake.

To make it:

1 cup of unsalted butter until creamy,
then gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar,
¼ cup of heavy cream,
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If you prefer a more colorful cake, you can also add food coloring to the frosting.

Decoration Ideas

Extra Sprinkles: After frosting the cake, press additional rainbow sprinkles onto the sides and top for a festive look. The more sprinkles, the better!

Drip Cake: For a more modern look, consider making a chocolate or white chocolate ganache to drizzle over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Candles and Toppers: Funfetti cake screams celebration, so don’t forget the candles! You can also add cake toppers, such as “Happy Birthday” signs or fun shapes, to enhance the festive vibe.

Fruit Garnish: For a fresh twist, garnish the cake with colorful fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries around the edges.

Tips for Success

Avoid Overmixing the Batter

One of the most common mistakes in cake-making is overmixing the batter. Once you’ve added the flour, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense instead of light and fluffy.

Use the Right Sprinkles

Not all sprinkles are created equal when it comes to baking. Be sure to use "jimmies," which are the longer, cylindrical sprinkles, as they won’t bleed into the batter. Nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles) are more likely to dissolve and discolor the cake.

Best Practices for Storing the Cake

Funfetti cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving Ideas

Funfetti cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a hot cup of coffee for an afternoon treat.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can make the cake layers a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

Can I freeze Funfetti cake?

Absolutely. You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Of course! While homemade buttercream is always a treat, store-bought frosting can save time and still taste delicious. You can even personalize it by adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract for a homemade touch.

Why did my sprinkles sink to the bottom of the cake?

If your sprinkles sank to the bottom, it could be because the batter was too thin, or the sprinkles were too heavy. To prevent this, make sure your batter is thick enough to suspend the sprinkles, or try tossing the sprinkles in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.

Funfetti cake is the ultimate celebration cake, filled with color, fun, and flavor.

Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just to brighten someone’s day, this cake never fails to impress.

With easy-to-follow instructions and endless possibilities for decoration, you’ll be able to whip up this delightful treat with confidence.

Happy baking!

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