Funfetti Cake Recipe

If you’re ready to bring the party to your palate, Funfetti Cake is exactly what you need. This playful, vibrant, and oh-so-satisfying treat combines a tender, buttery crumb with bursts of colorful sprinkles baked right in, creating a festive cake that’s perfect for any celebration or simply brightening up an ordinary day. With its moist texture, rich vanilla flavor, and joyful appearance, making a Funfetti Cake from scratch will quickly become one of your favorite baking adventures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting a Funfetti Cake that’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with color. Each component plays an important role, from the richness of butter and sour cream to the sparkle of those rainbow sprinkles tucked inside the batter.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup / 220g): Provides a creamy base and rich flavor for the cake’s tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups / 400g): Sweetens the cake perfectly while helping to create a soft and airy texture.
• Vegetable or canola oil (1/2 cup / 110ml): Adds moisture to keep the cake delightfully soft and prevent it from drying out.
• Large eggs (4, room temperature): Act as the structure builders, binding everything together for that perfect rise.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Brings that classic warm flavor that ties everything into a nostalgic bite.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups / 435g): Forms the sturdy base for the cake’s fluffy texture.
• Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp): Gives the cake its gentle lift and lightness.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works alongside the baking powder for balanced leavening.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the sweet and buttery flavors.
• Full fat sour cream (1/2 cup / 125g): Infuses moisture and a subtle tang that boosts tenderness.
• Buttermilk (1 cup / 225ml, room temperature): Adds acidity that reacts with baking soda for extra fluffiness.
• Rainbow jimmies sprinkles (3/4 cup / 140g): The star of the show, creating those joyful pops of color inside the cake.
• Butter for frosting (1 1/2 cups / 330g, room temperature): The creamy foundation for the luscious buttercream icing.
• Powdered sugar (5 cups / 600g): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect spreadable consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Upgrades the buttercream with a rich and fragrant note.
• Milk (2-3 tbsp): Adjusts frosting thickness to your desired creaminess.
• Sprinkles for decorating (1/2 cup / 90g): Adds extra whimsy and sparkle on top.

How to Make Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease and line the bottoms of three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you only have 8-inch pans, remember to reduce the batter slightly so your cakes don’t spill over or sink. Using cake strips around the pans is a great tip to promote even baking and prevent doming.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Setting this aside early helps your baking flow smoothly when it’s time to combine everything.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar at medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This is a crucial step to trap air and ensure a soft crumb. Don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add Oil and Eggs

With the mixer on low, pour in the oil slowly to keep the batter emulsified. Then, one by one, add the eggs, scraping the bowl after every couple to keep everything evenly blended. This builds the batter’s structure for a perfect rise.

Step 5: Mix in Vanilla and Sour Cream

Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the sour cream for richness and moisture. These ingredients take the cake’s flavor and texture to the next level.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Now, add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This back-and-forth mixing method prevents overworking the batter while infusing it with moisture and lift.

Step 7: Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow jimmies with a rubber spatula, careful not to overmix or let the colors bleed too much. Those vibrant sprinkles are what make this cake so joyful!

Step 8: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes if using 9-inch pans or 35-40 minutes for 8-inch pans. Test doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, your cakes are ready!

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 30 minutes, then loosen the edges and transfer them to a wire rack. If frosting immediately, chill them in the fridge to firm up before assembling. Otherwise, wrap tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Step 10: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until luscious and spreadable. Adjust the milk for your perfect frosting consistency.

Step 11: Assemble Your Funfetti Cake

Level the cooled cakes to stack evenly. Spread a thin layer of buttercream between each layer, then cover the entire cake with a crumb coat. Chill again briefly before applying the final thick frosting layer and decorating with extra sprinkles for that festive finish.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake

Garnishes

The beauty of Funfetti Cake is it really needs only a sprinkle or two on top to look incredible. Beyond sprinkles, fresh berries or edible glitter can add an elegant touch, but the colorful jimmies really make the cake shine.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside simple vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweetness and add a creamy contrast. Fresh fruit salad is another light option that balances the cake’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try individual mini Funfetti cupcakes for easy serving at parties or turn this classic into a trifle by layering cake cubes with whipped cream and berries. For an extra special touch, pair slices with a glass of cold milk or a coffee latte for the perfect celebration moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your Funfetti Cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness and prevent drying.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cakes wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the fridge before frosting to keep layers intact. The buttercream frosting can also be frozen in an airtight container and softened before use.

Reheating

Baked cakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If preferred warm, a few seconds in the microwave can bring back softness, but avoid overheating to prevent drying out the crumb.

FAQs

Can I use different types of sprinkles for Funfetti Cake?

Absolutely! While rainbow jimmies are traditional, you can experiment with nonpareils or even edible confetti shapes as long as they hold up to baking without melting too much.

What’s the best way to prevent color bleeding from sprinkles?

Folding sprinkles gently into the batter right before baking and avoiding overmixing helps keep colors intact and prevents them from bleeding into the batter.

Can I make this Funfetti Cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can create a similar texture and flavor. Keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly.

How do I store leftover frosted Funfetti Cake?

Once frosted, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week to keep it fresh and moist.

Is it okay to use homemade buttermilk or milk alternatives?

Homemade buttermilk (milk with vinegar or lemon juice added) works perfectly. For milk alternatives, opt for unsweetened plant-based milk but note it may slightly alter texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Baking a Funfetti Cake is like sprinkling a little happiness into your day, and once you try this recipe, it’s hard to stop at just one slice. Whether it’s a special occasion or a moment to celebrate yourself, this cake’s light, colorful, and utterly delicious nature makes every bite memorable. So gather your ingredients, heat up your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a homemade celebration that’s bursting with joy!

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