Funfetti Cake Recipe: Who doesn’t love a vibrant and colorful Funfetti cake? This fun and festive cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or just when you need a little extra happiness in your life. The combination of a moist vanilla cake base with colorful sprinkles makes it a favorite for kids and adults alike.
Making Funfetti cake from scratch is easier than you think, and in this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process. You’ll get tips on how to make the cake extra fluffy, how to prevent sprinkles from bleeding, and how to frost it perfectly. Let’s get started!
Ingredients Needed
Before we begin, gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother.
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Additional Ingredients
- Extra sprinkles for decoration
- Food coloring (optional, for tinted frosting)
Equipment Required
To make this Funfetti cake, you’ll need some basic baking tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cake pans (two 8-inch or three 6-inch)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula for frosting
How to Make Funfetti Cake – Step by Step Guide
Step 1 – Preparing the Cake Batter
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). This step helps make the cake soft and airy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix!
5. Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold in the sprinkles with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, or the colors may bleed into the batter.
Step 2 – Baking the Cake
1. Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the cake pans. Line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Pour the Batter into Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
4. Let the Cake Cool
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3 – Preparing the Frosting
1. Beat the Butter
Using a mixer, beat the butter for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
3. Adjust the Consistency
Add heavy cream or milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Step 4 – Assembling the Cake
1. Level the Cake Layers
If needed, trim the tops of the cakes to make them even.
2. Apply the First Layer of Frosting
Spread a layer of frosting on the first cake layer. Place the second layer on top and repeat.
3. Frost the Outside
Use an offset spatula to spread the remaining frosting over the cake, smoothing the sides and top.
Step 5 – Decorating the Cake
Once the cake is frosted, it’s time to make it fun!
- Sprinkle extra rainbow jimmies on top.
- Pipe decorative swirls using a piping bag.
- Add edible glitter or confetti for extra flair.
Tips for the Perfect Funfetti Cake
- Use the right sprinkles: Stick to jimmies, as nonpareils tend to bleed into the batter.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense and tough.
- Keep it moist: Adding sour cream helps keep the cake soft and flavorful.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about Funfetti cake is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it based on dietary preferences or personal taste. Here are a few fun variations:
Vegan Funfetti Cake
- Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil.
- Use a plant-based milk like almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg).
- Use dairy-free frosting by swapping butter with vegan butter and using dairy-free milk.
Gluten-Free Funfetti Cake
- Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Check that your sprinkles are gluten-free.
Different Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Funfetti Cake: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
- Lemon Funfetti Cake: Add 2 tbsp of lemon zest and replace half the milk with fresh lemon juice.
- Almond Funfetti Cake: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a nuttier flavor.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
How to Store Funfetti Cake
- Room Temperature: If unfrosted, the cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerator: Once frosted, store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or a cake dome to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezer: Funfetti cake layers (without frosting) can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each layer in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Best Ways to Serve Funfetti Cake
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra treat.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious snack.
- Top with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a fresh twist.
FAQs about Funfetti Cake Recipe
1. What makes a Funfetti cake different from a regular cake?
Funfetti cake stands out with its cheerful sprinkles mixed into the batter, creating a colorful, festive look. It’s usually a light, fluffy vanilla cake that celebrates any occasion with a pop of color in every slice.
2. What kind of sprinkles should I use in a Funfetti cake?
To achieve the signature Funfetti look, use jimmies (the long, soft sprinkles) as they don’t bleed color into the batter as easily as other types. Avoid using nonpareils (the tiny round ones) as they tend to dissolve in the batter and create a speckled look.
3. How can I ensure my Funfetti cake is moist and fluffy?
Use ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream to add moisture. Ensure you cream the butter and sugar thoroughly until light and fluffy before adding eggs one at a time. This incorporates air and guarantees a lighter cake texture.
4. Can I make the Funfetti cake batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake the batter immediately after mixing to ensure the baking powder is most effective. However, you can prepare and refrigerate your dry and wet ingredients separately and mix them just before baking.
5. What frosting pairs well with Funfetti cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the sweet, vanilla flavor of Funfetti cake. For extra festivity, add a sprinkle of colored jimmies on top of the frosting.
6. How do I store a Funfetti cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If frosted with cream cheese, keep it refrigerated but let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
7. Can Funfetti cake be made into cupcakes or different shapes?
Absolutely! Funfetti batter is versatile and can be baked into cupcakes, layer cakes, or even shaped pans. Just adjust the baking time accordingly for smaller or larger formats.
8. Are there any variations I can make to the Funfetti cake recipe?
Feel free to experiment by adding different extracts like almond or coconut for a twist in flavor. You can also try using colored cake batter for an even more vibrant effect.
Conclusion
Funfetti cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a celebration, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. The combination of a light, fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and bursts of color from the sprinkles makes it a winner.
Now that you have a step-by-step guide, it’s time to put on your apron and start baking. Enjoy your homemade Funfetti cake, and don’t forget to get creative with decorations and flavors!
