Funfetti cake is a classic crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of color and fun to any occasion. This homemade version is light, fluffy, and bursting with vibrant sprinkles in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, or just looking to add some whimsy to your dessert routine, this funfetti cake recipe is sure to delight.

Crafting a funfetti cake from scratch may seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you can create a showstopping dessert that’s sure to impress. From the moist, vanilla-infused cake layers to the creamy buttercream frosting and a generous helping of colorful sprinkles, every element of this recipe comes together to deliver a truly celebratory treat.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful funfetti cake recipe that’s perfect for any festive gathering or just because.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try ?

Funfetti cake is a classic for a reason it’s simply irresistible! This homemade version takes the iconic flavor profile and elevates it with a few key tweaks. First, the cake batter is made with real vanilla extract, giving it a rich, aromatic flavor that complements the sprinkles beautifully. The buttercream frosting is silky smooth and perfectly sweet, providing the ideal canvas for the colorful sprinkles to shine.

But the real magic of this funfetti cake lies in the texture. Thanks to the careful balance of ingredients and mixing technique, the cake layers emerge from the oven light, fluffy, and moist – a far cry from the dense, dry cakes that can sometimes plague homemade bakers. The end result is a slice of cake that’s an absolute joy to sink your teeth into, with a tender crumb and a burst of festive flavor in every bite.

What’s more, this funfetti cake recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for novice bakers. The step-by-step instructions guide you through the process, ensuring that your creation turns out picture-perfect every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this funfetti cake is sure to become a new family favorite.

Essential Ingredients

📌 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour
📌 2 teaspoons baking powder
📌 1/2 teaspoon salt
📌 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
📌 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
📌 3 large eggs, at room temperature
📌 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
📌 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
📌 1/2 cup (80g) rainbow sprinkles, plus more for decorating

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cakes are cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand, and spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining buttercream. Decorate the cake with additional rainbow sprinkles.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings):

📌 Calories: 424
📌 Carbohydrates: 61g
📌 Fat: 19g
📌 Saturated Fat: 12g
📌 Protein: 5g
📌 Sodium: 287mg
📌 Sugar: 42g

Tips for Success

📌 Bring Ingredients to Room Temperature: Allow the butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature before starting. This will help ensure a smooth, well-incorporated batter.
📌 Measure Accurately: Precise measurements are key for achieving the perfect texture and rise in your funfetti cake. Use a digital scale or the spoon-and-level method when measuring flour.
📌 Don’t Overmix: Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles and avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a dense, tough cake.
📌 Refrigerate Before Serving: Chilling the assembled cake for at least 30 minutes helps the frosting set and makes for cleaner slices.
📌 Customize the Sprinkles: Feel free to use a variety of sprinkle colors and shapes to make your funfetti cake truly unique.

Servings and Timing

📌 Servings: 12 slices
📌 Prep Time: 30 minutes
📌 Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
📌 Total Time: 1 hour

Recipe Variations

📌 Funfetti Cupcakes: Divide the batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes.
📌 Funfetti Cake Pops: Crumble the baked cake, mix with frosting, and shape into balls. Dip in melted chocolate and sprinkle with additional sprinkles.
📌 Funfetti Trifle: Layer cubed funfetti cake with vanilla pudding and whipped cream in a trifle dish.

Storage and Reheating

📌 Room Temperature: Store the unfrosted cake layers at room temperature for up to 2 days.
📌 Refrigerator: Keep the assembled, frosted cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
📌 Freezer: Wrap the unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

This homemade funfetti cake is a true celebration in every bite. With its tender, moist crumb, creamy buttercream frosting, and vibrant sprinkle-filled interior, it’s a dessert that’s sure to delight guests of all ages. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply looking to add some whimsy to your day, this funfetti cake recipe is a must-try.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. By following the step-by-step instructions and keeping a few key tips in mind, you can create a showstopping funfetti cake that’s sure to impress.

So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake up a little bit of magic. Your friends and family are sure to love this fun and festive confection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

While you can certainly use a boxed cake mix as a shortcut, making the funfetti cake batter from scratch will result in a more tender, flavorful, and moist cake. The homemade version also allows you to control the quality and quantity of the ingredients, including the sprinkles.

Do I need to refrigerate the funfetti cake?

Yes, it’s best to refrigerate the assembled, frosted funfetti cake. The buttercream frosting will hold up better and the cake will stay fresh for longer when stored in the fridge. Just be sure to allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make the cake layers in advance?

Absolutely! The unfrosted cake layers can be baked and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to assemble and frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.

How do I get the sprinkles to stay evenly distributed in the batter?

The key is to gently fold the sprinkles into the batter, rather than stirring them in vigorously. This will help prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the pans. Be sure to also use rainbow sprinkles, as they tend to hold their shape and color better than some other types of sprinkles.

Can I use a different type of frosting besides buttercream?

Absolutely! While the classic buttercream frosting pairs beautifully with the funfetti cake, you can certainly experiment with other frostings, such as cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a simple glaze. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness level of the frosting may affect the overall balance of the cake.

How do I get perfectly even cake layers?

To ensure your cake layers are evenly baked, be sure to grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper. It’s also helpful to use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between the pans. Once the cakes have cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed before assembling the cake.

Can I add food coloring to the batter?

While the sprinkles already provide a vibrant, festive look to the funfetti cake, you can certainly add a few drops of food coloring to the batter if you want an even more intense color. Just be sure to use gel or liquid food coloring, as powdered food coloring can affect the texture of the cake.

How long will the funfetti cake keep?

The unfrosted cake layers will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once assembled and frosted, the funfetti cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! This funfetti cake recipe can easily be converted into cupcakes. Simply divide the batter among 24 cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Top the cooled cupcakes with the buttercream frosting and sprinkles for a fun, individual-sized treat.