Funfetti cake is a nostalgic and cheerful dessert, known for its soft vanilla crumb and colorful sprinkles scattered throughout. It’s a classic celebration cake, often featured at birthdays, but it’s simple and delightful enough to be enjoyed any time. Frosted with rich vanilla buttercream and topped with more sprinkles, this layered cake brings joy to both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This funfetti cake is a homemade upgrade to the store-bought version, with a moist, tender texture and buttery vanilla flavor that surpasses boxed mixes. It’s easy to make, bakes beautifully, and delivers vibrant results with every slice. The cheerful appearance and celebratory vibe make it a hit at any event, from birthday parties to potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Unsalted butter, softened
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk or buttermilk
Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)
Vanilla buttercream frosting
Additional sprinkles for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour.
Gently fold in the sprinkles with a spatula—do not overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Frost with vanilla buttercream and decorate with additional sprinkles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling)

Variations

Chocolate Funfetti: Use a chocolate cake base and fold in white or colorful sprinkles.
Cupcakes: Use the same batter to make cupcakes—bake for about 18–20 minutes.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for an allergy-friendly version.
Filling Options: Add a layer of jam, lemon curd, or cream cheese frosting between the cake layers.
Frosting Twist: Try cream cheese or chocolate frosting instead of vanilla buttercream.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: The unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw before frosting.
Reheating: Not typically reheated, but you may bring refrigerated slices to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting is a convenient option, but homemade buttercream delivers the best flavor and texture.

Which type of sprinkles should I use?

Use jimmies (the long, rod-like sprinkles). Nonpareils tend to bleed color into the batter.

Why did my sprinkles sink to the bottom?

Overmixing or using too heavy sprinkles can cause them to sink. Gently fold them in at the end for even distribution.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, the cake layers can be baked ahead and stored unfrosted. Frost on the day of serving for the best texture.

What if I don’t have cake pans?

You can use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust the bake time to about 35 minutes.

How do I get flat cake layers?

Use bake-even strips or level the tops with a serrated knife after baking.

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Yes, buttermilk adds a tangy richness and creates a softer crumb.

Is this cake overly sweet?

The cake itself has a balanced sweetness, and you can adjust the frosting to taste by reducing the sugar slightly.

Can I color the batter?

Yes, divide the batter and color with gel food coloring for a rainbow effect before adding sprinkles.

Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Use larger pans or make additional layers as needed.

Conclusion

Funfetti cake is the ultimate celebration dessert—joyful, colorful, and delicious. Its soft vanilla base and pops of rainbow sprinkles make it a standout at any event. Whether you’re baking for a birthday or simply to bring a smile to someone’s face, this funfetti cake delivers both flavor and festivity.

Funfetti Cake

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A fun and festive Funfetti Cake bursting with colorful sprinkles, perfect for birthdays and celebrations.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add egg whites and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Mix in sour cream, then alternate adding milk and dry ingredients until just combined.
Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Frost with vanilla buttercream and decorate with additional sprinkles.