Funfetti Cake with Frosting and Sprinkles

This Funfetti Cake is a nostalgic, festive dessert perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you crave something sweet and cheerful. Loaded with colorful sprinkles and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, this moist and fluffy cake is sure to bring joy to both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is incredibly moist, tender, and packed with bursts of color in every bite. It uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together with ease, yet it delivers bakery-style results. The creamy frosting and fun sprinkles add a festive touch that makes this cake ideal for parties or special occasions. Plus, it can be made as a sheet cake, layer cake, or even cupcakes.

Ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Unsalted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Whole milk or buttermilk
Sour cream (optional, for extra moisture)
Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style, not nonpareils)

For the frosting:

Unsalted butter
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream or milk
Vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Additional rainbow sprinkles for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
Alternate wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with milk (and sour cream if using), mixing until just combined.
Fold in sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
Divide batter between pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Prepare the frosting: Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble and decorate: Frost the cake, add sprinkles on top, and chill slightly before slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

Cupcakes: Bake in lined muffin tins for 15–18 minutes for perfect funfetti cupcakes.
Chocolate funfetti: Use a chocolate cake base and fold in white and colored sprinkles.
Cream cheese frosting: Swap out vanilla buttercream for a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Dairy-free: Substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.

Storage/reheating

Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To serve cold cake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. This cake can also be frozen (frosted or unfrosted) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing.

FAQs

What type of sprinkles should I use for Funfetti Cake?

Use jimmies-style sprinkles. Avoid nonpareils, which can bleed into the batter.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes, but homemade yields a richer flavor and better texture.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking?

Gently fold them into the batter just before baking to help suspend them.

Can I bake this as a sheet cake?

Yes, bake in a 9×13 inch pan for 35–40 minutes.

What’s the best frosting for Funfetti Cake?

Classic vanilla buttercream pairs beautifully, but cream cheese frosting also works well.

Is sour cream necessary?

It’s optional but helps add extra moisture and richness to the crumb.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, the cake layers can be made a day ahead and frosted later.

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.

Why did my sprinkles melt or bleed?

This usually happens when overmixing or using the wrong sprinkle type.

Conclusion

Funfetti Cake with Frosting and Sprinkles is the ultimate celebration dessert, full of color, flavor, and joy. With its tender crumb, vibrant appearance, and irresistible sweetness, this cake is perfect for birthdays or anytime you want to bring a smile to the table. Simple to make yet spectacular to serve, it is a classic that never goes out of style.