Nothing quite captures the joy of a celebration like a brightly colored Funfetti Cake. This delightful dessert, with its fluffy vanilla layers and vibrant sprinkles, is a staple at birthday parties, holidays, and any gathering that calls for a little extra cheer. Imagine slicing into a perfectly baked cake, revealing a burst of color that immediately brings smiles to faces young and old. With its sweet vanilla flavor and playful sprinkle surprise, Funfetti Cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience that evokes memories of laughter, joy, and celebrations.

This article will guide you through an easy yet delicious homemade Funfetti Cake that is sure to be a household favorite. Whether you’re baking for a birthday party or just want to treat yourself, this cake is an easy and fun way to spread happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Perfect for Celebrations: Funfetti Cake is synonymous with birthdays and special occasions, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Feel free to switch up the sprinkles or add different flavors to the frosting to make it your own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake can be made in advance, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

Ingredients and Substitutions

White Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a light texture. If you want to make the cake healthier, coconut sugar can be substituted. However, it may change the cake’s colour slightly.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for flavor and moisture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use plant-based butter.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the cake. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sprinkles: To create a funfetti-style look, use multicolored sprinkles. Avoid using nonpareils, as they may bleed color into the batter.

How to Make Funfetti Cake (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat your oven up to 350degF/175degC. You can ensure that the cake will bake evenly and rise correctly.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Pans

The bottom of three 8 inch round cake pans should be lined with parchment paper. Grease the sides with baking spray. This step is essential for easy removal of baked goods.

Step 3: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the white sugar and softened unsalted butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about four minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs

After each addition, mix at low speed to ensure that the mixture is completely combined. This will help maintain the airy, light texture of the cake.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt, whisking them together thoroughly. The leavening agents will be evenly distributed through the flour.

Step 6: Alternate Mixing

Slowly add the flour to the butter sugar mixture in alternation with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. This method helps maintain the cake’s lightness.

Step 7: Add Flavor and Fun

Once the batter is well mixed, add the vanilla extract and sprinkles. Mix gently to avoid breaking the sprinkles, which helps keep the colors vibrant.

Step 8: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-28 mins, or until the toothpick inserted in center comes clean. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.

Step 9: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for approximately 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack. It is important to let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 10: Make the Frosting

In a fresh bowl, mix the softened butter until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add the salt, vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually. Once combined, add the sour cream and beat until fluffy.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Repeat this process with the second layer. Add the final layer of frosting and finish by adding the third. Don’t forget to sprinkle more jimmies on top for that festive touch!

Expert Tips for Success

Room Temperature Ingredients: To get the best mixing results, ensure that butter and eggs have reached room temperature.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Cool Completely: The frosting will not melt if you let the cake cool down completely before frosting.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Funfetti Cake: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
Lemon Funfetti Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a citrusy flavor and swap vanilla extract for lemon extract.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

To store leftover Funfetti Cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to three months. Thaw the frozen food in the refrigerator overnight, and then serve it at room temperatures.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Funfetti Cake with:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy touch to the cake.
Ice Cream: Vanilla or birthday cake-flavored ice cream makes a delightful accompaniment.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

Funfetti Cake

Print Recipe

A delightful vanilla cake studded with colorful sprinkles, perfect for birthday parties and celebrations. Make it ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to three days!

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Baking spray with flour
2 cups white sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ cup multicolored sprinkles (jimmies)
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup multicolored sprinkles (jimmies)
- Additional multicolored sprinkles for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat three 8-inch round cake pans with baking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Batter: Mix the softened butter and white sugar together in a mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat at medium speed for about four minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the milk. The flour mixture is the first thing to be added, mixing until just combined. Finally, add the vanilla extract and sprinkles, mixing gently for about 20 seconds.

4. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter equally between the prepared pans. Bake 25-28 minutes or until toothpicks inserted at the center come out clean.

5. Cool the Cakes: Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely, approximately 30 minutes.

6. Prepare the Frosting: In the clean stand mixer, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, then add the sour cream and beat at high speed until fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.

7. Assemble the Cake: Spread generous amounts of frosting over top. Repeat this procedure with the second layer. Place the final layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with additional sprinkles.

8. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it at room temperature for the best flavor. Enjoy the colorful celebration!

Notes

This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it loosely covered in the refrigerator.
For added flavor, consider infusing the frosting with lemon or almond extract.

Author: Ola Recipes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 916
Sugar: 39g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 24g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 139g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What distinguishes Funfetti cake’s composition beyond decorative elements? Funfetti cake is more than just a vanilla cake with sprinkles – it’s a precisely engineered dessert featuring a specific blend of clear vanilla extract, specialized oil-based ingredients, and custom-designed sprinkles that can withstand baking without bleeding or melting. Funfetti cake’s unique texture and taste come from a carefully balanced ratio of enriched flour, multiple sugar types, and proprietary flavor enhancers.

How do traditional confetti cakes differ from Funfetti cake in their core makeup? The main difference between confetti cake and Funfetti cake lies in their composition and preparation. Traditional confetti cakes typically use butter-based batters with standard nonpareils, while Funfetti cake, a Pillsbury trademark, employs an oil-based formula with specially designed cylindrical sprinkles and a distinct artificial vanilla flavor profile.

What creates the unique flavor signature of Funfetti cake? The distinctive Funfetti cake taste comes from its unique combination of clear artificial vanilla, enhanced almond notes, and specific flavor compounds. The Funfetti cake’s characteristic sweetness is achieved through a higher sugar-to-flour ratio than traditional vanilla cakes, while its tender crumb results from a specialized emulsion system and precise oil blend.

What constitutes the essential ingredients of Funfetti cake? The essential Funfetti cake ingredients include enriched bleached flour, a specific blend of sugars, modified vegetable oils, heat-stable rainbow jimmies, and chemical leaveners. The Funfetti cake formula also incorporates clear artificial vanilla, proprietary flavor compounds, emulsifiers, and specially designed stabilizers that work together to create its signature taste and texture while ensuring the sprinkles remain suspended evenly throughout the batter during baking.

If you loved this Funfetti Cake recipe, you might also enjoy:

Classic Vanilla Cake: A timeless recipe that pairs wonderfully with any frosting.
Rainbow Layer Cake: For an even more colorful celebration, try this vibrant layer cake.
Birthday Cupcakes: Individual treats that are perfect for party favors or school celebrations.

This homemade Funfetti Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration in itself. With its fluffy layers and vibrant sprinkles, it brings joy to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, an anniversary, or just because, this cake is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful process of creating something truly special. Happy baking!