There is something undeniably joyful about a classic Funfetti Cake Recipe, a dessert that instantly brightens any celebration with its riot of colorful sprinkles and moist, tender crumb. This cake is not just a treat for the eyes but also a delightful symphony of rich butter, tangy buttermilk, and fluffy frosting that melts in your mouth. Whether you are baking for a birthday party, a casual get-together, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this Funfetti Cake Recipe delivers a fun, festive experience that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Funfetti Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients, each playing an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and vibrant look. From the creamy butter to the tangy sour cream and lively sprinkles, these staples come together beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake while helping to create a lovely crumb texture.
- Vegetable or canola oil (1/2 cup): Adds moisture without heaviness for a soft bite.
- Large eggs (4, room temperature): Help bind ingredients and add richness for structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups): The cake’s sturdy foundation to hold everything together perfectly.
- Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp): Leavens the cake to help it rise beautifully.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with sour cream and buttermilk to create a tender crumb.
- Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Full-fat sour cream (1/2 cup, room temperature): Adds a subtle tang and moistness that makes the cake irresistibly soft.
- Buttermilk (1 cup, room temperature): Brings tenderness with a slight tanginess, activating the baking soda.
- Rainbow jimmies sprinkles (3/4 cup): The signature colorful pops that make this cake fun and festive!
- Unsalted butter for frosting (1 1/2 cups, room temperature): Creates a luscious base for the creamy buttercream.
- Powdered sugar (5 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract for frosting (1 tbsp): Adds flavor depth to the creamy frosting.
- Milk (2–3 tbsp): Helps adjust frosting texture to smooth and spreadable.
- Sprinkles for decorating (1/2 cup): The finishing touch that brings extra cheer and sparkle to the cake.
How to Make Funfetti Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to a steady 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans thoroughly and line each with parchment paper to ensure an easy release after baking. Next, combine your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisking these dry ingredients together ensures even distribution for a consistent rise and perfect crumb throughout your cake.
Step 2: Creaming Butter, Sugar, and Oil
In a large mixing bowl, beat your room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, helping to create an irresistibly soft cake. Then add your oil and blend well, which will add moisture and tenderness to the final texture.
Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add your eggs one at a time, ensuring each is thoroughly mixed in before adding the next. This slow integration helps maintain a well-emulsified batter that will rise evenly. Follow with the vanilla extract, which layers in that welcoming vanilla aroma and flavor that makes the funfetti cake so comforting and delicious.
Step 4: Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix in the sour cream, which adds a delicate tang and moisture. Then, alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk into the wet batter, starting and ending with the dry mixture. This alternating method keeps your batter smooth without overmixing, which is the key to a tender crumb. Gently fold in the rainbow jimmies sprinkles to keep their shape and sprinkle magic throughout the cake.
Step 5: Baking Your Funfetti Cake
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes spring back lightly to the touch. Let them cool entirely on wire racks so the layers are ready for frosting without any mess or melting.
Step 6: Making the Classic Buttercream Frosting
For the frosting, beat the butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk while continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable. This buttercream is the ideal balance of sweetness and richness, complementing the cake beautifully.
Step 7: Assembling and Decorating Your Funfetti Cake Recipe
Once your cake layers are completely cooled, it’s time to assemble. Spread a generous layer of buttercream between each cake layer, then cover the entire cake with a smooth coat of frosting. Finally, decorate the top and sides with extra sprinkles for that signature festive touch that makes this Funfetti Cake Recipe such a showstopper.
How to Serve Funfetti Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scattering of colorful sprinkles on top instantly elevates the fun and festive vibe of the cake, making it perfect for birthdays or celebrations of all kinds. You can also add edible glitter or fresh berries for an unexpected pop of elegance and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet frosting.
Side Dishes
A slice of funfetti cake goes wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess. Fresh fruit or a light cup of coffee or tea also pairs beautifully, balancing sweetness and keeping the experience light and enjoyable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Funfetti Cake Recipe in individual mini jars or cups layered with cake crumbs, frosting, and sprinkles for a playful twist. You can also turn it into cupcakes or sheet cakes for easier serving at parties while keeping that joyful essence alive in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once frosted, store your Funfetti Cake Recipe covered at room temperature if you plan to enjoy it within two days. For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator wrapped loosely with plastic wrap or in a cake container to prevent drying out while preserving the vibrant colors.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil to lock in moisture for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the layers overnight in the fridge before frosting. Alternatively, freezing a fully frosted cake is possible, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Funfetti Cake Recipe is best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply remove any chilled cake from the fridge thirty minutes before serving to let it soften naturally. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and alter the cake’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use different sprinkles in the Funfetti Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! While rainbow jimmies are the classic choice for their color and texture, you can experiment with nonpareils or even edible confetti for different looks and crunch variations. Just be mindful that some sprinkles may bleed color into the batter.
Is there a way to make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. For buttermilk, mix plant-based milk with a teaspoon of vinegar and let it sit for a few minutes to mimic the acidity needed in the recipe.
How can I prevent the sprinkles from sinking in the batter?
Coating your sprinkles lightly with a bit of flour before folding them into the batter can help them stay suspended. Also, fold them in gently at the end of mixing to avoid breaking and color bleeding.
Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?
Definitely! This batter works wonderfully for cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Decorate as you would the cake for a fun, portable treat.
What is the best way to achieve a smooth buttercream frosting?
Be sure your butter is at room temperature and beat it thoroughly before gradually adding powdered sugar. Adding milk in small increments while beating helps you get the perfect creamy, spreadable texture that’s easy to smooth out on the cake.
Final Thoughts
Making this Funfetti Cake Recipe is like inviting a party to your kitchen that everyone can enjoy. From the simple, wholesome ingredients to the joyful bursts of color hidden inside, this cake truly celebrates happiness in every bite. I encourage you to try it yourself and watch how it brings smiles and a little sparkle to any occasion!
Print
Funfetti Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful and colorful Funfetti Cake that’s perfect for celebrations and special occasions. This classic vanilla cake is filled with rainbow sprinkles and frosted with a creamy homemade buttercream icing, creating a festive and delicious treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3/4 cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes do not stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry ingredient mixture aside.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the vegetable or canola oil and mix well to combine.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Mix in the sour cream thoroughly. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in sprinkles: Gently fold the 3/4 cup of rainbow jimmies sprinkles into the batter to evenly distribute them without bleeding the colors.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter equally among the three prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely on wire racks.
- Make the buttercream frosting: Beat the unsalted butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk, continuing to beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Assemble and decorate: Once the cakes are fully cooled, frost each layer generously with the buttercream. Stack the layers carefully, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Finish by decorating with the remaining 1/2 cup of sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and even baking.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- If rainbow jimmies are unavailable, you can substitute with other non-melting sprinkles to maintain shape and color in the batter.
- The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly to keep fresh before frosting.
- Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
