Nothing says celebration like a Funfetti Cake! This colorful dessert is a favorite for birthdays, holidays, or just when you want to bring a little joy to the table. With its signature rainbow sprinkles baked right into the batter, Funfetti Cake is as fun to make as it is to eat. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect homemade Funfetti Cake from scratch, along with tips for decorating and customizing it to suit any occasion.
What is Funfetti Cake?
Funfetti Cake is a light and fluffy vanilla cake filled with rainbow sprinkles that melt into bursts of color as the cake bakes. First popularized by boxed cake mixes, the homemade version elevates this nostalgic dessert with richer flavors and better textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a moist and flavorful Funfetti Cake, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Additional sprinkles for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Tools
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This step is essential for a moist and airy cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the sprinkles to bleed their colors.
7. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and enough heavy cream to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
9. Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second layer and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional sprinkles for a festive finish.
Tips for the Best Funfetti Cake
- Use the Right Sprinkles: Jimmies work best because they hold their color during baking. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed.
- Don’t Overmix: Once the sprinkles are added, gently fold them into the batter to prevent color streaking.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smooth batter and even baking.
Customizing Your Funfetti Cake
- Colors for Any Occasion: Swap out the sprinkles for holiday-themed colors (e.g., red and green for Christmas).
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- Layer Variations: Make cupcakes or a single-layer sheet cake instead of a layered cake.
Why Everyone Loves Funfetti Cake
Funfetti Cake brings out the childlike joy in everyone. Its colorful sprinkles and sweet vanilla flavor make it a crowd-pleaser at parties, weddings, and family gatherings. Plus, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a cake that’s fresher and more delicious than any boxed mix.
Conclusion
Funfetti Cake is the perfect way to turn any day into a celebration. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, this guide gives you all the tips and tricks for a stunning and delicious dessert. Ready to bring some color to your table? Try this recipe today and share your creations with us at quickyfeast.com!