Imagine biting into a slice of pure joy—that’s exactly what this Funfetti Cake Recipe delivers. With its soft, moist layers dotted generously with rainbow sprinkles and wrapped in creamy, fluffy buttercream frosting, this cake is the ultimate celebration dessert. It’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, bringing color and cheer to any occasion. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this Funfetti Cake Recipe offers a perfect blend of classic flavors and playful fun that will light up your kitchen and your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential; each one plays a crucial role in creating the tender crumb, rich flavor, and vibrant appearance of this Funfetti Cake Recipe. From the creamy butter to the rainbow sprinkles, every element combines to make this cake special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: Provides a rich, creamy base and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil: Adds moisture and keeps the cake soft for days.
- 4 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake layers.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, comforting note.
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and body.
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder: Leavens the cake, helping it rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to give extra lift.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang for depth.
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature: Provides acidity to react with baking soda and contributes to moistness.
- 3/4 cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles: The iconic colorful spots that make this cake irresistibly fun.
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (for frosting): The creamy base for the luscious buttercream frosting.
- 5 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a perfect consistency.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Adds aromatic sweetness to the buttercream.
- 2–3 tbsp milk: Adjusts the frosting’s texture to make it silky smooth.
- 1/2 cup sprinkles for decorating: Adds that final colorful flourish that makes every slice feel special.
How to Make Funfetti Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans and line them with parchment paper. This ensures your cakes come out cleanly without sticking, providing a smooth surface for decorating later.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix is your cake’s backbone—it evenly distributes the leavening agents, so your layers rise uniformly and have a perfect crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Wet Ingredients
Using a mixer, cream the butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—a crucial step that creates air pockets for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Then mix in the oil to lock in moisture. Beat in eggs one at a time to maintain the light texture, and finish with vanilla extract to bring out a lovely aroma.
Step 4: Combine Sour Cream, Dry Ingredients, and Buttermilk
Stir in the sour cream gently, which adds richness and tenderness. Now alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients, and mix just until combined. This careful folding keeps your batter airy. Finally, fold in the 3/4 cup of rainbow jimmies sprinkles—the heart of any Funfetti Cake Recipe—without over-mixing, so they remain colorful and intact during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the three pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cakes to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before frosting. Cooling is key to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Step 6: Whip Up the Buttercream Frosting
Beat the frosting butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, beating until fluffy and spreadable. This luscious frosting perfectly balances the sweet, buttery cake layers and adds that silky finishing touch.
Step 7: Assemble and Decorate
Spread buttercream evenly between layers and coat the outside of the cake. Then generously decorate with additional sprinkles for that signature festive look. This final step brings the Funfetti Cake Recipe to life, turning it into a centerpiece of any celebration.
How to Serve Funfetti Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the obvious hero here, but you can also add a dusting of edible glitter or a few fresh berries on top. These simple garnishes elevate the cake’s festive spirit and create an irresistible visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add creamy contrast. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or raspberries, can also brighten the palate and enhance the overall tasting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, transform this Funfetti Cake Recipe into colorful cupcakes for individual servings, or make a fun layer cake with alternating colors of sprinkles for a surprise pop. You can even turn leftover cake into cake pops, dipped in chocolate and covered in sprinkles for a playful treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Funfetti Cake, wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to preserve moistness. For longer keeping, refrigeration is okay but bring the cake to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
This Funfetti Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or freeze the fully assembled cake in an airtight container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the most tender texture, then bring to room temperature.
Reheating
Since cakes are best enjoyed fresh or chilled, reheating is not typically necessary. If you prefer warm slices, briefly microwave individual portions for about 10 seconds, just enough to take the chill off without melting the buttercream completely.
FAQs
Can I substitute sour cream in this Funfetti Cake Recipe?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream in equal amounts. It will maintain the moisture and tanginess, keeping the cake tender and flavorful.
Why are rainbow jimmies best for this recipe?
Rainbow jimmies hold their color well during baking and add vibrant splashes throughout the batter without melting into the cake, preserving that fun confetti effect that defines the Funfetti Cake Recipe.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind, texture may vary slightly, but the essence of the Funfetti Cake Recipe will still shine through.
How do I achieve the perfect buttercream consistency?
Beat the butter first until very smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and milk. Adjust milk a teaspoon at a time until the frosting is creamy yet thick enough to hold its shape when spread.
Is this Funfetti Cake Recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely! This recipe makes enough to serve 12 generous slices, making it perfect for parties, birthdays, or any festive get-together. Plus, you can double or halve the recipe depending on your needs.
Final Thoughts
This Funfetti Cake Recipe is pure sunshine in cake form, guaranteed to brighten any occasion with its cheerful colors and irresistibly soft texture. Whipping up this delightful treat is a wonderful way to share joy with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes your go-to cake for celebrations big and small.
Print
Funfetti Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Funfetti Cake recipe features a moist and fluffy vanilla cake studded with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Layered with rich, creamy buttercream frosting and decorated with extra sprinkles, it’s the perfect festive treat for birthdays and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 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
- Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of cakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then 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 butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract once all eggs are combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Then, alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold 3/4 cup of rainbow jimmies sprinkles into the batter to distribute them evenly without bleeding too much color.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, cool the cakes completely on wire racks.
- Make the Buttercream: To prepare the frosting, beat the unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk, beating the mixture until it becomes fluffy and spreadable.
- Assemble and Decorate: Frost the cooled cakes with the buttercream, layering them as desired. Finish by decorating with the remaining 1/2 cup of sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Use parchment paper to line pans for easy cake removal.
- Be gentle when folding in sprinkles to avoid color bleed.
- To keep cakes moist, wrap leftover pieces tightly and store in the refrigerator.
- This cake can be made a day ahead and frosted when ready to serve.
