Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe

Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe: A Joyful Sweet Treat

Everyone loves a classic funfetti cake that brings instant joy to weekend celebrations.

Colorful sprinkles dance throughout soft, fluffy layers promising pure delight.

Sweet memories of childhood birthdays flood back with each delightful bite.

Each crumb carries nostalgic happiness from simple ingredients mixed with love.

Mixing this delectable dessert requires minimal kitchen skills and maximum happiness.

Simple steps transform basic pantry staples into a magical treat.

You’ll become the neighborhood baker who creates smiles with every slice.

Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake That Sparks Joy

  • Prepare the entire cake in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute celebrations.
  • Colorful sprinkles and sweet frosting make this cake a guaranteed hit with children, turning baking into a playful family activity.
  • Suitable for birthdays, potlucks, or weekend gatherings, this cake brings instant joy and colorful cheer to any occasion.

Funfetti Cake Ingredients List

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cake's structure, provides essential texture and stability.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Key leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender cake crumb, best used at room temperature.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a soft cake texture.
  • Egg Whites: Contribute to the cake's lightness and help bind ingredients together.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tangy, tender cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, classic flavor to the cake.
  • Milk: Helps thin the batter and adds moisture.
Decorative Ingredients:
  • Sprinkles: Colorful and fun addition that creates the signature funfetti look, choose rainbow or multicolored varieties.
  • Powdered Sugar: Used for creating smooth, sweet frosting.

How to Make Homemade Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab two round cake pans and coat them with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients until well blended.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together. Whip until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Use an electric mixer for best results.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites

Crack egg whites into the butter mixture one at a time. Beat thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 5: Incorporate Dairy Ingredients

Stir in sour cream. Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the batter. Start and end with flour. Mix just until everything is combined – don’t overmix.

Step 6: Sprinkle in the Fun

Gently fold colorful sprinkles into the cake batter. Use a soft spatula to distribute them evenly.

Step 7: Fill the Cake Pans

Divide the batter equally between the two prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to create an even surface.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Place pans in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 9: Cool the Cakes

Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare Creamy Frosting

Beat butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Heavy cream or milk

Whip until frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 11: Decorate and Serve

Frost the cooled cake layers. Sprinkle additional colorful sprinkles on top for extra festive flair.

Tips for Colorful, Moist Funfetti Cake

  • Prevent Sprinkle Bleeding: Toss sprinkles in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to keep colors from running and maintain their vibrant appearance.
  • Achieve Perfect Texture: Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and sour cream to ensure smooth batter and even cake consistency.
  • Avoid Dry Cake: Do not overmix the batter; stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined to keep the cake moist and tender.
  • Frost Like a Pro: Chill the cake layers for 15-20 minutes before frosting to create cleaner, more precise cake decoration and prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.
  • Customize Sprinkle Style: Experiment with different types of sprinkles like rainbow jimmies, nonpareils, or themed colors to personalize your funfetti cake for any celebration.

Store and Enjoy Funfetti Cake for Days

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep frosted cake chilled to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
  • Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake.
  • Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to restore soft texture and enhance flavor.

Serve Funfetti Cake With These

  • Delightful Accompaniments
  • Serve a scoop of vanilla bean or birthday cake ice cream alongside each slice, creating a creamy and cold contrast to the soft, warm cake texture.
  • Pour a chilled glass of prosecco or sparkling rosé to complement the sweet and festive nature of the funfetti cake, adding a touch of elegance to the dessert experience.
  • Add a fresh fruit plate with bright strawberries, raspberries, and mandarin orange segments to provide a tangy and light counterpoint to the rich, sugary cake.
  • Brew a smooth latte or cappuccino with a light dusting of cinnamon to balance the sweetness and offer a warm, comforting drink that enhances the cake's flavors.

Custom Funfetti Cake Ideas for Any Occasion

  • Gluten-Free Funfetti Delight: Replace regular flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same light and fluffy texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Rainbow Celebration Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, egg whites with aquafaba, and use dairy-free milk and vegan buttercream frosting to create a plant-based version of this festive treat.
  • Low-Sugar Sprinkle Sensation: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delightful flavor and colorful appearance.
  • Dairy-Free Confetti Cake: Use almond milk instead of regular milk, coconut cream in place of sour cream, and dairy-free margarine for butter to create a lactose-free alternative that's just as moist and delicious.

Funfetti Cake FAQ Roundup

  • What makes sprinkles work in this cake recipe?

The tiny, colorful sprinkles distribute evenly throughout the batter without bleeding colors when gently folded in at the end, ensuring a fun, confetti-like appearance in every slice.

  • Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, just reduce or eliminate the additional salt in the recipe. Salted butter works fine, but unsalted gives you more precise control over the cake’s overall saltiness.

  • How do I prevent my cake from being dry?

Always measure ingredients precisely, avoid overmixing the batter, and check your cake slightly earlier than the recommended baking time. Remove the cake from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

  • Why do I need to alternate adding flour and milk?

This technique helps create a smoother, more consistent batter by preventing lumps and ensuring even moisture distribution, which results in a more tender cake texture.

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Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Colorful sprinkles dance across this playful Funfetti cake, bringing childhood memories to life with each delightful slice. Sweet nostalgia meets bakery perfection, inviting you to savor pure joy in every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
  • ¾ cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) sour cream
  • ½ cup (80 grams) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)

Buttercream Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Extra sprinkles for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking workspace by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and preparing cake pans with a light coating of grease and flour or parchment paper lining.
  2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly distributed.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and airy, developing a light, fluffy consistency.
  4. Incorporate egg whites individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract to enhance flavor profile.
  5. Blend sour cream into the wet ingredients, then methodically alternate adding flour mixture and milk, ensuring a smooth, well-integrated batter. Mix until ingredients are just combined to maintain cake’s delicate texture.
  6. Carefully fold colorful sprinkles into the batter, distributing them gently to prevent color bleeding or sinking.
  7. Evenly distribute the batter between prepared cake pans, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create a level top.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring for a golden surface and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  9. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until creamy, then gradually incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and cream. Beat until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
  10. Once cakes are completely cooled, apply frosting and garnish with an additional sprinkle of colorful confetti-like decorations.

Notes

  • Prevent sprinkles from sinking by tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and sour cream to create a smoother, more uniform cake texture that rises evenly.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements and mixing technique.
  • To make the cake extra moist, brush each cake layer with simple syrup before frosting, which adds subtle sweetness and prevents dryness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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