Funfetti Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to infuse your celebrations with joy, color, and an irresistible homemade touch, this Funfetti Cake will be your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with rainbow sprinkles throughout every tender bite, this cake is all about bringing fun and flavor together in one delightful package. The combination of moist layers, creamy vanilla buttercream, and those cheerful bits of color creates a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a special gathering, or just because, this Funfetti Cake promises to make any moment sparkle a little brighter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, essential ingredients come together in this Funfetti Cake to create a perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and that charming burst of rainbow color that we all love. Each component plays a critical role in making the cake soft, fluffy, and wonderfully festive.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temp): Provides richness and moisture, ensuring tender crumbs and great flavor.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens perfectly and aids in the light, fluffy texture.
• Vegetable or canola oil (1/2 cup): Adds extra moisture without weighing down the cake.
• Large eggs (4, room temp): Give structure and stability, binding the cake together beautifully.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• All-purpose flour (3 1/4 cups): The base that provides structure to your cake layers.
• Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise to light, airy perfection.
• Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Works with the acidic components to tenderize and lift the batter.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Full fat sour cream (1/2 cup, room temp): Adds moisture and tenderness while keeping the crumb soft.
• Buttermilk (1 cup, room temp): Contributes tanginess and reacts with leavening for fluffy layers.
• Rainbow jimmies sprinkles (3/4 cup): The star of the show, bringing those iconic pops of color in every bite.
• Butter for frosting (1 1/2 cups, room temp): Creates a smooth, creamy base for the buttercream icing.
• Powdered sugar (5 cups): Sweetens the frosting while helping it achieve the perfect silky texture.
• Vanilla extract (1 tbsp for frosting): Adds warmth and depth to the icing’s flavor.
• Milk (2-3 tbsp): Adjusts the buttercream consistency for easy spreading.
• Sprinkles for decorating (1/2 cup): Gives the finished cake that extra festive sparkle.

How to Make Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and get three cake pans ready by greasing and lining their bottoms with parchment paper. This prep ensures your cakes come out perfectly smooth and easy to release. If you’re using 8-inch pans instead of 9-inch, just remember to reserve about one cup of batter to prevent overflowing, since too much batter can make the cakes sink in the middle. Lining the pans with cake strips helps keep edges even during baking if you have them on hand.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Mixing these beforehand distributes the leavening agents evenly, which guarantees your cake will rise beautifully and have a perfect crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes. Aim for a light, fluffy texture—that’s the key to a tender cake that melts in your mouth. This step also helps to incorporate air into the batter, giving you those lovely airy layers.

Step 4: Add Oil and Eggs

With the mixer running on low, slowly pour in the oil, which adds extra moistness. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of your bowl frequently—this ensures all ingredients come together evenly and your batter stays smooth without lumps.

Step 5: Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla

Stir in the sour cream for moisture and richness, and then add the vanilla extract for that unmistakably warm, inviting scent and taste. Together, these ingredients keep the cake soft and bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Incorporate the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the batter by alternating between the two. Start with a bit of the flour mixture, followed by buttermilk, continuing this pattern and finishing with the flour. This method prevents overmixing while producing a smooth batter that rises perfectly and stays tender.

Step 7: Fold in the Sprinkles

Remove the bowl from the mixer and give the batter one good mix with a spatula to get everything thoroughly combined. Then, gently fold in the rainbow jimmies sprinkles. Folding ensures the sprinkles are evenly distributed without melting into the batter and turning the color bland.

Step 8: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your pans, spreading it out to the edges for an even bake. Bake the 9-inch cakes for 30 to 35 minutes, or 35 to 40 minutes for the 8-inch pans, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking just right prevents dryness and helps each layer stay tender and moist.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Let the cakes cool in their pans for 30 minutes before running a knife around the edges and turning them out onto a wire rack. Peel off the parchment paper carefully. For assembling the same day, chill the cakes in the fridge for about an hour so they’re firm and easier to frost. If you’re baking in advance, cool the cakes for an hour at room temperature, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Step 10: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the butter with your mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while mixing on medium speed. Once incorporated, stir in the vanilla and milk. Adjust the milk to get the perfect spreading consistency. This luscious frosting is the final touch that makes your Funfetti Cake irresistible.

Step 11: Assemble and Frost the Cake

If needed, level the tops of the chilled cakes to create flat, even layers. Spread a thin layer of buttercream between each cake layer. Then, apply a thin crumb coat all around the cake to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill the crumb-coated cake for 20 minutes before applying the final thick layer of frosting. Top it all off with extra sprinkles for that joyful, festive look.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate your Funfetti Cake to a celebration centerpiece. Consider a handful of extra rainbow sprinkles sprinkled generously on the frosting for added color. Fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries can introduce a fresh contrast to the sweetness. Edible glitter or tiny candy pearls can also bring an extra sparkle and texture that delights the eye and palate.

Side Dishes

Serving your Funfetti Cake with a few complementary sides can make the dessert experience even more memorable. Light whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream pairs wonderfully, offering balance to the cake’s sweetness. Fruit salads, especially those featuring citrus or berries, provide refreshing hints that complement the rich, colorful layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn your Funfetti Cake into an unforgettable celebration icon. Display it on a beautiful cake stand, preferably a bright or pastel one, to match the festive vibe of the sprinkles. Slice cake layers into mini squares or cupcakes for party-friendly treats that guests adore. Another charming idea is to create individual trifle cups layering cake chunks with frosting and sprinkles for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Funfetti Cake fresh and moist, store leftover slices tightly covered in the refrigerator. An airtight container is best to prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing other odors. When properly stored, your slices remain delicious for up to four days.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Funfetti Cake layers either before frosting or after the cake is fully assembled. Wrap the layers well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for the best protection against freezer burn. Frozen cakes keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.

Reheating

If you prefer to serve the cake slightly warmed, room temperature is usually perfect. However, if you want a warm slice, microwave a piece gently for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating as the frosting may melt. Warming enhances the softness and brings out the cake’s flavor wonderfully.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar per cup to mimic buttermilk’s acidity and texture. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This helps maintain the cake’s tender crumb and rise.

What’s the best way to prevent sprinkles from bleeding color into the batter?

Tossing the sprinkles with a little flour before folding them into the batter creates a protective barrier. This reduces the chance of colors melting and bleeding, keeping your Funfetti Cake bright and visually appealing.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain texture. The cake texture might be slightly different but will still be delicious and colorful.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake layers. When it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. Avoid opening the oven too early to keep the cakes from sinking.

Can I add other flavors to the Funfetti Cake?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Almond extract or lemon zest work wonderfully alongside vanilla for a fun twist. Just be careful not to overpower the classic Funfetti flavor that makes this cake so beloved.

Final Thoughts

Making this Funfetti Cake is like inviting a burst of happiness into your kitchen—it’s colorful, classic, and endlessly satisfying. I urge you to try baking this cake for your next special occasion or when you simply want to treat yourself and loved ones to something joyful. Watching the layers come together and sharing each slice brings smiles all around, making every effort totally worth it.

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