Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe from Scratch

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Funfetti cake recipe is the perfect party cake, loved for its bright colors and soft, fluffy texture. With rainbow sprinkles mixed right into the batter, it’s become a favorite for birthdays, parties, or any event that needs a fun and festive treat. 🎂🎉🍰

But what makes homemade Funfetti cake recipe so special isn’t just its visual appeal. It’s also a light, vanilla-flavored cake that’s simple to make and easy to customize. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make a perfect Funfetti cake recipe from scratch and get tips to make sure it turns out great every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or new to baking, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to wow your guests.

What Is Funfetti Cake?

A Funfetti cake, also known as a confetti cake, is a soft vanilla cake filled with colorful sprinkles that create a festive look inside and out. The sprinkles are mixed directly into the batter, giving each slice a fun, colorful appearance. Typically, the cake is moist, fluffy, and buttery, with a sweet vanilla flavor. It’s often frosted with a creamy vanilla buttercream and topped with even more sprinkles. Funfetti cakes are perfect for birthdays or any celebration, offering a playful twist on the classic vanilla cake.

Why Choose Funfetti Cake Recipe?

Bright and Festive: The colorful sprinkles make it perfect for celebrations.
Light and Fluffy: Known for its soft, airy texture.
Versatile Flavor: Classic vanilla that’s easy to customize.
Simple to Make: Beginner-friendly and straightforward.
Easy to Decorate: Great for various decorations.
Fun for Everyone: Appeals to both kids and adults.

Moist Funfetti cake recipe is a joyful, delicious choice that adds a touch of fun to any event.

Funfetti Cake Recipe Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups sugar
1 cup whole milk
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for flavor depth)
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup rainbow sprinkles (use jimmies, as they won’t bleed into the batter)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
¼ cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Additional sprinkles for decoration

How to Make Funfetti Cake Recipe

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper. This ensures that your cakes come out of the pans easily after baking.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside. These dry ingredients help the cake rise and maintain structure.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air into the batter, making your cake light.

Add the Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla and almond extracts. The almond extract gives the cake a slightly nutty flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer a classic vanilla taste.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cake dense.

Fold in the Sprinkles

Gently fold the sprinkles into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed into the batter.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Buttercream Frosting

Cream the Butter

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed. After each addition, increase the speed to medium until fully combined.

Add the Vanilla and Cream

Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream, and continue to beat the frosting until light and fluffy. If the frosting seems too thick, add a little more cream. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

How to Assemble and Decorate Funfetti Cake

Frost the Cake Layers

Once your cakes have completely cooled, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Add the second layer of cake and repeat with more buttercream. Add the final layer and spread buttercream on the top and sides.

Decorate with Sprinkles

After frosting the top and sides of the confetti cake, take extra rainbow sprinkles and gently press them onto the sides and top of the cake and cupcakes. You can sprinkle them evenly or concentrate them around the edges for a decorative look. Make sure to cover any gaps in the frosting for a fun, colorful finish.

Once you’re happy with the decoration, your Funfetti Cake recipe is ready to serve!

Why Homemade Funfetti Cake?

Many people turn to store-bought cake mixes for Funfetti, but making it from scratch is a game changer. Not only can you control the quality of ingredients, but the flavor is much richer and more satisfying. The almond extract adds a depth of flavor that you just don’t get from boxed mixes, and the texture is soft and fluffy.

PRO TIPS FOR A PERFECT FUNFETTI CAKE RECIPE

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter and ensures a lighter, fluffier cake.
Coat the Sprinkles in Flour: To prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This trick helps the sprinkles stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Once the flour is added, mix just until everything is combined. This keeps the cake light and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Funfetti cake recipe is great on its own, but you can elevate it with a few serving ideas:

Pair with ice cream: Vanilla or birthday cake ice cream goes perfectly with Funfetti cake.
Top with fresh fruit: Add some fresh strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness.
Make it a funfetti cupcake: Turn this recipe into cupcakes by baking in a muffin tin for 18-20 minutes.

Storing Funfetti Cake Recipe

You can store Funfetti cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months, just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Commonly Asked Questions

What Type of Sprinkles Should I Use?

For Funfetti birthday cake, it’s best to use rainbow jimmies (the long, rod-shaped sprinkles). They hold up well during baking and keep their bright colors without bleeding. Avoid using nonpareils (small, round sprinkles), as they can bleed their colors into the batter and cause it to look muddy.

Can I Use Boxed Cake Mix for Funfetti Cake Recipe?

Yes, you can use a boxed vanilla cake mix and simply stir in sprinkles to make a quick version of rainbow sprinkle cake recipe. Follow the instructions on the box, and add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of rainbow sprinkles to the batter before baking. You can enhance the flavor by adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract.

What Can I Use if I Don’t Have Almond Extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with extra vanilla extract. This will still give the cake a strong vanilla flavor. Alternatively, you can experiment with other extracts like lemon or coconut extract for a unique twist.

Can I Make Funfetti Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, Funfetti cake can be made ahead of time. You can bake the sprinkle sheet cake layers and store them in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. Alternatively, freeze the cake layers for up to 3 months. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

Can I Make Funfetti Cake in Other Shapes?

Absolutely! You can make Funfetti cake in different shapes such as cupcakes, sheet cakes, or even bundt cakes. Just adjust the baking time based on the shape and size of the pan:

Cupcakes: Bake for about 18-20 minutes.
Sheet Cake: Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Bundt Cake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Closing Thoughts

Funfetti cake recipe is a timeless treat that brings joy to any gathering. Its bright, festive look combined with a light, flavorful cake makes it a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you’re making it for a birthday or just because, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures a perfect outcome every time.

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