This festive and fluffy Funfetti Cake is a celebration in every bite! Loaded with rainbow sprinkles and layered with soft vanilla buttercream, it’s the perfect treat for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that calls for something cheerful. With its light texture, vibrant pops of color, and classic vanilla flavor, this cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Colorful Funfetti Cake is more than just visually appealing—it delivers on flavor and texture too. The buttery vanilla crumb is moist and tender, while the playful sprinkles provide a fun surprise in each bite. It’s easy to prepare, even for novice bakers, and makes a delightful centerpiece for celebrations. The layers are perfect for stacking and decorating, and it pairs beautifully with a homemade vanilla buttercream. Whether you’re baking for a child’s birthday or just want to make an ordinary day feel special, this cake does the trick.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the colorful sprinkles to prevent the colors from bleeding.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, layer and frost the cakes with your favorite vanilla buttercream. Top with additional sprinkles for decoration.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 28 minutes
Total Time: 48 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 410 kcal per serving
Variations
- Chocolate Twist: Swap 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate-funfetti combination.
- Lemon Funfetti Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter and replace half the vanilla extract with lemon extract.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
- Mini Cakes or Cupcakes: Use the batter for cupcakes or mini cakes—adjust baking time to about 18–20 minutes.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine and use non-dairy milk.
storage/reheating
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before serving. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying. Reheating is not typically necessary for cake, but you can microwave a slice for 10 seconds to soften slightly if desired.
FAQs
Can I make the cake layers in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature or freeze them for up to a month.
What type of sprinkles work best?
Use jimmies (long, thin sprinkles) for the best results. Nonpareils may bleed color into the batter.
Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?
Absolutely. A hand mixer or even a sturdy whisk can be used, though mixing may take longer.
How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?
Do not overmix the batter and be sure to measure ingredients accurately, especially flour.
Can I substitute buttermilk for whole milk?
Yes, buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra moisture. Use in equal amounts.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?
Yes. This batter makes approximately 24 standard-sized cupcakes. Bake for 18–20 minutes.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but it may affect the cake’s texture and flavor.
How do I keep my cake layers flat while baking?
Use bake-even strips around the pans or level the tops with a serrated knife after baking.
What frosting pairs best with this cake?
Classic vanilla buttercream is ideal, but cream cheese frosting or whipped frosting also work well.
Conclusion
Colorful Funfetti Cake is the embodiment of celebration. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to brighten someone’s day, this cake is a fantastic choice. Its soft, buttery crumb and bursts of colorful sprinkles make it a timeless favorite for all ages.
PrintColorful Funfetti Cake
This festive and fluffy Funfetti Cake is packed with rainbow sprinkles and soft vanilla buttercream—perfect for birthdays, parties, or any joyful occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment circles.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mix. Beat until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles with a spatula to avoid color bleeding.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost and layer with your favorite vanilla buttercream, decorate with extra sprinkles, and serve.
Notes
- Use jimmies-style sprinkles to prevent bleeding of color in the batter.
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best texture.
- Can be made ahead and stored unfrosted in the fridge or freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg