Nothing says “celebration” quite like a Funfetti Birthday Cake. Bursting with colorful sprinkles and irresistible vanilla sweetness, this classic treat is a party essential. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, a regular ol’ Tuesday, or indulging your sweet tooth “just because,” this fun and festive cake is sure to delight kids and adults alike.
This recipe walks you through creating a moist, flavorful Funfetti cake from scratch—no boxed mixes needed. Plus, we’re topping it with a rich, creamy buttercream frosting for that perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (the longer, softer ones work best—avoid nonpareils, as their color may bleed)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 5-6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 4-5 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- A pinch of salt
- Extra rainbow sprinkles for decorating
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Gear
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour three 8-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper) to ensure an easy release.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital for creating that perfect cake crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low and mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter in three additions (starting and ending with the dry ingredients). Be sure not to overmix—stop as soon as everything is incorporated.
Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the batter. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, or the colors might bleed.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, make your frosting. Beat the softened butter on high speed until creamy (about 2 minutes). Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract, salt, and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on high until the frosting is light and fluffy—2-3 minutes. If it’s too thick, add one more tablespoon of cream.
Step 9: Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting on top, then add the second layer. Repeat with the frosting and the third layer of cake. Coat the entire cake in a thin crumb coat of frosting, then chill for 20 minutes. Finish frosting the cake with a thicker layer, smoothing it out however you like!
Finally, decorate the top and sides with extra rainbow sprinkles. Don’t hold back—go as sprinkle-happy as you like!
Tips for Baking the Perfect Funfetti Cake
- Measure Your Ingredients Carefully: Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and a liquid measuring cup for milk to ensure accuracy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Bringing your eggs, milk, and butter to room temperature ensures a smooth batter that rises evenly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing for too long after adding the flour can lead to a denser cake. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients combine.
- Choose the Right Sprinkles: Stick to confetti-style sprinkles (sometimes called jimmies) for optimal results. Nonpareils or sanding sugar can melt and ruin the colorful effect.
Time to Celebrate!
And just like that, you’ve made a Funfetti Birthday Cake that’s as colorful and delightful as the memories it will help create. The creamy buttercream frosting, combined with the soft, sprinkle-filled sponge, makes this cake a hit for every celebration.
Want to make your next birthday party unforgettable? Whip this up and watch the smiles roll in!
We’d love to see how your Funfetti Birthday Cake turns out! Share your creations on Instagram and tag us @FunfettiLove for a chance to be featured. 🎉
Post a Comment