Why You’ll Love This Funfetti Cake

• Extra moist and fluffy texture
• Loaded with colorful rainbow sprinkles
• Made completely from scratch
• Perfect for birthdays and celebrations
• Easy to make ahead
• Tastes even better than bakery cake
• Freezer friendly
• Pairs beautifully with homemade buttercream frosting

What Is Funfetti Cake?

Funfetti cake originated as a sprinkle-filled vanilla cake that became famous for its colorful appearance and festive feel. The word “Funfetti” combines “fun” and “confetti,” perfectly describing the cheerful rainbow sprinkles scattered throughout the cake.

Today, Funfetti cake remains one of the most popular birthday cake recipes because it appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Funfetti Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but highly recommended)
• 1¼ cups buttermilk, room temperature
• ¾ cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles

For the Vanilla Buttercream

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 5–6 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• Additional rainbow sprinkles for decorating

Why Use Jimmies Instead of Nonpareils?

The type of sprinkles matters.

Rainbow jimmies are longer, softer sprinkles that hold their shape during baking. Nonpareils tend to bleed into the batter and can create streaks of color throughout the cake.

For the prettiest homemade Funfetti cake, always choose rainbow jimmies.

How to Make Homemade Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.

This step creates air pockets that help make the cake soft and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Mix in eggs one at a time.

Add vanilla extract and almond extract.

Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

Add one-third of the flour mixture.

Then half of the buttermilk.

Repeat until everything is incorporated.

Mix only until combined.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Using a spatula, gently fold in rainbow sprinkles.

Avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool cakes for 15 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Beat butter until creamy.

Slowly add powdered sugar.

Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream.

Continue whipping for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer onto a serving plate.
2. Spread a generous layer of frosting.
3. Add second cake layer.
4. Frost top and sides.
5. Decorate with extra rainbow sprinkles.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Tips For The Best Funfetti Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Room temperature ingredients create a smoother batter and a lighter texture.

Measure Flour Correctly

Too much flour can create a dry cake.

Spoon flour into measuring cups and level it off.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing develops gluten and can make the cake dense.

Use Clear Vanilla Extract

For a brighter white cake appearance, use clear vanilla extract.

Add Almond Extract

A tiny bit of almond extract gives this cake that nostalgic bakery birthday cake flavor.

Use Buttermilk

Buttermilk keeps the cake moist and tender.

Decorating Ideas

• Rainbow sprinkle borders
• Birthday candles
• Piped buttercream swirls
• White chocolate drizzle
• Mini macarons
• Colorful candies
• Fresh berries

Make Ahead Instructions

Cake layers can be baked:

• 1 day ahead at room temperature
• Up to 3 days refrigerated
• Up to 3 months frozen

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap before storing.

Storage Instructions

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days.

Refrigerate up to 5 days.

Bring to room temperature before serving.

Can I Freeze Funfetti Cake?

Absolutely.

Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Variations

Chocolate Funfetti Cake

Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder.

Lemon Funfetti Cake

Add 2 tablespoons lemon zest.

Strawberry Funfetti Cake

Add freeze-dried strawberry powder to the batter.

Sheet Pan Funfetti Cake

Bake in a 9×13 pan for approximately 35-40 minutes.

Caraway Bakeware Recommendation

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More Cake Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this homemade Funfetti Cake recipe, there are plenty more delicious cake and frosting recipes waiting for you here on Sugar Face Bakes! Whether you’re baking for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, these reader-favorite desserts are guaranteed to become staples in your kitchen.

Classic Cake Recipes

Vanilla Cake

A soft, fluffy vanilla cake made completely from scratch with rich vanilla flavor and tender crumbs. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, and layering with your favorite frosting.

Chocolate Cake

Deep, rich chocolate flavor combined with an incredibly moist texture makes this classic chocolate cake impossible to resist.

Lemon Cake

Bright and citrusy with fresh lemon flavor and a light, tender crumb, this cake is perfect for spring and summer celebrations.

Red Velvet Cake

A Southern favorite featuring soft cocoa-flavored layers paired with tangy cream cheese frosting.

Chocolate Cupcakes

Perfectly portioned chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy frosting and ideal for birthdays, bake sales, and parties.

Vanilla Cupcakes

Soft vanilla cupcakes with buttery flavor and fluffy frosting that everyone loves.

Frosting Recipes To Pair With This Cake

Homemade Buttercream Frosting

Silky, creamy, and perfect for piping, this frosting is ideal for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Tangy and rich, cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with red velvet cake, carrot cake, and spice cakes.

Lemon Buttercream Frosting

A bright and refreshing frosting made with fresh lemon juice and zest.

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

A rich and decadent frosting for chocolate lovers.

More Celebration Desserts

Brownies with Chocolate Chips

Fudgy, chewy brownies loaded with melty chocolate chips.

Blondies

Soft, buttery dessert bars with caramel notes and crisp edges.

Sugar Cookies

Classic buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for decorating.

Molasses Cookies

Soft and chewy cookies packed with warm spices and cozy flavors.

Shortbread Cookies

Simple, buttery cookies with a tender crumb that melt in your mouth.

Key Lime Pie

Creamy, tart, and refreshing with a buttery graham cracker crust.

No-Bake Cheesecake

An easy dessert recipe that is rich, creamy, and perfect for warm weather.

Chocolate Cheesecake

Ultra-decadent and creamy with a rich chocolate flavor.

Apple Pie

Classic homemade apple pie with flaky crust and warm cinnamon-spiced apples.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

One of the best things about homemade baking is creating an entire dessert table full of options. Pair this Funfetti Cake with homemade frosting recipes, brownies, cupcakes, or cookies to create the ultimate celebration spread. These recipes are easy enough for beginner bakers while still delivering bakery-style results.

Whether you’re searching for birthday cake ideas, easy desserts for parties, holiday baking inspiration, or comforting homemade treats, these Sugar Face Bakes favorites are guaranteed to impress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What sprinkles are best for Funfetti cake?

Rainbow jimmies work best because they hold their color during baking.

Why did my sprinkles bleed?

Nonpareils tend to dissolve and bleed into the batter.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes. Bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes. The layers can be made several days in advance.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon vinegar into 1¼ cups milk.

How do I keep Funfetti cake moist?

Do not overbake and store tightly covered.

Can I use cake flour?

Yes. Replace all-purpose flour with 3¼ cups cake flour.

Why did my cake sink?

Overmixing or underbaking can cause sinking.

Can I use different sprinkles?

Yes, but avoid nonpareils for best results.

How long does Funfetti cake last?

Approximately 4-5 days refrigerated.