Funfetti Cake
Soft, buttery, moist Funfetti Cake loaded with rainbow sprinkles and topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting. This homemade sprinkle cake is the perfect birthday cake recipe, celebration cake, or colorful dessert for any occasion.
Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe
There is something undeniably joyful about a homemade Funfetti cake. Those colorful rainbow sprinkles baked into a soft vanilla cake instantly make any celebration feel extra special. Whether you’re baking for birthdays, baby showers, graduations, holidays, or simply because you need a little happiness in dessert form, this homemade Funfetti cake recipe delivers bakery-style results every single time.
Unlike boxed cake mix versions, this homemade sprinkle cake is rich with real vanilla flavor, an incredibly tender crumb, and a buttery texture that stays moist for days. Every slice is filled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles and finished with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting that tastes like pure nostalgia.
This recipe has all the charm of classic birthday cake but with elevated flavors and techniques that make it taste completely homemade.
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
- Place one cake layer onto a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of frosting.
- Add second cake layer.
- Frost top and sides.
- 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
I love baking this homemade Funfetti cake in my ceramic-coated bakeware because it creates even baking and beautiful golden edges without sticking. Using quality cake pans can make a huge difference in how evenly your cakes rise and bake, especially for layered cakes like this one. Click here for a generous discount applied at checkout!
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
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Perfectly portioned chocolate cupcakes topped with creamy frosting and ideal for birthdays, bake sales, and parties.
Soft vanilla cupcakes with buttery flavor and fluffy frosting that everyone loves.
Frosting Recipes To Pair With This Cake
Silky, creamy, and perfect for piping, this frosting is ideal for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and brownies.
Tangy and rich, cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with red velvet cake, carrot cake, and spice cakes.
A bright and refreshing frosting made with fresh lemon juice and zest.
A rich and decadent frosting for chocolate lovers.
More Celebration Desserts
Fudgy, chewy brownies loaded with melty chocolate chips.
Soft, buttery dessert bars with caramel notes and crisp edges.
Classic buttery sugar cookies that are perfect for decorating.
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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.
Funfetti Cake
Ingredients
For The Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1¾ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract optional, but recommended
- 1¼ cup buttermilk room temperature
- ¾ cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles
For the Vanilla Buttercream
- 1½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 5-6 cups powder sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
- pinch of salt
- additional rainbow sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
For The Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans, or 9-inch round cake pans, with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- 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.
- Mix in eggs one at a time.
- Add vanilla extract and almond extract.
- Add one-third of the flour mixture.
- Then half of the buttermilk. Repeat until everything is incorporated. Mix only until combined.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or 8-inch pans. Bake 25-27 minutes for 9-inch pans 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.
For The Frosting
- Beat butter until creamy. About 3-5 minutes on medium speed.
- Reduce speed to low, slowly add powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream.
- Continue whipping for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer onto a serving plate.
- Spread a generous layer of frosting. Add second cake layer.
- Frost top and sides. Decorate with extra rainbow sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
Nutritional Value Card
Per Slice (1 of 12 servings)- Calories: 645
- Carbohydrates: 83g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Sugar: 63g
- Fiber: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this funfetti cake in advance?
Yes, absolutely! You can bake the cake layers up to 1 to 2 days in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap each layer tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and store them at room temperature (or in the fridge). Frost the cake the day of your event.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
You can use 3 whole eggs instead of 4 egg whites, but the natural yellow tint from the egg yolks will give the cake batter a yellow hue, which slightly dulls the vibrant contrast of the rainbow sprinkles.
How should I store leftover funfetti cake?
Keep your frosted cake covered tightly inside a cake keeper or under a large bowl at room temperature for up to 3 days. If keeping longer or storing in a warm environment, refrigerate for up to 5–6 days and bring slices to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.
Can I bake this recipe as cupcakes instead?
Yes! Line a standard 12-count muffin tin with paper liners, fill each cup about ⅔ full with batter, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This batch will yield about 20 to 24 cupcakes.
Can I freeze funfetti cake layers?
Yes! Unfrosted cake layers freeze exceptionally well. Double-wrap cooled layers in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw wrapped layers overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and frosting.
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