Funfetti Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a cake that brings joy to every celebration, you’ve come to the right place! This Funfetti Cake Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with colorful sprinkles and sweet memories. Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or even a cozy weeknight treat, this cake will light up the occasion. Made entirely from scratch, it captures the nostalgic flavor of box cake mix, but with a homemade touch that feels extra special.
This recipe is close to my heart because it reminds me of carefree childhood days spent at parties, laughing and enjoying slices of this delightful cake. The best part? It’s simple enough for anyone to whip up, so don’t hesitate to invite your kids into the kitchen for some baking fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves sprinkles! This cake appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or just because, this cake fits right in.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it a day in advance and save time on busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The soft vanilla cake paired with creamy frosting makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need
For this delightful Funfetti Cake Recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather everything you need to create this delicious masterpiece!
For the Cake
- 3 cups (390g) cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons (180g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80mL) vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup (180mL) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup (240g) full fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (120g) rainbow jimmies sprinkles
For the Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups (780g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4-6 tablespoons whole milk
Variations
This Funfetti Cake Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are some fun ideas:
- Add Different Sprinkles: Swap the rainbow jimmies for seasonal-themed sprinkles for holidays.
- Flavor Twist: Try adding almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.
- Fruit Filling: Layer in some fresh strawberries or raspberries between the cake layers for added freshness.
- Colorful Frosting: Use food coloring to tint the frosting in vibrant colors that match your celebration theme.
How to Make Funfetti Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly right from the start. While that heats up, prepare your baking pans by greasing them lightly and lining them with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter for a perfect rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into your batter—leading to a tender crumb!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in vegetable oil, whole milk combined with vinegar (this creates buttermilk), sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time. Each addition enhances moisture and flavor in your cake.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add in the dry mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cake soft and fluffy.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in those colorful rainbow sprinkles. This not only adds fun but also makes every slice look like a celebration!
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
Step 8: Cool Your Cakes
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Cooling prevents soggy layers when you frost them later.
Step 9: Prepare the Frosting
While your cakes cool down, make the frosting by beating together softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy. Add salt and vanilla extract; then adjust texture with milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 10: Assemble Your Cake
Once cooled completely, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting generously on top before adding the second layer. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake with more frosting—don’t forget to sprinkle more jimmies on top!
And there you have it—a delicious Funfetti Cake ready to be enjoyed by everyone! Enjoy every colorful bite!
Pro Tips for Making Funfetti Cake Recipe
Baking a funfetti cake is all about joy and creativity! Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out as delightful as possible.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk blend better at room temperature, ensuring a uniform batter and a light, fluffy cake.
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Don’t skip the sifting: Sifting your flour and powdered sugar helps eliminate lumps and incorporates air, resulting in a lighter cake texture.
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Be gentle with the sprinkles: Fold the rainbow jimmies in at the end of mixing to avoid breaking them down. This keeps the colors vibrant and ensures they don’t bleed into the batter.
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Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. This ensures your cake is perfectly baked without being dry.
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Allow to cool completely before frosting: Let your layers cool on a wire rack before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and gives you clean, beautiful layers.
How to Serve Funfetti Cake Recipe
Serving your funfetti cake can be just as fun as baking it! With its vibrant colors and delicious flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful treat.
Garnishes
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast that complements the rich cake.
- Extra sprinkles: Scatter additional rainbow sprinkles on top for added color and festive cheer!
- Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries not only look stunning but also add a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Side Dishes
- Fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing side that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream against the moist layers of funfetti cake creates a perfect dessert duo.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over individual slices can add an indulgent twist that’s hard to resist.
- Coconut whipped cream: For those looking for a dairy-free option, coconut whipped cream offers a rich and tropical flair that complements the funfetti beautifully.
With these serving suggestions, your funfetti cake will not only taste amazing but also look absolutely stunning at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Funfetti Cake Recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week. You can bake it in advance and store it for later enjoyment, ensuring that you always have something sweet on hand.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week.
Freezing
- Once cooled, slice the cake into individual pieces or leave it whole.
- Wrap each piece or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To prevent freezer burn, consider placing the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating
- If frozen, allow the cake to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For individual slices, you can microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- If reheating a whole cake, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this Funfetti Cake Recipe.
Can I use different types of sprinkles in this Funfetti Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of sprinkle you like. Just make sure they are nonpareils or jimmies to maintain that classic funfetti look and texture!
What makes this Funfetti Cake Recipe taste so much better than box mixes?
This recipe uses high-quality ingredients like real butter and sour cream, providing a rich flavor and moist texture that box mixes often lack. Plus, you have full control over what goes into your cake!
Can I make this Funfetti Cake Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just ensure that it’s designed for baking to achieve similar results.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Funfetti Cake Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a special treat that brings joy to any occasion with its colorful sprinkles and soft texture. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just indulging yourself on a Tuesday afternoon, this cake is sure to brighten your day. Have fun baking, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!
Funfetti Cake
Celebrate any occasion with this delightful Funfetti Cake Recipe! This colorful layer cake is made from scratch, offering a nostalgic taste that’s reminiscent of childhood parties. With each slice, you’ll experience soft and moist vanilla cake layers studded with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, making it the perfect centerpiece for birthdays, family gatherings, or just because. The creamy frosting adds an irresistible touch, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of flavor and joy. Easy to make and even more fun to decorate, this cake invites everyone into the kitchen for a baking adventure. Get ready to create sweet memories with this charming dessert!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups (390g) cake flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons (180g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (80mL) vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup (180mL) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 cup (240g) full fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (120g) rainbow jimmies sprinkles
- 1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups (780g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 4–6 tablespoons whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in vegetable oil, milk combined with vinegar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the sprinkles gently.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to cool before frosting with buttercream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice ~85g
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
