Introduction
There’s something about Funfetti Cake that brings pure joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, a celebration, or just because you need a little cheer, Funfetti cake with its colorful sprinkles and soft, fluffy texture is always a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant colors inside the cake make it feel like a party in every slice. It’s fun, festive, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love?
I remember making Funfetti cake for my niece’s birthday a few years ago. The look on her face when she saw the colorful sprinkles inside the cake was priceless! This cake has that magical ability to brighten anyone’s day, no matter their age. Whether you’re hosting a big party or just want to add some color to a regular afternoon, Funfetti cake is the perfect treat to share.
Ingredients for Funfetti Cake
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (or substitute with regular milk)
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus extra for garnish)
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (for decorating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper circles. This will help your cake layers come out cleanly after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is essential for a light and fluffy cake.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to getting the right texture for your cake.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture should look smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with the dry ingredients, followed by the buttermilk, and finish with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter—mix just until combined to keep the cake light and airy.
6. Fold in the Sprinkles
Carefully fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a spatula. Gently mix them in so that the color doesn’t bleed too much. The more you mix, the more the colors will start to dissolve, and we want those pretty little specks to stay intact!
7. Divide the Batter and Bake
Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Be sure to check the cakes a few minutes before the suggested time to avoid overbaking.
8. Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing them to cool properly will ensure they don’t fall apart when you frost them.
9. Make the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until combined. Add the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat the frosting until it’s fluffy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
10. Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake. For a festive touch, sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the frosting.
Baking Tips for Perfect Funfetti Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This ensures the ingredients combine evenly and help create a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
- Use High-Quality Sprinkles: Not all sprinkles are created equal. Some lower-quality sprinkles may bleed into the batter more than others. Look for rainbow sprinkles that are designed for baking to keep the color intact.
- Frosting Variations: If you prefer a cream cheese frosting, you can easily swap out half of the butter for cream cheese to add a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Ice Cream: Funfetti cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a fun dessert combo.
- Birthday or Party Treat: This cake is ideal for birthdays and celebrations! You can even add candles for a special touch.
- Mini Funfetti Cupcakes: If you want to make individual servings, use the same batter to make Funfetti cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, and frost once cool.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost the cake just before serving to keep it fresh.
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend (make sure it’s a 1:1 ratio for all-purpose flour) to make this cake gluten-free. You may also want to add a little xanthan gum if your flour blend requires it.
Can I make this a dairy-free Funfetti cake? Yes, to make this cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use almond milk or any plant-based milk in place of buttermilk.
Conclusion
This Funfetti Cake is the ultimate celebratory dessert that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to brighten your day, it’s sure to be a hit. The soft, fluffy cake, bursting with colorful sprinkles, paired with the creamy frosting, makes for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!