Classic Funfetti Cake Recipe - Recipesmelissa.com

Funfetti cake is the ultimate celebration cake. It’s colorful, fun, and brings an extra bit of joy to any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a special treat, Funfetti cake is perfect for spreading happiness with every bite. This cake is moist, tender, and bursting with rainbow sprinkles, making it an irresistible dessert for kids and adults alike.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through the process of making a classic Funfetti cake from scratch. You’ll get a light and fluffy cake with a vibrant sprinkle-filled crumb, topped with creamy buttercream frosting. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients:

For the Funfetti Cake:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (plus more for decorating)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons whole milk
Pinch of salt
Rainbow sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is ready for the cake batter when it’s mixed.
Grease and Flour the Pans: Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or non-stick spray. Dust the pans with a light coating of flour, or you can also use parchment paper circles for easy removal after baking.
Set the Pans Aside: Once the pans are prepared, set them aside while you prepare the cake batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps ensure there are no lumps in the batter and contributes to a light texture in the final cake.
Set Aside: Set the dry ingredients aside for now while you move on to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the cake, which will help it rise beautifully in the oven.
Add the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs fully incorporate into the butter and sugar mixture, creating a smooth batter.
Add the Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract, which will give your Funfetti cake its wonderful flavor.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients and the whole milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Start by adding one-third of the dry ingredients, followed by half of the milk. Beat the mixture on low speed until just combined. Repeat this process, ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.
Incorporate the Sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula. This adds a pop of color and texture to the cake batter. Make sure not to overmix, as the sprinkles may start to bleed into the batter if mixed too much.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the Batter into the Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops of the batter.
Bake the Cake: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oven times may vary, so keep an eye on the cakes as they bake. You may also need to rotate the pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Cool the Cakes: Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the cakes from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting

Beat the Butter: While the cakes are cooling, make the buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
Add the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Add Vanilla and Milk: Once the powdered sugar is fully mixed in, add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of whole milk. Continue beating the frosting until it’s smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Add a Pinch of Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness of the frosting. This will enhance the overall flavor.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

Level the Cakes: If the tops of your cakes have domed, use a serrated knife to level them off so they stack neatly. This helps create an even layer of frosting and ensures a smooth, stable cake.
Frost the Cake: Place the first layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top and press gently to secure it.
Frost the Top and Sides: Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream frosting, using a spatula to smooth it out. If you prefer a textured look, you can swirl the frosting for a more rustic finish.
Decorate with Sprinkles: Decorate the top and sides of the cake with additional rainbow sprinkles for that signature Funfetti look. Be sure to press the sprinkles lightly into the frosting to help them adhere.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Cut and Serve: Once your Funfetti cake is decorated, it’s ready to be served! Slice it into wedges and enjoy the bright, colorful layers. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because.
Optional Toppings: For extra fun, you can top the cake with whipped cream or additional chocolate ganache for an even richer experience. Fresh fruit, such as berries, can also make for a delightful contrast to the sweet frosting.

Tips for the Perfect Funfetti Cake

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother batter, ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: While mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake. Mix until just combined for a light, fluffy texture.
Sprinkle Size Matters: Use small, jimmie-style sprinkles rather than the larger sugar crystals. Larger sprinkles can weigh down the batter or cause the cake to turn a weird color during baking.
Chill the Frosting: If your buttercream becomes too soft during frosting, pop it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up before continuing.
Make It Ahead: You can bake the cake layers in advance. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Customizing Your Funfetti Cake

Flavor Variations: You can easily swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract or another flavor to customize the cake’s taste. If you prefer a different color palette, you can also add food coloring to the batter and frosting.
Gluten-Free Funfetti Cake: To make a gluten-free version of this Funfetti cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients, like baking powder and sprinkles, are also gluten-free.
Vegan Funfetti Cake: For a vegan option, swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, the eggs for flax eggs, and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Choose vegan sprinkles to keep it fully plant-based.

Storing the Cake

Store any leftover Funfetti cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, refrigerate the cake, and it will stay fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Classic Funfetti cake is a delicious and cheerful treat that never fails to brighten any occasion. With its light texture, sweet frosting, and vibrant sprinkles, it’s perfect for celebrations or just a sweet indulgence when you need a pick-me-up. By following this recipe, you’ll be able to create a cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy baking, decorating, and most importantly, sharing this beautiful cake with friends and family!