Name: Funfetti Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487767H57M35S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups All-purpose flour (- Sifted for best texture); 1 ½ cups Granulated sugar; 2 ½ tsp Baking powder; ½ tsp Fine salt (- Enhances flavor); 1 cup Unsalted butter (- Room temperature); 4 Large eggs (- Room temperature); 1 cup Whole milk (- Room temperature); 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract (- Real vanilla for flavor); ½–¾ cup Rainbow sprinkles (- Jimmies-style (not nonpareils)); Optional Almond extract (- For flavor depth); Optional Sour cream (- Adds moisture (replace part of milk)); Optional Extra sprinkles (- For decorating top or layers)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a fan of celebratory desserts that spark pure nostalgia and genuine delight, then this Funfetti Cake is about to become your new go-to party treat. Moist, fluffy layers speckled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles and wrapped in creamy frosting make every bite feel like a small, delicious party. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family gathering, or just because, Funfetti Cake will turn any day into a special occasion. The combination of buttery richness, tender crumb, and bursts of color is simply irresistible, and I can’t wait to share each step with you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Funfetti Cake so magical? It’s all about using simple, high-quality ingredients that work together to create the perfect texture and that signature confetti look. Each component plays a vital role, so let’s take a closer look before we start mixing!

All-purpose flour: Sift for extra lightness—this forms the structured, tender crumb you crave in every bite.
Granulated sugar: Besides sweetness, it helps keep the cake moist and tender.
Unsalted butter: Use room-temperature butter for a soft, aerated batter that bakes up beautifully.
Large eggs: Bring to room temperature—they bind the cake and add essential richness.
Whole milk: Also at room temperature, milk gives the cake a perfectly soft texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Choose real vanilla for deep, nostalgic flavor that shines through.
Baking powder: Gives the cake its lovely, even rise so every slice is light and fluffy.
Fine salt: Just enough to enhance all the sweet and buttery flavors—don’t skip this!
Rainbow sprinkles: Jimmies-style only—these streak the batter with fun color pockets instead of bleeding.
Optional almond extract: For a subtle, bakery-style flavor boost—try it if you love a hint of nuttiness.
Optional sour cream: A spoonful or two can be swapped for part of the milk to make the crumb even softer and moister.
Optional extra sprinkles: For decorating the top, in between layers, or around the edges for the ultimate festive look!

How to Make Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prep Oven & Pans

Before you get started, set the mood with a little music and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans well and line them with parchment paper—this guarantees a smooth release, so all that confetti beauty comes out picture-perfect every time.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—think pale and billowy! Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then stir in your vanilla (and a dash of almond extract if you’re using it). Don’t rush this step; proper creaming helps create that ultra-tender Funfetti Cake crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternate adding the dry mixture and the milk (plus any sour cream, if using) to your wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry. This method keeps your batter light and avoids overmixing, so your Funfetti Cake bakes up tender every time.

Step 4: Fold in Sprinkles

Time for the magic! Gently fold in the rainbow jimmies-style sprinkles. The key is to use a light hand—this keeps the colors from blending into the batter so you get those gorgeous bursts of color throughout your Funfetti Cake layers.

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Divide the batter between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake until the cakes are golden and springy, and a toothpick in the center comes out clean (usually 25–30 minutes). Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting and decorating.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake

Garnishes

For that classic Funfetti Cake finish, top your creation with a generous layer of creamy vanilla frosting and a lavish shower of extra sprinkles. If you’re feeling fancy, add swirls of freshly whipped cream, candy pearls, or even edible glitter—anything that adds sparkle and fun!

Side Dishes

Pair your Funfetti Cake with a scoop of homemade vanilla or strawberry ice cream, a glass of cold milk, or even a fluffy dollop of whipped cream. For special occasions, a bubbly fruit punch or fresh berries on the side make the colors pop even more.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the (cake) box! Bake the batter into cupcakes for portable treats, layer it with whipped cream and berries in a trifle, or use cookie cutters to make playful shapes for kids’ parties. Mini Funfetti Cake parfaits or jar cakes are adorable for gifting, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Funfetti Cake tightly in plastic wrap, or store individual slices in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. Just be sure to bring chilled cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Funfetti Cake freezes beautifully! For best results, wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw layers at room temperature before assembling and decorating. You can freeze frosted cake, too—just wrap well and thaw gently in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

While Funfetti Cake is typically enjoyed at room temperature, you can briefly warm individual slices in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) if you want an ultra-soft, just-baked taste. Be careful not to overheat, or the frosting may melt and the texture could change.

FAQs

Can I use nonpareils sprinkles instead of jimmies?

It’s best to stick with jimmies-style sprinkles for Funfetti Cake because nonpareils tend to bleed color into the batter, creating muddy streaks instead of vibrant confetti dots. Jimmies hold their shape and color, ensuring that joyful burst in every slice.

How can I make Funfetti Cake extra moist?

Try swapping a few spoonfuls of the milk for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. The added fat and acidity create an even moister, richer crumb without making the cake dense.

Do I have to use almond extract?

Not at all! Almond extract adds a subtle, bakery-style flavor that some people love, but if you prefer a classic vanilla Funfetti Cake, simply leave it out. The cake will still be delicious and festive.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Absolutely! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Funfetti Cake cupcakes are always a hit at parties.

What frosting pairs best with Funfetti Cake?

Classic vanilla buttercream is the traditional choice and complements the sweet, fluffy cake perfectly. Cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even white chocolate frosting all taste amazing if you want to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you get a chance to bake this Funfetti Cake and watch friends and family light up at the very first slice. There’s something about those bursts of color and pure, buttery flavor that never fails to bring smiles! From birthdays to everyday celebrations, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep close. Enjoy every sprinkle-filled moment!

Funfetti Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 21 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 1 9-inch layer cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade funfetti cake is a delightful, colorful dessert that’s perfect for celebrations. With a moist, tender crumb and bursts of rainbow sprinkles throughout, it’s a festive treat that will bring joy to any occasion.

Instructions

Prep Oven & Pans: Preheat oven, grease pans, and line with parchment.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream butter and sugar, then mix in eggs and flavorings.
Combine Wet & Dry: Whisk dry ingredients and alternate with milk into the batter.
Fold in Sprinkles: Fold in sprinkles and divide batter into prepared pans.
Bake & Cool: Bake, then cool cakes in pans and on wire racks.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American