Funfetti cake, with its vibrant sprinkle-filled appearance and sweet, moist flavor, is a beloved dessert at parties, celebrations, and special occasions. It’s a fun twist on the traditional vanilla cake, enhanced with colorful sprinkles throughout the batter, making it an irresistible treat for both kids and adults. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply indulging in a joyful dessert, this cake is the perfect choice. The addition of sprinkles adds not only color but also a playful texture, ensuring every bite brings a sense of delight. Let’s explore how to make this festive cake that promises to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.
Ingredients
To make the perfect Funfetti cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups colorful sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles for decoration
Preparation:
Here’s how to prepare your Funfetti cake step by step:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles using a spatula. Be careful not to over-mix, as the sprinkles might bleed into the batter if stirred too much.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add milk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on the top of one cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with additional sprinkles on top of the cake for a fun, colorful touch.
Mistakes to Avoid:
While making Funfetti cake is a straightforward process, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid to ensure the cake turns out perfect every time:
- Overmixing the Batter: When you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense rather than light and fluffy.
- Using the Wrong Type of Sprinkles: Not all sprinkles are made for baking. Nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles) tend to bleed color into the batter, leaving you with a less-than-ideal result. Jimmies, on the other hand, hold their shape and color better when baked.
- Skipping the Cooling Process: It’s essential to allow the cake layers to cool completely before frosting. If the cake is too warm, the frosting might melt or slide off.
- Underbaking or Overbaking: Keep an eye on your cake while it bakes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so always check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Not Greasing the Pans Properly: If you don’t grease and flour your cake pans adequately, the cakes may stick and break apart when you try to remove them. Be sure to use either butter or cooking spray with a dusting of flour or use parchment paper.
Ingredient Alternatives:
If you’re looking to make this Funfetti cake even more personalized or need alternatives, here are some options:
- Dairy-Free: You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Ensure the frosting is also made with dairy-free ingredients.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used as a one-to-one replacement.
- Vegan: To make the cake vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). Use non-dairy butter and milk alternatives as well.
- Sugar-Free: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener to replace the sugar in both the cake and frosting. However, note that the texture might vary slightly.
Tips and Tricks
To make your Funfetti cake even more delicious and professional-looking, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you begin. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly and creates a smoother batter, resulting in a fluffier cake.
- Properly Measure Flour: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down. Too much flour can make the cake dry and dense.
- Use a Piping Bag for Frosting: If you want to achieve a smooth, professional finish, use a piping bag fitted with a large round tip to apply the frosting. This allows for better control and helps create clean lines.
- Chill the Cake Before Frosting: If your cake layers are slightly uneven, you can refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes before frosting to help them firm up. This will make it easier to apply an even coat of frosting.
- Layering Frosting for Extra Flavor: For a richer frosting flavor, you can add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the frosting for an extra burst of flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Suggestions
Once your Funfetti cake is baked and frosted, there are several fun variations and suggestions to take your cake to the next level:
- Add a Filling: You can make your Funfetti cake even more exciting by adding a sweet filling between the layers. Consider using fruit preserves, a layer of chocolate ganache, or even a creamy custard filling.
- Customize the Sprinkles: If you’re baking this cake for a special occasion, you can use colored sprinkles that match the theme of the party. You could also incorporate shaped sprinkles like stars, hearts, or confetti for a unique look.
- Make Cupcakes: If you prefer individual servings, turn your Funfetti cake batter into cupcakes! Simply spoon the batter into a cupcake tin lined with paper liners, and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Serve with Ice Cream: For a fun and festive dessert experience, serve slices of the Funfetti cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The cold ice cream pairs wonderfully with the soft, moist cake.
- Mix in Other Flavors: While the classic vanilla Funfetti cake is delicious on its own, you can add variety by folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for an additional layer of flavor.
FAQ
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for the best freshness.
- How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking? To prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the cake, toss them in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps the sprinkles stay suspended while the cake bakes.
- Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! While the buttercream frosting is the most common, you can use cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist or whipped cream for a lighter, fluffier topping.
- What should I do if my cake is too dense? If your cake turns out too dense, it might be due to overmixing or not measuring your flour correctly. To avoid this, mix gently and ensure your ingredients are properly measured.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, you can freeze the Funfetti cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
Making a Funfetti cake with colorful sprinkles is a fantastic way to add a fun, festive touch to any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just looking to brighten someone’s day, this cake brings joy and sweetness with every bite. With its vibrant colors, light texture, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to follow the tips and tricks to ensure the cake turns out perfectly, and don’t hesitate to get creative with your sprinkles or frosting. Enjoy baking this fun and delicious treat, and watch how it becomes the star of your next celebration
Print
Delicious Funfetti Cake with Colorful Sprinkles
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups colorful sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as the sprinkles could bleed into the batter if stirred too much.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting:
- Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Once the cakes have cooled completely, place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Add the second layer of cake and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate with the remaining colorful sprinkles on top of the cake for a fun and festive look.