The Happiest Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Sweet memories sparkle through this delightful funfetti layer cake that brings childhood joy to every slice.

Colorful sprinkles dance between soft, tender layers of vanilla-kissed goodness.

Birthdays and celebrations become instantly magical with each crumb.

Light and airy textures promise pure happiness in every bite.

Decorative frosting creates a canvas of whimsy and delight.

Baking this cake means crafting moments of pure, sugary bliss.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet spectacular this dessert becomes.

Gather your mixing bowls and let the sprinkle adventure begin!

Ingredients for Funfetti Layer Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A crucial foundation that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy cake texture.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's moisture.

• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a classic, warm flavor to the cake.

• Rainbow Sprinkles: Adds colorful fun and a festive touch to the Funfetti cake.

• Powdered Sugar, Unsalted Butter, Vanilla Extract, Heavy Cream: Create a classic vanilla buttercream for smooth and creamy cake coating.

• Additional Rainbow Sprinkles: Provides extra color and celebratory look to the finished cake.

How to Bake Funfetti Layer Cake

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep Cake Pans

Get your oven roaring hot and coat your cake pans with a generous layer of butter or cooking spray. This ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until they’re fully combined and free of lumps. This creates the perfect base for your fluffy cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a light, airy mixture that looks like soft clouds. Add eggs one at a time, then pour in vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly add your dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Pour in small amounts at a time, gently stirring to keep the batter silky and prevent overmixing.

Step 5: Add Colorful Sprinkles

Carefully fold rainbow sprinkles into the batter, distributing them evenly so every slice will have a burst of color and fun.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter equally between your prepared cake pans.

Slide them into the preheated oven and bake until the cakes turn golden and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cakes to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, spread vanilla buttercream between layers and on the outside. Finish by sprinkling extra colorful sprinkles all over for a festive touch.

Tips for Fluffy Funfetti Layer Cake

• Gently fold sprinkles into the batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain the funfetti effect throughout the cake.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense, tough cake – mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Store cake at room temperature in an airtight container for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake's light and fluffy consistency.

Flavor Variations for Funfetti Layer Cake

• Gluten-Free Rainbow Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add xanthan gum for better texture.
• Vegan Celebration Cake: Swap butter for vegan margarine, use plant-based milk, and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce.
• Low-Sugar Funfetti Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, using less quantity to maintain cake's sweetness.
• Chocolate Funfetti Variation: Add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients and use chocolate sprinkles for a rich, chocolatey version of the classic funfetti cake.

Serving Suggestions for Funfetti Layer Cake

• Birthday Bash Centerpiece: Transform this colorful cake into a stunning party focal point by adding tall candles and a festive cake topper that matches the rainbow sprinkle theme.
• Dessert Bar Delight: Create a playful dessert station with mini cake slices, displaying the funfetti cake alongside coordinating sprinkle-covered cake pops and colorful macarons.
• Picnic Perfect Treat: Pack individual cake slices in cute containers for outdoor gatherings, adding a cheerful burst of color and sweetness to summer potlucks or family reunions.
• Afternoon Tea Surprise: Slice the cake into elegant smaller portions and serve on decorative plates with a side of fresh berries, turning it into a whimsical tea time dessert that delights all ages.

How to Store Funfetti Layer Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping the frosting fresh and soft.
• Refrigerate the cake for 4-5 days by covering it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual cake slices or the whole cake by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen cake in the refrigerator overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving to restore its original texture and taste.

FAQs

• Can I make this cake without sprinkles?

Yes, you can skip the sprinkles, but they add a fun, colorful touch to the cake’s texture and appearance.

• Are rainbow sprinkles the only option?

No, you can use any type of sprinkles like classic jimmies, nonpareils, or confetti sprinkles to create your desired look.

• How do I prevent sprinkles from sinking in the batter?

Toss the sprinkles in a little flour before folding them into the batter to help them stay evenly distributed during baking.

• Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes?

Absolutely! Simply adjust the baking time to 15-18 minutes and use cupcake liners in a muffin tin.

What Makes Funfetti Layer Cake So Festive

• Celebrate with Sprinkles: Transform an ordinary cake into a festive masterpiece bursting with colorful rainbow sprinkles that make every slice a party.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Mix basic pantry ingredients in one bowl, creating a delightful dessert that requires minimal culinary skills and maximum enjoyment.
• Perfect for Special Moments: Ideal for birthdays, kids' parties, or any celebration that calls for a cheerful and delicious centerpiece dessert that brings instant smiles.
• Customizable Fun: Easily adapt the cake by changing sprinkle colors or adding different frosting designs to match any theme or personal preference.

Best Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Funfetti layer cake celebrates classic birthday nostalgia with colorful sprinkle-studded layers of moist vanilla cake. Homemade frosting and festive decorations make this dessert a delightful centerpiece you’ll savor with pure joy.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (310 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10 g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (80 g) rainbow sprinkles

Frosting:

• 1 batch vanilla buttercream frosting

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking equipment by warming the oven to 350°F and coating two 9-inch cake pans with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sift together dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend butter and sugar until light and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in pure vanilla extract.
5. Gradually introduce dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two, mixing until just combined.
6. Delicately fold colorful rainbow sprinkles into the cake batter, distributing evenly without overmixing.
7. Pour batter equally into prepared cake pans, smoothing the surfaces with a spatula.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks.
10. Once completely cooled, apply smooth layers of vanilla buttercream frosting between cake layers and on exterior.
11. Embellish cake top and sides with additional rainbow sprinkles for festive presentation.

Notes

• Prevent sprinkles from sinking by tossing them in a light coating of flour before adding to the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s soft texture and festive appearance.
• Enhance flavor complexity by using clear vanilla extract to keep the cake’s bright white color while adding a subtle depth to the sweetness.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving to restore optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg