Funfetti Cake Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and a love for colorful celebrations, this Funfetti Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a brilliant, joyful twist on classic vanilla cake, studded with vibrant rainbow sprinkles that turn each slice into a little party. Moist, fluffy, and decadently frosted with a creamy buttercream, this cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or anytime you want to brighten your day with a slice of happiness. Dive into this Funfetti Cake Recipe and discover how simple ingredients come together to create such a memorable treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients ready for this Funfetti Cake Recipe is straightforward, and each one plays an essential role. From the richness of the butter to the lively pop of rainbow sprinkles, these basics come together to deliver that perfect texture and taste that makes this cake so irresistible.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a light, tender crumb; cake flour can be substituted for extra softness.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for that fluffy texture.
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda: Adds additional lift and ensures a tender crumb.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture, making the cake buttery and soft.
• 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and contributes to a tender crumb.
• 6 egg whites (room temperature): Provide structure and lightness without heaviness.
• 1½ cups milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
• ¾ teaspoon almond extract: Offers a gentle, nutty warmth that complements the sprinkles fantastically.
• 1½ cups rainbow sprinkles: The star of the show that adds playful pops of color and texture inside the cake.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting, room temperature): Creates a creamy base for the frosting that’s rich and smooth.
• 1 cup vegetable shortening: Ensures stability in the frosting while keeping it light and fluffy.
• 5½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting with a silky texture.
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (room temperature): Adds creaminess and helps achieve a spreadable consistency.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the frosting’s flavor by balancing sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Deepens the frosting’s sweet profile.
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty undertone to the frosting.
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (for topping): Finishes the cake with a festive, colorful flourish.

How to Make Funfetti Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms up, line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and give them a light spray of baking spray. This prep step ensures your cakes bake evenly and come out perfectly without sticking. It might feel small, but it’s crucial!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. These dry ingredients form the base of your cake and help it rise to light perfection. Whisking them together ensures every bite has that perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the 1½ cups of butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes. This step is where the magic begins: you’re incorporating air so your cake will be tender and fluffy. The butter’s creaminess combined with the sugar’s granules create that light, melt-in-your-mouth structure.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Once your butter and sugar are gloriously fluffy, add the egg whites, milk, and almond extract to the mix. Beat everything together for about a minute. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor, forming that smooth, luscious batter you’ll soon pour into your pans. The almond extract is a subtle star here, adding character without overpowering.

Step 5: Combine and Fold in Sprinkles

Now, gently whisk the dry ingredients into your wet mixture just until combined – overmixing can toughen the batter, so be gentle! The final touch: fold in the 1½ cups of rainbow sprinkles with care. This step fills your batter with bursts of color and a playful crunch that define the Funfetti experience.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared pans, about 977 grams each for precision. Place both in your preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean or with moist crumbs. This step transforms your batter into two beautifully baked, vibrant cake layers. After baking, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Make the Frosting

While your cakes cool, prepare the frosting by combining all frosting ingredients—unsalted butter, vegetable shortening, powdered sugar, heavy cream, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract—in your mixer’s bowl. Beat on low for one minute to incorporate the powdered sugar, then crank up the speed to high to whip the frosting for 4-6 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and irresistible. Fill a piping bag with about ¾ cup of frosting and set aside.

Step 8: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cooled cake layer on your cake stand or plate. Spread a generous ¾ cup of frosting evenly over it, then top with the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides, creating a neat wall of icing around the edges. With an offset spatula held at a 45-degree angle, gently pull the frosting wall towards the center to form a lovely design. Don’t forget to sprinkle the top with the reserved ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles and pipe decorative frosting swirls around the cake’s edge for that final festive touch!

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy!

With your Funfetti Cake Recipe fully assembled and decorated, slice into pieces and serve. Each bite bursts with colorful sprinkles, moist cake, and creamy frosting that’s sure to make everyone smile.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Top your Funfetti Cake with extra sprinkles as shown or try edible glitter for some sparkle. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries can add a pop of color and a slight tartness that balances the sweetness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cold glass of milk for pure comfort or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream to elevate the celebration. For an adult twist, a cup of rich coffee or a glass of dessert wine pairs beautifully with the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn slices into fun mini-cupcake trifles layered with whipped cream and sprinkles in clear glasses for a playful twist. Or, create a cake pops version of this Funfetti Cake Recipe by crumbling baked cake with frosting, shaping into balls, and dipping in white chocolate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, letting pieces come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake layers by wrapping them in plastic wrap and then foil, storing in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before frosting.

Reheating

Because this cake is best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you don’t want to reheat it like traditional desserts. However, letting refrigerated cake slices sit out for 30 minutes softens the texture perfectly without the need for warming.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Yes, although this Funfetti Cake Recipe calls for egg whites to keep the cake light and fluffy. Using whole eggs will make the cake a bit denser and richer, which some might enjoy. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Classic rainbow jimmies are ideal because they hold their shape and color during baking. Avoid nonpareils or metallic sprinkles since they may melt or bleed color into the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your baking powder and sprinkles are also gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor will still shine through.

How do I prevent sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?

Coating sprinkles lightly with flour before folding them into the batter can help keep them suspended evenly throughout the cake layers, ensuring every bite has colorful fun.

Is the almond extract necessary?

While optional, almond extract adds a subtle warmth and depth that elevates the cake’s flavor. You can omit it or substitute with a vanilla extract, but the almond is a lovely twist worth trying.

Final Thoughts

This Funfetti Cake Recipe is one of those joyful, crowd-pleasing desserts that brings a smile with every bite and adds a burst of color to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or treating yourself, this cake’s lightness, sweetness, and fun sprinkles make it an absolute winner. I encourage you to dive in, have fun with it, and savor every delicious slice!

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