funfetti cake recipe
The Best funfetti cake recipe
The thing I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can make it for little kidsā parties, for a birthday, or even just for yourself if youāre craving something light yet indulgent. And the best part? Itās got a little something for everyoneāwhether youāre watching your sugar intake or just want a treat thatās not too heavy. The funfetti sprinkles add that extra burst of color and fun, and the cake itself is soft and fluffy, not too dense, so itās not overwhelming. Plus, itās got those little bits of rainbow flavor that make it feel special, even if itās just sitting on the counter. And honestly? Itās a great way to get kids eating healthier without them even realizing itājust a little extra color and joy in every bite.

Classic Funfetti Cake Recipe
A delightful vanilla cake infused with colorful sprinkles, perfect for celebrations and special occasions. This recipe ensures a moist, fluffy texture with vibrant funfetti sprinkles for a festive touch.
š„Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) granulated sugar
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (120g) rainbow sprinkles
- 1 cup (120g) white chocolate chips
- ½ cup (60g) mini chocolate chips
- 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (900g) powdered sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) heavy cream
šØāš³Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9Ć13-inch pan with parchment paper. -
2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. -
3
In another bowl, combine milk, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix until well combined. -
4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix. -
5
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. -
6
While cakes cool, prepare the funfetti mix by combining rainbow sprinkles, white chocolate chips, and mini chocolate chips in a bowl. -
7
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream until fluffy. -
8
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a thin layer of frosting on the bottom of each cake pan. Place the cakes together (right sides up) and frost the top evenly with the remaining frosting. Use a piping bag to pipe funfetti mix onto the top of the cake in a decorative pattern. -
9
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to set the frosting.
š§Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- Cake pans (two 9-inch round or one 9Ć13-inch rectangular)
- Piping bag or ziplock bag with corner cut off
- Spatula
- Cool rack
šNutrition Facts (per serving)
šNotes
- For a lighter option, reduce the amount of butter and oil in the frosting, or use a vegan butter alternative.
- Ensure sprinkles are added while the frosting is still soft for better adherence.
- This recipe can be customized with additional colors or flavors by mixing different types of sprinkles or adding extracts like almond or lemon.
Watch Video Of How Classic Funfetti Cake Recipe Works
ā Frequently Asked Questions About Funfetti Cake
1. What is the main difference between Funfetti cake and a regular vanilla cake?
Funfetti cake is a festive variation of vanilla cake that incorporates colorful sprinkles into the batter, giving it a vibrant, playful appearance. The sprinkles are typically mixed into the batter before baking, and the cake will have a slightly denser texture compared to a traditional vanilla cake because of the added dry ingredients from the sprinkles. The flavor remains vanilla-based, but the visual appeal and fun factor make it stand out!
ā
2. Can I use store-bought vanilla cake mix for this recipe, and if so, what adjustments should I make?
Yes, you can use store-bought vanilla cake mix! To adapt it for Funfetti cake, youāll need to replace the mixās liquid ingredients with a combination of milk and water (or a mix like ½ cup milk + ½ cup water) to account for the extra dry ingredients from the sprinkles. Also, add the sprinkles directly to the batter before mixing in the eggs and folding them in gently. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake moist and tender.
ā
3. How do I ensure the sprinkles stay intact while baking and donāt turn into a crumbly mess?
To keep the sprinkles intact, use a high-quality, non-gelatin-based sprinkle mix (like those with cornstarch or arrowroot powder). Avoid using too many sprinklesāstart with ½ to 1 cup per layerāsince they can absorb moisture and make the cake dense. Pre-mix the sprinkles with 1ā2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch before adding them to the batter to help them bind. Also, use a gentle folding motion when incorporating them to avoid breaking them apart.
ā
4. Can I make Funfetti cake ahead of time, and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare Funfetti cake in advance! Bake and cool completely, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to freeze it, let it cool completely, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. For best texture, avoid freezing the batter before bakingāit can make the cake gummy.
ā Classic vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting works beautifully with Funfetti cake, but for extra fun, try a rainbow buttercream (mix different colored frostings) or a matcha white chocolate frosting for a modern twist. Another idea is to use a coffee buttercream to complement the cakeās vanilla base. For a lighter option, swirl in whipped cream or use a cream cheese frosting with a sprinkle of edible glitter for a shimmering effect!
