The Ultimate Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe: Perfectly Moist & Irresistibly Delicious
Get ready to bake the most delightful Funfetti cake you’ve ever tasted! This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist, tender crumb, generously studded with colorful sprinkles, and crowned with the creamiest, most delicious vanilla buttercream frosting. It’s truly the perfect centerpiece for any celebration, bringing a burst of joy and flavor to every slice. Whether you’re marking a birthday, an anniversary, or simply craving a taste of happiness, this homemade Funfetti cake is guaranteed to impress.
If you love the playful charm of Funfetti, you might also enjoy these other cherished recipes: our delightful Funfetti Cupcakes, perfect for individual servings, and our rich Funfetti Cheesecake, offering a decadent twist on the classic sprinkle-filled treat.
Why This Funfetti Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this homemade Funfetti cake. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings smiles and cheer. Here’s what makes this recipe truly special:
- Made Entirely From Scratch: Say goodbye to box mixes! This recipe guides you through creating a magnificent cake and frosting entirely from scratch, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The difference in taste and texture is undeniable, offering a superior homemade flavor that mass-produced mixes simply can’t replicate.
- Tender, Super Soft, and Perfectly Sweet Cake: The cake itself boasts an incredibly delicate, soft, and moist texture that practically melts in your mouth. It’s perfectly balanced in sweetness, ensuring it’s not overly cloying but just right to satisfy your dessert cravings without being overwhelming.
- Fluffy and Creamy Buttercream Frosting: The vanilla buttercream frosting is a dream come true. It’s light, airy, and wonderfully creamy, spreading beautifully over the cake. Its rich vanilla flavor perfectly complements the cake, creating a harmonious and utterly delicious combination.
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Don’t let the “from scratch” part intimidate you. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and simple, making it accessible even for novice bakers. With clear, step-by-step instructions, you’ll find the process enjoyable and rewarding.
- Absolutely Delicious Flavor Profile: Every bite is a delightful explosion of classic vanilla cake intertwined with the playful crunch and visual appeal of sprinkles. It’s a nostalgic flavor that appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Convenient Single-Layer Sheet Cake: This recipe is for a single-layer sheet cake (9×13 inches), which means it’s incredibly easy to frost and decorate. There’s no need to worry about stacking multiple layers or intricate piping; simply spread the buttercream generously, add more sprinkles, and you’re done!
Essential Ingredient Notes for Funfetti Success
Using the right ingredients and preparing them correctly is key to achieving that perfect Funfetti cake. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Cake Flour: This is a non-negotiable for achieving a truly tender and soft cake texture. Cake flour is milled from soft wheat, resulting in a much finer, softer, and lighter flour compared to regular all-purpose flour. It has a lower protein content, which leads to less gluten development and, consequently, a more delicate crumb. While you can make a DIY version by adding cornstarch to all-purpose flour, for the best results, I highly recommend using store-bought cake flour for its consistent quality.
- Eggs (Whole Eggs & Egg Whites): You’ll need 2 whole large eggs and 2 large egg whites. The whole eggs contribute richness and moisture, while the extra egg whites ensure a lighter, brighter cake crumb, enhancing that classic “white cake” base flavor. Crucially, make sure all your eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the butter and sugar, creating a smoother batter and a more evenly textured cake.
- Milk (Whole Milk): Use whole milk, and ensure it’s at room temperature. Whole milk adds essential moisture and richness to the batter. Like eggs, room temperature milk integrates seamlessly, preventing the batter from curdling and promoting a consistent texture.
- Sour Cream: Don’t skip this ingredient! Sour cream is a secret weapon for adding incredible moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness without actually making the cake taste “sour.” Its acidity also helps activate the baking soda, contributing to a lighter, fluffier cake. Again, room temperature sour cream is best for smooth incorporation.
- Butter (Unsalted for Cake, Salted for Buttercream): For the cake, use unsalted butter, softened at room temperature. This gives you control over the salt content in your recipe. Softened butter creams beautifully with sugar, creating air pockets that give the cake its light texture. For the buttercream, the recipe calls for salted butter, which helps balance the sweetness of the powdered sugar. Ensure both are softened at room temperature for optimal mixing.
- Almond Extract: This is an optional but highly recommended ingredient. A touch of almond extract elevates the overall flavor profile, adding a subtle depth and a hint of sophistication that complements the vanilla beautifully. If you’re not a fan or don’t have it, simply omit it.
- Sprinkles: The heart of any Funfetti cake! Use your favorite type of sprinkles. Rainbow jimmies are classic for their vibrant colors and ability to hold their shape during baking. Avoid nonpareils as their colors tend to bleed, especially in the batter. Feel free to mix and match colors or shapes to match your celebration theme!
The Magic of Funfetti: A Celebration in Every Bite
What exactly is Funfetti, and why has it captured the hearts of so many? At its core, Funfetti cake is simply a classic buttery vanilla cake infused with a generous amount of colorful sprinkles. It’s more than just a flavor; it’s a feeling – a burst of whimsy and joy in every slice. The sprinkles add not only a festive visual appeal but also a subtle, delightful textural contrast, making each bite a miniature celebration. Originating in the late 1980s, Funfetti quickly became a staple for birthdays and joyous occasions, symbolizing lighthearted fun and youthful exuberance. This homemade version elevates that classic experience, proving that a little bit of magic can be created right in your own kitchen.
Easy Step-By-Step Funfetti Cake Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Properly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. You can use butter and flour, or a non-stick baking spray, ensuring every corner and side is coated to prevent sticking and guarantee an easy release.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is crucial here as it removes any lumps and aerates the flour, contributing to a lighter cake. Once sifted, set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In another large bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, almond extract (if using), and vanilla extract. Continue to mix for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which is vital for the cake’s texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients (Alternating with Dry): Add the 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites to the creamed mixture, mixing until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Next, add the sour cream and mix for just a few seconds until incorporated. Now, it’s time to alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients: add half of the sifted flour mixture to the bowl and mix on low speed until mostly combined. Then, pour in the room temperature milk and mix until just incorporated. Finally, add the remaining flour mixture and mix until well combined, again being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop gluten, leading to a tough cake. Always scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add Sprinkles and Bake: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of your chosen sprinkles with a rubber spatula. Avoid over-mixing the sprinkles to prevent their colors from bleeding into the batter. Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared 9×13 inch pan. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s crucial not to overbake, as this can result in a dry cake.
- Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: While the cake cools, prepare your frosting. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened salted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until the buttercream is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the buttercream seems too stiff, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of whole milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, gently fold in 1/4 cup of sprinkles for that extra festive touch.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the Funfetti cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to frost it. This step is non-negotiable! If the cake is even slightly warm, your beautiful buttercream will melt and slide right off. Once fully cooled, spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the top of the cake.
Top Tips for Funfetti Cake Perfection
Achieving a bakery-quality Funfetti cake at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:
- Do Not Overbake: This is arguably the most critical tip for a moist cake. Even an extra minute in the oven can transform your tender cake into a dry, crumbly disappointment. Start checking for doneness around the 28-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue when it comes to frosting a cake. If the cake is still warm, the heat will melt the buttercream, creating a messy, runny frosting that won’t set properly. Ensure the cake is entirely at room temperature before you even think about applying that delicious frosting.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you add the flour, mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough cake texture instead of the desired light and tender crumb. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key: This tip applies to butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream. Room temperature ingredients emulsify much better, creating a smooth, homogenous batter that traps air more effectively. This leads to a lighter, more evenly textured, and moister cake. Plan ahead and take them out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before you start baking.
- Use Quality Sprinkles: For the best visual effect and to prevent color bleeding, opt for high-quality jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles). Avoid nonpareils (tiny round balls) as their colors tend to bleed easily into the batter and frosting.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For the most accurate measurement, use a kitchen scale. If you don’t have one, spoon the cake flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge. Scooping directly from the bag can compact the flour, leading to too much flour and a dry cake.
Customizing Your Funfetti Cake
While the classic Funfetti is perfect as is, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your cake! You can experiment with different sprinkle combinations to match holiday themes (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter). For a twist on flavor, try adding a touch of lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a brighter cake. You can also tint a portion of the buttercream frosting with food coloring for a multi-colored look, or even add a different extract like lemon or peppermint to the frosting for a distinct flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Storing Your Funfetti Cake for Freshness
To keep your delicious Funfetti cake fresh and moist, proper storage is essential. Place any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. If you plan to freeze it, wrap individual slices or the entire frosted cake (after it has chilled in the fridge for an hour to set the frosting) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. Always ensure the cake is covered to prevent it from drying out.
More Delicious Cake Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed baking and savoring this Funfetti cake, be sure to explore more delightful cake recipes from our collection:
- Moist Banana Cake: A rich and incredibly moist cake bursting with ripe banana flavor.
- Crack Cake: An unbelievably easy and addictive cake that lives up to its name.
- Lemon Bundt Cake: A bright, zesty, and elegant bundt cake perfect for any occasion.
- Chocolate Buttermilk Cake: A deeply rich and decadent chocolate cake with a tender crumb, thanks to buttermilk.
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Funfetti Cake
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Equipment
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Electric mixer
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9×13 baking dish
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Rubber Spatula
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Large Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
For the Funfetti Cake
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour , sifted
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened at room temperature
- 2 large whole eggs , room temperature
- 2 large egg whites , room temperature
- 1 cup whole milk , room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream , room temperature
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar , sifted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream , or more if needed to reach desired consistency
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- salt to taste (if using unsalted butter, add 1/4 tsp)
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles, for frosting, optional
Instructions
For the Funfetti Cake:
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, almond extract (if using), and vanilla extract, then mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Add the 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites, mixing until just combined. Then, add the sour cream and mix for a couple of seconds. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients: add half of the flour mixture, mix on low speed, then pour in the whole milk. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix until just well combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl to ensure a uniform batter.
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Gently fold in 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not overbake!
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
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To make the vanilla buttercream frosting, add 1 cup of softened salted butter to a large bowl and mix until smooth using an electric mixer. Add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined, then increase to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until the buttercream is light and fluffy. If the buttercream is too stiff, add 1-2 tbsp of whole milk, one teaspoon at a time, to loosen it up. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of sprinkles, if desired.
Assembly:
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Allow the Funfetti cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting. Once fully cooled, spread the vanilla buttercream evenly over the top of the cake. Slice and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Don’t overbake the cake for even 1 minute. This is crucial for maintaining its moist and tender texture. Overbaking can quickly lead to a dry and crumbly cake.
- Ensure the cake cools completely before frosting. If you try to frost a warm cake, the buttercream will melt and slide off, creating a messy result. Patience here is key!
- Avoid overmixing the cake batter. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cake tough and dense.
- Enjoy this cake at room temperature. The flavors and textures of both the cake and buttercream are best when not too cold.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, milk, sour cream). They emulsify better and create a smoother, more even batter, leading to a lighter and moister cake.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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