Funfetti Cake

Around here, celebrations do not always come with formal invitations. Sometimes it is a calendar reminder scribbled on the fridge, a last minute text from a neighbor, or a child announcing at breakfast that today is a special day.

I have seen birthdays celebrated at the park with paper plates, after school wins marked with cupcakes, and rainy Sundays turn festive just because everyone was finally home at the same time. Those moments tend to call for something cheerful rather than complicated.

One afternoon like that, the kitchen slowly filled with noise and color. Someone sorted sprinkles by shade at the counter, another kept checking the oven light, and music played just loud enough to dance around the bowls. Butter softened while pans were greased, and the house felt lighter already. Funfetti has a way of setting the tone before the cake even goes in the oven.

As the batter came together, bright dots scattered through pale vanilla like confetti frozen in place. It felt playful without being messy, familiar without feeling plain. This cake was never about perfection or layers stacked just right. It was about bringing something joyful to the table and watching everyone lean in a little closer once the frosting went on.

Short Description

Funfetti Cake is a soft vanilla layer cake filled with colorful sprinkles and topped with a classic buttercream frosting, perfect for birthdays, casual celebrations, and everyday moments worth sweetening.

Key Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles

Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles for decorating

Tools Needed

• Two 9 inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling racks

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pans
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9 inch round cake pans, making sure the sides are well coated so the cakes release easily.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside so everything is ready to go.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The mixture should look pale and airy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. If the batter looks thick, stop mixing and scrape the bowl rather than overworking it.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the batter using a spatula. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tops spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool fully before frosting.

Step 9: Make the Frosting
Beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough cream to reach a soft, spreadable consistency.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate
Spread frosting between the cake layers and over the top and sides. Finish with a generous sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft, tender crumb with classic vanilla flavor

Simple ingredients found in most kitchens

Bright and cheerful presentation

Easy to decorate with minimal effort

Suitable for many occasions beyond birthdays

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overmixing the batter
This can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
Solution: Mix just until ingredients are combined.

Using cold butter
Cold butter does not cream properly.
Solution: Let butter soften fully at room temperature.

Overbaking the cakes
Dry layers lose their appeal quickly.
Solution: Check doneness early and remove once set.

Frosting warm cake layers
Warm cakes cause frosting to melt.
Solution: Allow cakes to cool completely before decorating.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a glass of cold milk

Pair with fresh fruit for balance

Slice into small pieces for party tables

Present family style on a simple cake stand

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days

Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container

Bring chilled cake to room temperature before serving

Avoid reheating to preserve texture

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the layers a day ahead and frost before serving.

2. Can I use nonpareil sprinkles?
Jimmies work best, as nonpareils may bleed color.

3. Can I bake this in a single pan?
Yes, use a 9 by 13 inch pan and adjust baking time to 35 to 40 minutes.

4. Can I reduce the sugar?
Reducing sugar may affect texture, so changes should be minimal.

5. Can I freeze the cake layers?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Tips & Tricks

Measure flour accurately for best texture

Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter

Chill frosting slightly if it feels too soft

Level cake layers before stacking for a neat finish

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Funfetti Cake: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder and keep sprinkles the same.

Lemon Funfetti Cake: Add 1 tbsp lemon zest to the batter and swap vanilla frosting for lemon buttercream.

Sheet Cake Version: Bake in a single pan and frost directly for casual gatherings.

Cupcake Style: Divide batter into lined muffin tins and bake 18 to 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Funfetti Cake has a way of brightening a room without any big announcement. It works for birthdays and planned gatherings, but it also feels right on quiet days when something cheerful is needed. Those little bursts of color often pull people toward the kitchen before anyone even calls them over.

I keep bakes like this in rotation because they fit easily into real life. The steps are straightforward, the mood stays light, and the smiles come naturally. When plates are set back on the counter with a few crumbs and smears of frosting, it feels like the day wrapped up on a warm and easy note.