Funfetti Birthday Cake

Funfetti Birthday Cake is a classic celebration dessert that never fails to bring smiles. With a soft, moist vanilla cake studded with colorful sprinkles and topped with fluffy frosting, this cake is a festive treat for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that calls for joy. Its cheerful appearance alone makes it irresistible, and the sweet, buttery flavor with bursts of sprinkles in every bite makes it a crowd favorite.

This homemade version is not only more flavorful than boxed mixes but also customizable. From the type of frosting to additional decorations, making a Funfetti cake from scratch adds a personal, celebratory touch that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s bright, fun, and perfect for celebrations. It’s simple enough to make at home yet impressive enough to serve at parties. The cake is soft and tender, and the sprinkles inside make every slice festive and cheerful. Plus, the aroma while baking is pure happiness in the kitchen!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this cake because:

✔ Perfect for birthdays and celebrations
✔ Moist and tender texture
✔ Fun and colorful sprinkles inside and out
✔ Easy to customize with frosting and toppings
✔ Brings joy and nostalgia to every bite

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	20 minutes
Cooking Time	25–30 minutes per cake layer
Total Time	1 hour (including cooling)
Servings	12–16 slices
Cuisine	American
Course	Dessert
Calories	~400 calories per slice (with frosting)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Optional: additional sprinkles for decoration

Cooking Directions (Summary)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients separately.
3. Cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
4. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk.
5. Fold in sprinkles gently.
6. Pour into pans and bake 25–30 minutes.
7. Cool completely before frosting.
8. Make frosting and spread or pipe on cake.
9. Decorate with extra sprinkles.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles using a spatula.

Step 7: Bake

Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Cool cakes in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks until completely cooled.

Step 9: Make Frosting

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost and Decorate

Spread frosting evenly between layers and over the top and sides. Decorate with additional sprinkles.

How to Serve

Serve slices on their own or with:

• Fresh berries
• Whipped cream
• Ice cream

Perfect for birthdays, parties, or celebratory gatherings.

Recipe Tips

• Use jimmies or classic sprinkles—nonpareils can bleed color into the batter.
• Do not overmix after adding sprinkles to prevent color streaking.
• Ensure cake is completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting.
• For a taller cake, bake in three layers or use a 9×13 pan.

Variations

Chocolate Funfetti

Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.

Strawberry Funfetti

Add ½ cup finely chopped strawberries and 1 tsp strawberry extract.

Lemon Funfetti

Add 1 tbsp lemon zest and 1 tsp lemon extract for a citrusy version.

Vegan Version

Replace eggs with flax eggs, butter with vegan butter, and milk with plant-based milk.

Freezing & Storage

Method	Time
Room Temperature	2 days (covered)
Refrigerator	4–5 days
Freezer (unfrosted layers)	Up to 3 months
Freezer (frosted cake)	Up to 1 month (well wrapped)

Tip: Thaw frozen cake at room temperature before serving. Frost after thawing for best results.

Special Equipment Needed

• Two 8-inch round cake pans (or 9×13-inch pan)
• Mixing bowls and whisk/spatula
• Electric mixer (stand or hand)
• Wire racks for cooling
• Offset spatula for frosting

Conclusion

Funfetti Birthday Cake is a classic, cheerful, and utterly delightful dessert perfect for celebrating life’s special moments. Soft, moist, and packed with colorful sprinkles, it’s fun to make, fun to serve, and fun to eat. With easy-to-follow steps, simple ingredients, and endless customization possibilities, this cake is sure to become your go-to for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that deserves a sweet celebration.