Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe – Soft, Colorful Birthday Cake

Funfetti Cake – Few desserts bring as much joy, color, and nostalgia as a classic Funfetti cake. Known for its bright rainbow sprinkles baked right into a soft vanilla cake, this delightful treat is a festive favorite for birthdays, celebrations, and parties of all kinds.

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The cake’s origin can be traced back to boxed mixes that became popular in the late 20th century, but nothing compares to the taste and texture of a homemade version. Making Funfetti cake from scratch gives you control over the flavors, ingredients, and quality—resulting in a moist, buttery crumb bursting with vibrant sprinkles and topped with rich, creamy frosting.

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American

• Course: Dessert / Celebration Cake

• Servings: 12

• Calories: Approx. 360 per slice

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Active Baking Time: 30 minutes

• Resting/Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Equipment Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans

• Mixing bowls

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

• Spatula

• Parchment paper

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Whisk

• Cooling rack

• Offset spatula for frosting

Ingredients

For the Funfetti Cake

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1¾ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

• ½ cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles (not nonpareils)

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• Pinch of salt

• Extra sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

1. Prepare Baking Pans

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

2. Grease two 9-inch cake pans.

3. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.

4. Lightly dust with flour.

This prevents sticking and ensures smooth, even cake layers.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. Set aside.

This prevents clumping and distributes the leavening evenly.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In another large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar.

2. Cream on medium-high speed for 4–5 minutes.

3. The mixture should look pale, fluffy, and aerated.

Proper creaming leads to a lighter, tender cake.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add the eggs one at a time.

2. Beat after each addition until fully combined.

3. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Do not rush this step—proper incorporation ensures a smooth batter.

5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.

2. Pour in half of the buttermilk.

3. Mix on low speed until just combined.

4. Add the remaining dry ingredients and buttermilk.

5. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.

A soft, thick batter ensures the sprinkles stay suspended rather than sinking.

6. Fold in Sprinkles

1. Add the rainbow sprinkles.

2. Use a spatula to gently fold them into the batter.

3. Avoid overmixing, which can cause sprinkles to bleed their color.

Use “Jimmy’s” sprinkles only, as nonpareils dissolve too easily.

7. Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

2. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

3. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

4. The cakes should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.

8. Cool Completely

1. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes.

2. Run a knife around the edges.

3. Turn out onto a cooling rack.

4. Remove parchment and cool completely for 1 hour before frosting.

A cool cake prevents frosting from melting.

9. Prepare the Vanilla Buttercream

1. Beat the softened butter until creamy.

2. Add powdered sugar gradually on low speed.

3. Add vanilla, salt, and cream or milk.

4. Mix until light, smooth, and fluffy.

Adjust consistency with more cream (looser) or powdered sugar (thicker).

10. Assemble and Frost

1. Place one cake layer on a serving stand.

2. Spread a thick layer of vanilla buttercream.

3. Add the second cake layer.

4. Frost the top and sides of the cake.

5. Smooth using an offset spatula.

6. Decorate with additional sprinkles for a bright, festive finish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Approx. 12 servings)

Tips for the Best Funfetti Cake

1. Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk

Ensures proper mixing and a smooth batter.

2. Use only “jimmies” sprinkles

These hold their color during baking.

3. Avoid overmixing after adding flour

Keeps the cake soft and fluffy.

4. Measure ingredients accurately

Too much flour causes dryness.

5. Cool the cake fully before frosting

Prevents melting and sliding.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with ice cream for parties.

• Top with whipped cream instead of buttercream for a lighter version.

• Add fresh berries on top for contrast.

• Use themed colored sprinkles for holidays.

Conclusion

Funfetti cake is a celebration in every slice—soft, colorful, cheerful, and irresistibly delicious. This homemade recipe creates a moist and flavorful vanilla cake enhanced with vibrant sprinkles and topped with luscious buttercream frosting.