The scent of vanilla wafts through the air as you envision a fluffy, colorful funfetti cake adorned with bright sprinkles. The first bite reveals a moist crumb that dances joyfully on your palate, promising pure happiness in every forkful. This delightful treat is not just a dessert; it’s an invitation to celebrate life’s little moments—whether it’s a birthday bash or simply a Wednesday that needs brightening up.

Growing up, my best friend and I would bake funfetti cakes for any occasion. We’d giggle as we mixed in the vibrant sprinkles, imagining ourselves as baking magicians conjuring happiness from flour and sugar. Who knew that something so simple could evoke such joy? Trust me; once you taste this cake, you’ll understand why it deserves a spot at every festivity
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This funfetti cake is incredibly easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight
- It has a rich vanilla flavor complemented by delightful pops of color
- The stunning presentation makes it perfect for celebrations or just because
- Versatile enough to be customized with different fillings or frostings based on your mood
I remember the time I surprised my family with this funfetti cake for dessert after a long week. Their reactions were priceless—it was the perfect sweet ending they needed
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cake Flour: Use cake flour for a light and airy texture; it’s like giving your cake a cloud-like lift.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; opt for fine sugar to blend well without graininess.
- Baking Powder: Don’t skip this essential leavening agent; it ensures your cake rises beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all flavors—trust me on this one
- Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter creamed until fluffy gives that rich flavor we all love.
- Eggs: Fresh eggs add moisture and structure; they’re the glue holding your masterpiece together.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is non-negotiable; it elevates the flavor profile to heavenly heights.
- Milk: Whole milk keeps the batter moist and tender—your taste buds will thank you
- Rainbow Sprinkles: The star of the show Use high-quality sprinkles for vibrant colors that won’t bleed into the batter.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with butter or cooking spray; line them with parchment paper for easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar Together: In another bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture should look creamy and inviting at this point.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients with Milk: Gradually add your flour mixture to the butter mixture while alternating with milk. Mix gently until just combined; over-mixing can lead to dense results.
Add Rainbow Sprinkles to Batter: Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter—this is where things start getting colorful
Bake Your Masterpiece: Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Once you’ve completed these steps, let your cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks. Now you’re ready for frosting
Enjoy creating memories with every slice of this delightful funfetti cake
You Must Know
- Funfetti cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings joy
- The colorful sprinkles create a festive vibe, making it perfect for any celebration
- Remember, the smell of vanilla and sugar wafting through your kitchen is worth every sprinkle and whisk
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then cream together sugar and butter before adding eggs. This ensures even mixing and fluffy cake texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract if you’re feeling adventurous. You can also add different flavored sprinkles or even chocolate chips for a surprise twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Funfetti cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap or freeze it for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
- Avoid over-mixing once you add flour; this can make your cake dense
- Opt for high-quality sprinkles that won’t bleed color during baking for the best presentation
Baking this Funfetti cake turned out to be such a hit at my niece’s birthday party Watching her face light up when she saw the colorful layers was priceless.
FAQ
What can I substitute for butter in Funfetti cake?
You can use equal parts vegetable oil or unsweetened applesauce as a butter substitute.
Can I make Funfetti cupcakes instead of a cake?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes for cupcakes.
How do I prevent my Funfetti cake from sinking?
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and avoid over-mixing the batter for best results.

Funfetti Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Indulge in this vibrant Funfetti Cake, bursting with colorful sprinkles and rich vanilla flavor, perfect for any celebration or a simple sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined.
- Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (92g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg