Funfetti cake is a classic celebration dessert that adds a splash of color and joy to any occasion. Originating from the 1980s, this cake features a moist and fluffy vanilla base studded with colorful sprinkles, making it a popular choice for birthdays, anniversaries, and other festive events. Its vibrant appearance and sweet, vanilla flavor make it a crowd-pleaser, especially among kids and those with a sweet tooth. In this guide, we’ll walk you through making a perfect Funfetti cake from scratch, including tips for achieving that light, airy texture and vibrant sprinkle distribution.
Ingredients for Funfetti Cake
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles
- For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
How to Make Funfetti Cake
- Preheat and Prepare Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For even baking, you can also use baking strips around the pans. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps the cake rise evenly. - Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3-4 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air into the batter, helping the cake to rise. - Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the fat and eggs, ensuring a smooth batter. Mix in the vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to a dense cake. - Fold in Sprinkles:
Gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the batter using a spatula. This helps to distribute them evenly without breaking them up too much. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed. - Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking. - Cool the Cakes:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from becoming soggy. - Prepare the Frosting:
For the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium and beat until fluffy. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and spreadable. - Frost and Decorate:
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional sprinkles if desired. For a smoother finish, you can chill the cake briefly before adding the final layer of frosting.
About the Main Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: This versatile flour provides the structure for the cake. Sifting the flour can help to remove lumps and ensure even mixing.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise. It reacts with the liquid in the batter to create air bubbles, which make the cake light and fluffy.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and flavor. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the amount of salt in the recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to create a tender crumb. It also contributes to the browning of the cake.
- Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide moisture. They help to emulsify the fat and create a stable structure.
- Whole Milk: Adds moisture and helps to achieve the right consistency in the batter. Whole milk provides a richer taste compared to lower-fat alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake. Pure vanilla extract is preferred for its richer taste.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: Add a fun, colorful element to the cake. They should be added gently to avoid bleeding colors.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this classic Funfetti cake, perfect for any celebration or simply to brighten up your day!
