Funfetti Cake is a timeless celebration cake that never fails to bring joy and excitement to any occasion. Known for its colorful sprinkles mixed into the cake batter, Funfetti Cake is a visual and flavorful delight that appeals to both kids and adults. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special event, or simply want to add a bit of fun to your dessert table, this cake is perfect for the job.
The beauty of Funfetti Cake lies not just in its playful appearance but also in its moist, tender crumb and delightful vanilla flavor. This cake is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of frostings, from classic buttercream to cream cheese frosting, and decorated to suit any theme or occasion.
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create a Funfetti Cake that is both delicious and visually stunning. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of creativity, you’ll have a cake that’s sure to be the highlight of your celebration.
Ingredients for Funfetti Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (for decoration)
For the Cake Assembly:
- Additional sprinkles for garnish
- Optional: edible glitter or other cake decorations
How to Make Funfetti Cake
- Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. This helps to prevent the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate the eggs evenly into the batter.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cake.
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a spatula or wooden spoon. The sprinkles should be evenly distributed throughout the batter without being overworked.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Once all the powdered sugar is added, increase the speed to medium and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until well combined. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Assemble and Frost the Cake:
- If needed, level the tops of the cakes using a serrated knife or cake leveler to ensure an even surface.
- Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) over the entire cake to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- After chilling, apply the final layer of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. Decorate the cake with additional rainbow sprinkles and any other desired decorations.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cake is fully frosted and decorated, slice and serve. Enjoy the vibrant and festive Funfetti Cake with friends and family!
About the Main Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: This staple ingredient provides the structure and texture for the cake. It creates a tender crumb when combined with the other ingredients.
- Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy. It reacts with the wet ingredients to create carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the cake to expand.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. It also helps to create a tender texture when creamed with sugar.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to achieve a light and fluffy texture in the cake.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the structure and moisture of the cake. They also help in the rising process.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.
- Whole Milk: Contributes moisture and richness to the cake batter, helping to create a smooth and tender crumb.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: Provide a fun, colorful touch to the cake. They add a playful element and are evenly distributed throughout the batter for a festive look.
This Ultimate Funfetti Cake Recipe is perfect for any celebration, bringing joy and a burst of color to your dessert table. With its soft, moist layers and vibrant sprinkles, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful cake!