Homemade Funfetti Cake is that unforgettable treat you crave during celebrations, or honestly, anytime you want something cheerful. With its colorful sprinkles and fluffy cake, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re gathering for a birthday, holiday, or just because, the vibrant bursts of color from the sprinkles evoke pure happiness. Each bite promises a delightful mix of sweet, buttery cake with unexpected little surprises of rainbow joy.
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My love for Funfetti Cake began in my childhood, particularly during birthday parties when it was the main event on the dessert table. The cake always stole the spotlight, and I remember anxiously waiting for the moment when we could cut it and reveal those colorful sprinkles hidden within. This homemade version is easy and incredibly satisfying to make, perfect for any occasion, and nothing beats the taste of freshly baked goodness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 70 minutes, this cake makes baking a breeze!
- Irresistible Flavor: A moist and tender cake, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of sprinkles.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The fun colors and festive charm make it perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Great for birthdays, holidays, or even weekday pick-me-ups with coffee.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easy to modify for gluten-free or dairy-free diets, making it inclusive for all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (248g): This is the base for achieving the perfect cake structure. Use a kitchen scale for accurate measuring.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is essential for making the cake rise beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors, making your cake taste complete.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (226g): Adding richness and moisture to the cake; always make sure it’s slightly cooled before mixing.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (300g): Sweetness is key; feel free to reduce slightly for a less sweet version.
- 4 large eggs: They bind the cake together and add fluffiness—take them out of the fridge beforehand for room temperature usage!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla adds depth of flavor; the better the vanilla, the better your cake.
- 1 cup buttermilk (237ml): This keeps the cake moist; you can substitute with milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice for a quick homemade buttermilk.
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (225g): A cake isn’t a Funfetti Cake without sprinkles! Use jimmies for the best results, as they don’t bleed color as much.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (226g): For a creamy frosting that spreads beautifully.
- 4 cups powdered sugar (452g): This sweetens and thickens our frosting; make sure to sift for a smoother texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adding a hint of vanilla to the frosting really rounds out the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
- 2-5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (30-75ml): This helps to create a smooth consistency for your frosting; adjust to reach your desired thickness.
- ½ cup sprinkles plus more for topping: Because why not add even more fun?
How to Make Funfetti Cake
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and ¾ teaspoon salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
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Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
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Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then blend in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the buttermilk and flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on medium-high speed. Start and end with the buttermilk, mixing just until combined, and remember to scrape the sides of the bowl. Finally, fold in 1 cup of sprinkles.
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Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
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Cool completely: After baking, let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
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Make the frosting: In a big bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter using a hand or stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add in the 4 cups powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until you get a crumbly mixture.
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Add flavors: Mix in the 1 teaspoon vanilla and ½ teaspoon salt, then add in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until smooth, adding more cream until your desired consistency is reached. Gently fold in the additional ½ cup of sprinkles.
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Frost the cake: Frost your cooled cake generously using an offset spatula, making it as neat or funky as you prefer. Top with more sprinkles for that extra festive touch!
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Serve and store: Store the cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days, but trust me, it won’t last that long!
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Funfetti Cake fresh, store it loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week in an airtight container. You can even freeze it for up to 3 months; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Keep in mind that the cake’s texture may change slightly, but it’s still delicious!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Always make sure that your eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure a better texture.
- Measuring flour properly: Avoid scooping flour directly from the container; use a spoon to fluff it up, then spoon it into your measuring cup for accuracy.
- Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to prevent a dense cake.
- Test for doneness properly: Insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done!
- Make-ahead option: You can make the cake a day ahead; just frost it the next day for an even fresher taste.
Finding joy in baking this fun and cheerful Funfetti Cake brings smiles to faces and satisfies dessert cravings. The way the sprinkles pop against the soft, buttery cake is simply irresistible! I encourage you to make this delightful treat the next time you want to celebrate life’s little moments or even just because. Enjoy every colorful, fluffy bite!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Using cake flour can give your Funfetti Cake an even lighter texture. Just replace the all-purpose flour with the same amount of cake flour, and you’re all set!
How do I store leftover cake properly?
Store uneaten cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead without frosting and keep it covered at room temperature. Frost it just before serving for best results.
What frosting works best with Funfetti Cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream frosting pairs perfectly with this cake, but feel free to get creative! A cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache can also taste amazing. Just ensure it complements the sweet flavor of the cake.
Print
Funfetti Cake
This Funfetti Cake is a joyful treat, featuring a tender crumb filled with colorful sprinkles. Perfect for birthday celebrations or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s made with simple ingredients and sure to impress anyone searching for an easy, homemade dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (237ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (225g) rainbow sprinkles
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (452g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2–5 tablespoons (30-75ml) heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup (112g) sprinkles plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the buttermilk, alternating with the dry ingredients, starting and ending with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined and scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients. Stir in the rainbow sprinkles.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until a crumbly mixture forms. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt, then add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and continue mixing until smooth. Adjust consistency with more cream if needed, and stir in additional sprinkles.
- Frost the cooled cake and top it with more sprinkles. Use an offset spatula for easy frosting. Store the cake loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
Ensure the butter is melted for the cake but softened for the frosting, as they require different textures.
Feel free to substitute the buttermilk with a mixture of milk and vinegar if needed.
This recipe can also be adapted to make cupcakes or layer cakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 43g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg






