Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe

The Happiest Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe for Sweet Celebrations

Baking a delightful funfetti layer cake brings pure joy to any celebration.

Sweet sprinkles dance through soft vanilla layers, creating a magical dessert.

Colorful confetti bits peek from every slice, promising excitement with each bite.

Childhood memories flood back when you see these vibrant, whimsical layers.

Smooth buttercream frosting provides the perfect canvas for rainbow-hued happiness.

Every fork swipe promises a burst of playful flavor and nostalgia.

Prepare to become the star baker who makes everyone smile with this festive treat.

Funfetti Layer Cake for Festive Occasions

  • Burst with Citrus Flavor: Zesty lemon creates a bright, tangy taste that dances on your taste buds, making this pie a refreshing dessert perfect for any gathering.
  • Minimal Prep Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can create a stunning dessert with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for beginner bakers.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The creamy texture and sweet-tart balance appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal treat for family dinners, potlucks, or summer celebrations.
  • No-Fuss Comfort Treat: Minimal ingredients and basic baking techniques ensure anyone can successfully create this delightful pie without stress or complicated techniques.

What to Buy for Funfetti Layer Cake

For the Cake Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.
For the Sweeteners and Moisture:
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and contributes to the cake's moisture and softness.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, soft cake batter.
For the Flavor and Binding:
  • Egg Whites: Help bind the ingredients and create a lighter cake texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cake.
  • Sprinkles: Colorful additions that create the signature funfetti look and add fun texture.
For the Frosting:
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet frosting base.
  • Butter: Provides a creamy texture and rich flavor to the frosting.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps achieve a smooth, spreadable frosting consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, complementary flavor to the frosting.

Easy Steps for Funfetti Layer Cake Success

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F. Grab two 9-inch round cake pans and give them a quick spray with cooking oil, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk these together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like clouds of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Moisture and Flavor

Gently incorporate egg whites one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Splash in vanilla extract for that classic cake aroma.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix gently until everything comes together smoothly without overmixing.

Step 6: Sprinkle in the Fun

Fold in colorful sprinkles, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This is what gives the cake its playful funfetti character.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Slide them into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes.

Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Whip Up the Frosting

Beat butter until it’s creamy and smooth.

Gradually mix in:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream

Blend until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Stack the cooled cake layers, spreading frosting between each layer.

Cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Sprinkle extra colorful sprinkles on top for a festive finish.

Smart Suggestions for Funfetti Layer Cake Lovers

  • Prevent sprinkles from sinking by tossing them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the cake.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk to create a smoother, more consistent cake texture and help ingredients blend perfectly.
  • Add a splash of clear vanilla extract to maintain the bright white color of the frosting while keeping the classic vanilla flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and delicious taste.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing moisture.

Add Variety to Your Funfetti Layer Cake

  • Rainbow Confetti Cake: Replace traditional sprinkles with rainbow-colored jimmies for a vibrant, colorful appearance that pops with each slice.
  • Chocolate Chip Funfetti: Mix mini chocolate chips into the batter alongside the sprinkles for a rich, playful flavor combination.
  • Gluten-Free Party Cake: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the cake accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting Edition: Swap the classic buttercream for a tangy cream cheese frosting that complements the sweet sprinkle-filled cake layers.

Funfetti Layer Cake – A Party Hit Every Time

  • Celebration Cake Delight: Perfect for birthday parties, this colorful layer cake brings instant joy to any gathering. Slice into wedges and watch everyone's eyes light up with excitement.
  • Party Platter Presentation: Arrange cake slices on a festive platter surrounded by additional sprinkles. Add colorful candles or small decorative flags for extra cheer.
  • Dessert Buffet Star: Place the funfetti cake as a centerpiece on a dessert table. Pair with complementary treats like colorful macarons or sugar cookies to create a visually stunning display.
  • Sweet Gift Option: Carefully wrap individual cake slices in clear cellophane with a ribbon. These make delightful take-home treats for guests or a special surprise for friends and family.

Storing Funfetti Layer Cake for Freshness

  • Seal the Funfetti cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover completely to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep the frosted cake covered with a cake dome or loosely tented with plastic wrap at room temperature for 1-2 days. Ensure the storage area is cool and away from direct sunlight.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to add sprinkles to the batter?

Adding sprinkles directly into the cake batter ensures colorful specks throughout the cake, creating a festive and fun texture that’s evenly distributed.

  • Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

While you can use whole eggs, egg whites help create a lighter, fluffier cake texture and keep the cake color bright and consistent.

  • How do I prevent sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the sprinkles in a little flour before folding into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake during baking.

  • What type of sprinkles work best for this recipe?

Use jimmies or rainbow sprinkles, which are rod-shaped and hold their color better during baking compared to other types of sprinkles.

Print
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Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe

Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Funfetti layer cake celebrates classic birthday joy with playful sprinkle-studded layers of sweet nostalgia. Colorful crumbs and creamy frosting promise a delightful dessert experience that sparks childhood memories and brings smiles.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsps baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour. Preheat oven to 350F (175C).
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and airy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate egg whites individually, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth consistency. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredient mixture and milk to the butter mixture, blending gently until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Delicately fold colorful sprinkles into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout without deflating the mixture.
  7. Carefully divide batter between prepared cake pans, spreading smoothly to ensure uniform layers.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
  9. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire cooling rack for complete cooling.
  10. Prepare frosting by whipping butter until creamy and smooth, gradually introducing powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream.
  11. Once cakes are completely cooled, apply frosting between layers and across the entire cake surface.
  12. Garnish the top and sides with additional sprinkles for a festive, colorful finish.

Notes

  • Toss sprinkles in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to prevent color bleeding and distribute evenly throughout the cake.
  • Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent cake texture.
  • Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain cake structure and texture.
  • Replace butter with dairy-free margarine and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 288
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 190 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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