Welcome to the ultimate guide for baking a truly spectacular homemade Funfetti Cake, perfectly designed to bring joy and color to any celebration! Forget bland store-bought options; this recipe promises a delightful, three-layered masterpiece that is incredibly moist, wonderfully fluffy, and bursting with vibrant rainbow sprinkles. But what truly sets this Funfetti cake apart is its luxurious, tangy cream cheese frosting, a delightful twist that elevates the classic birthday cake experience. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, buttery cake and rich, creamy frosting, making it an unforgettable treat for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for a touch of edible sparkle.
There’s something uniquely magical about a homemade Funfetti birthday cake, a dessert that instantly evokes feelings of nostalgia and celebration. This particular recipe takes the beloved Funfetti concept to new heights, featuring a buttery cake base infused with pure vanilla extract. We’ve specifically chosen clear vanilla extract to ensure the cake maintains its pristine, bright white color, allowing the rainbow sprinkles to truly pop and create that signature festive look. This attention to detail results in a cake that’s not just delicious but also a feast for the eyes.
While many Funfetti cakes often feature a simple vanilla buttercream, our recipe dares to be different, embracing the irresistible allure of cream cheese frosting. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake, creating a more sophisticated and incredibly satisfying flavor profile that will have everyone asking for a second slice. This thoughtful pairing ensures a balance of flavors that prevents the cake from being overly sweet, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
If you’re a fan of whimsical, sprinkle-filled desserts, you’ll love exploring other recipes like our Mini Funfetti Cheesecakes, the incredibly Chewy Birthday Cake Cookies, or our charming Mini Layered Cake for smaller celebrations. These treats offer similar festive vibes and are perfect for expanding your repertoire of joyful baking.
Why This Funfetti Cake Recipe Stands Out
Our Funfetti cake recipe isn’t just another cake; it’s a carefully crafted experience designed to deliver maximum delight. Here’s why this particular recipe will become your go-to for all celebrations:
- Spectacular Three-Layer Funfetti Cake Design: This recipe yields three perfectly baked, moist Funfetti cake layers. Baking in 8-inch cake pans ensures substantial, visually impressive layers, providing the ideal cake-to-frosting ratio for a truly decadent experience. The distinct layers create a stunning presentation when sliced, revealing the delightful sprinkle explosion within.
- Irresistible Cream Cheese Frosting: Moving beyond traditional buttercream, our recipe features a rich, creamy, and subtly tangy cream cheese frosting. The bright, slightly tart notes from the cream cheese perfectly cut through the sweetness of the Funfetti cake, creating an exquisitely balanced flavor profile that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This unique frosting makes the cake taste incredibly gourmet yet comforting.
- The Ultimate Celebration Cake: Whether it’s a birthday bash, an anniversary, or simply a desire to add some cheer to your day, this Funfetti cake is the perfect choice. The vibrant, colorful sprinkles embedded throughout the cake layers and generously dusted on top instantly scream “party!” It’s a visually stunning dessert that brings smiles and creates lasting memories.
- Unmatched Soft and Moist Texture: We’ve meticulously developed this Funfetti cake recipe to guarantee an incredibly soft, tender, and moist crumb with every bite. The combination of specific fats and dairy ingredients, along with precise mixing techniques, ensures a cake that remains tender and flavorful for days, avoiding any dryness often associated with homemade cakes.
Essential Ingredient Insights
Understanding the role of each ingredient is key to baking this sensational Funfetti cake. Below are detailed notes to help you achieve the best possible results. For a complete list of quantities, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Unsalted Butter (for cake): Using unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in your cake. For the cake layers, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature (pull it out about 2 hours before baking). This is crucial for proper creaming with sugar, which incorporates air and creates a light, fluffy cake texture.
- Unsalted Butter (for frosting): For the cream cheese frosting, the butter should be slightly cold but still pliable. Remove it from the fridge approximately 30 minutes before use. This helps in achieving a stable and perfectly creamy frosting consistency.
- Oil (Canola or Vegetable): A small amount of neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil is added to the cake batter to contribute extra moisture and tenderness that butter alone cannot provide. It ensures a truly moist crumb and helps the cake stay fresh longer.
- Clear Vanilla Extract: This is an imitation vanilla extract designed to keep baked goods white, allowing the vibrant colors of the sprinkles to stand out without any yellowing. While pure vanilla extract can be used, it will slightly tint the cake batter. The clear variety also often has a sweeter, more pronounced vanilla aroma.
- Full-Fat Sour Cream: An essential ingredient for moisture, richness, and a delicate tang that beautifully complements the cake’s sweetness. Make sure it’s at room temperature (take it out 2 hours before baking) for smooth incorporation into the batter.
- Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure, richness, and act as a leavening agent. Like sour cream, ensure your large eggs are at room temperature (take them out 2 hours before baking). Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a more uniform and tender cake crumb.
- Full-Fat or Reduced-Fat Buttermilk: Buttermilk is acidic, which reacts with baking soda to create lift and tenderness in the cake. It also contributes to the cake’s moistness and delicate flavor. Bring it to room temperature (2 hours prior) for optimal mixing.
- Rainbow Jimmie Sprinkles: This is a critical note for Funfetti success! Always opt for Jimmie sprinkles (the rod-shaped ones) as they are less prone to bleeding their colors into the cake batter during baking. Avoid nonpareil sprinkles (the tiny ball-shaped ones) as they tend to bleed excessively, turning your beautiful white cake into a murky mess.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the most delicious and stable cream cheese frosting, use full-fat block cream cheese, not the spreadable kind from a tub. It must be softened to room temperature (remove 2 hours before use) to ensure a lump-free, smooth, and creamy frosting texture.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar is crucial for a smooth frosting. Always sift your powdered sugar before adding it to the cream cheese frosting mixture to prevent any gritty texture or lumps.
- Heavy Cream (for frosting): A small amount of heavy cream helps achieve a truly fluffy and spreadable consistency for the cream cheese frosting, ensuring it’s light yet rich.
Smart Ingredient Substitutions
Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have every ingredient on hand. Here are some reliable substitutions to ensure you can still bake this fantastic Funfetti cake:
- Oil: While canola or vegetable oil is recommended for a neutral flavor and light color, you can use a light-flavored olive oil in a pinch. However, be aware that it might impart a subtle olive oil flavor and slightly alter the cake’s color.
- Sour Cream: If sour cream isn’t available, an equal amount of plain, full-fat yogurt (like Greek yogurt) can be used. It will provide similar moisture and tanginess, though the texture might vary slightly.
- Buttermilk: No buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make your own. Simply measure 1 cup of regular milk (whole or 2%) and stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly before using.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Alternative: If cream cheese isn’t your preference, you can adapt the frosting to a classic vanilla buttercream. To do this, increase the unsalted butter to 2 cups (room temperature) and reduce the powdered sugar to 6 cups. Beat butter until fluffy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and a tablespoon or two of milk or heavy cream until desired consistency is reached.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting the Perfect Funfetti Cake Layers
Creating these vibrant cake layers is a straightforward process, achievable with either a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer. Precision in each step ensures a moist and tender cake.
STEP 1: Prepare Your Pans and Dry Ingredients. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch cake pans by generously spraying them with non-stick baking spray. To prevent sticking and ensure easy release, place an 8-inch parchment paper circle at the bottom of each pan, and then spray them again. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting these dry ingredients together ensures they are well combined and lump-free, which is crucial for a smooth cake batter.
STEP 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Using your mixer, beat these ingredients on high speed for at least 3 minutes until the mixture becomes incredibly light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which is vital for the cake’s light texture. Next, add the clear vanilla extract and room-temperature sour cream, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Finally, incorporate the large eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed after each addition until fully blended. Avoid overmixing once the eggs are added.
STEP 3: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients. With your mixer on low speed, gradually add one-third of the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until barely combined. Then, add half of the room-temperature buttermilk and mix on low until incorporated. Repeat this process: add another third of the dry ingredients, followed by the remaining buttermilk, and finish with the last third of the dry ingredients. Always mix on low speed to prevent overdeveloping the gluten. After the last addition of dry ingredients, use a rubber spatula to gently scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined without overmixing. Then, gently fold in the rainbow Jimmie sprinkles with your spatula; avoid using the mixer for this step to prevent the sprinkles from breaking or bleeding their colors.
STEP 4: Distribute and Bake. Divide the cake batter evenly among the three prepared 8-inch cake pans. For precise results and uniform layers, we highly recommend using a kitchen scale to ensure each pan receives the exact same amount of batter. This prevents uneven baking and lopsided layers. Place the pans in the preheated oven.
STEP 5: Bake and Cool. Bake the cake layers for approximately 20-25 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, or completely clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them rest in their hot pans for 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cakes onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Ensure the cakes are entirely cool before attempting to frost them; warm cakes will melt your beautiful cream cheese frosting.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting
This tangy cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the sweet Funfetti cake, and it comes together quickly with your mixer.
STEP 1: Beat Cream Cheese and Butter. In a large mixing bowl, using your stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or an electric hand mixer), beat together the slightly cold unsalted butter and room-temperature full-fat cream cheese on high speed for about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and no lumps remain. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth frosting base.
STEP 2: Incorporate Powdered Sugar. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, until all of it has been incorporated. Scrape down the bowl again. At this point, the frosting will appear quite thick. The generous amount of powdered sugar is essential to stabilize the cream cheese, which has a high water content, preventing the frosting from becoming runny.
STEP 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Finish. Add the pure vanilla extract, salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream (start with 1 and add more if needed for consistency) to the mixture. Begin beating on low speed until the ingredients start to combine, then increase the speed to high and beat for 1-2 minutes until the frosting becomes wonderfully fluffy and creamy. Scrape the bowl halfway through to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The final consistency should be smooth, spreadable, and hold its shape beautifully.
Expert Tips for Assembling Your Layered Cake
Assembling a layered cake can seem daunting, but with these simple tips, you’ll achieve a professional-looking finish every time:
- Secure the Base: To prevent your cake from sliding around while you’re decorating, pipe or spread a small dollop of frosting onto the center of your cake board or serving platter. Place your first cake layer directly on top of this frosting, gently pressing it down to secure it in place.
- Layer and Fill Evenly: Place the first cooled Funfetti cake layer onto your prepared board. Using an offset spatula, spread approximately 1 to 1½ cups of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of this layer, extending almost to the edges. Gently place the second cake layer on top and repeat the frosting process, ensuring an even distribution.
- Achieve a Flat Top: For the third and final cake layer, place it with its bottom side facing up. This trick provides the flattest, most level surface for your cake, making it much easier to frost smoothly and achieve a polished finish.
- The Essential Crumb Coat: Apply a very thin, light layer of frosting all over the entire cake – top and sides. This is known as the “crumb coat.” Its purpose is to trap any loose cake crumbs, preventing them from mixing into your final layer of frosting. Once applied, transfer the cake to the freezer for 15-20 minutes to allow the crumb coat to firm up completely.
- Final Frosting Layer: After the crumb coat is chilled and firm, remove the cake from the freezer. Now you can apply the remaining frosting more generously to the outside of the cake. Use your offset spatula or a bench scraper to smooth the sides and top, achieving your desired finish.
Decorating Your Festive Funfetti Cake
The fun doesn’t stop with the frosting! Decorating your Funfetti cake with extra sprinkles is where you can truly let your creativity shine. For this cake, I recommend using a festive combination of Rainbow Jimmies Sprinkles, known for their minimal bleeding, alongside a few Rainbow Nonpareils for added texture and visual interest. While nonpareils can bleed slightly, their smaller size makes it less noticeable when used as a decorative topping.
The key to successful sprinkle application is to add them while the frosting is still wet and tacky. Gently press sprinkles into the sides of the cake, or sprinkle generously over the top. You can create patterns, cover the entire cake, or simply add a border. The more sprinkles, the merrier!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This recipe is quite versatile! As written, it’s perfect for three 8-inch cake pans. However, you can also use it to make three 6-inch cake pans for thicker, taller layers, or two 9-inch cake pans for slightly thinner layers. Alternatively, you can bake the entire batter in a 9×13-inch sheet cake pan. If you prefer a smaller cake, you can halve the recipe to make two 6-inch cake pans, one 9-inch cake pan, an 8×8-inch square cake, or a 9×9-inch square cake. Adjust baking times accordingly; smaller pans or fewer layers will require less baking time.
Absolutely! Baking the cake layers in advance is a fantastic time-saver. Once the cake layers have cooled completely, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. You can store them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 30 days. When you’re ready to decorate, simply thaw the frozen cake layers on the counter for about 1 hour before unwrapping and frosting. This method ensures your cake remains fresh and moist.
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for delightful Funfetti cupcakes! Simply halve the recipe to yield approximately 12 standard-sized cupcakes. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners and fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.
Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter, eggs, sour cream, and buttermilk, is crucial for achieving a perfectly emulsified batter and a tender, uniform cake crumb. Cold ingredients don’t blend smoothly; they can cause the batter to curdle and result in a dense, inconsistent cake. Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and trap air more efficiently during creaming, leading to a higher rise and a lighter, fluffier texture in your final cake.
Overmixing is a common pitfall that can lead to a tough, dry cake. Once you start adding the flour, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Use your mixer on the lowest speed, and finish folding in the sprinkles by hand with a rubber spatula. Mixing flour extensively develops gluten, which gives bread its chewiness, but can make cakes tough. A few lumps in the batter are acceptable and often indicate that you haven’t overmixed.
Storing and Freezing Your Funfetti Masterpiece
To keep your delicious Funfetti cake fresh and flavorful for as long as possible, proper storage is essential.
Store this delightful Funfetti cake in an airtight cake carrier or a sealed container. Because it contains cream cheese frosting, it must be stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. For the best flavor and texture experience, allow the cake to come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and the cake’s flavors to fully develop.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
If you have leftover cake or want to save some for a later treat, this Funfetti cake freezes beautifully. For individual servings, cut the cake into slices. Wrap each slice tightly first in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection prevents freezer burn and helps maintain moisture. Frozen cake slices can be stored for up to 30 days. To enjoy, simply thaw individual slices at room temperature for 1-2 hours before indulging. You can also freeze entire frosted cake layers (after a good crumb coat) for up to a month, wrapped well, and then thaw and decorate.
More Delicious Layered Cake Recipes To Try
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Ingredients
Funfetti Cake
- 3 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 TBSP Oil, canola or vegetable
- 1 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 TBSP Clear vanilla extract, or pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Sour cream, room temperature
- 4 Large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup Buttermilk, room temperature
- 2/3 cup Rainbow sprinkles, use jimmies sprinkles
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups Unsalted butter, slightly cold
- 8 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 1/2 cups Powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1-2 TBSP Heavy cream, optional, for desired consistency
- Rainbow sprinkles, for decoration
Instructions
Funfetti Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray three 8-inch cake pans with non-stick baking spray. Place an 8-inch parchment circle on the bottom of the pans and spray again for guaranteed easy release.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.3 1/2 cup All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp Baking powder, 1/2 tsp Baking soda, 1 tsp Salt
- Using a mixer (stand or hand-held), beat the softened butter, oil, and granulated sugar in a large bowl on high speed for 3 minutes until very light and fluffy. Add the clear vanilla extract and room-temperature sour cream, mixing on medium speed until just combined. Add the large eggs one at a time, mixing on medium speed after each addition until fully incorporated.1 cup Unsalted butter, 2 TBSP Oil, 1 3/4 cup White granulated sugar, 1 TBSP Clear vanilla extract, 1/2 cup Sour cream, 4 Large eggs
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Then, add half of the buttermilk and mix until just incorporated. Repeat this process with another 1/3 of the dry ingredients, followed by the remaining buttermilk. Finish by adding the last 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.1 cup Buttermilk
- Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the rainbow Jimmie sprinkles using a rubber spatula. Mix only until evenly distributed.2/3 cup Rainbow sprinkles
- Pour the cake batter evenly among the 3 prepared cake pans. For precise distribution, use a kitchen scale. Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out with moist crumbs or clean.
- Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert them onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Ensure they are fully cooled before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- Using a mixer in a large mixing bowl, beat the slightly cold butter and room-temperature cream cheese on high speed for 3 minutes until smooth and combined. Scrape down the bowl.8 oz Cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups Unsalted butter
- On low speed, gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, until all is incorporated. Scrape the bowl. The frosting will be very thick.4 1/2 cups Powdered sugar
- Add the pure vanilla extract, salt, and 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed and beat for 1-2 minutes until fluffy and creamy. Scrape the bowl halfway through.1 tsp Pure vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp Salt, 1-2 TBSP Heavy cream
Assembly
- Pipe a tiny amount of frosting onto the center of your cake board or serving platter to secure the first cake layer.
- Place the first cake layer down. Spread approximately 1 to 1 1/2 cups of frosting evenly over the cake using an offset spatula. Repeat with the second cake layer. For the top layer, place it with the bottom side facing up to create the flattest possible surface.
- Apply a very thin “crumb coat” layer of frosting all over the entire cake. Freeze the cake for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat and lock crumbs in place.
- Remove the cake from the freezer and apply the remaining frosting more generously to the outside of the cake. Decorate with extra rainbow sprinkles while the frosting is still fresh.Rainbow sprinkles
Notes
High Altitude Baking: If you are baking at a high altitude, you may need to make slight adjustments. Consider adding an extra 3 tablespoons of cake flour to the recipe to help maintain the cake’s structure.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure all dairy ingredients (butter, eggs, sour cream, buttermilk, cream cheese) are at room temperature as specified in the recipe. This is vital for proper emulsion and aeration, which results in a much higher rise and a more tender, consistent cake texture.