Funfetti Cake Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a burst of color and joy to any celebration, this Funfetti Cake is an irresistible choice. It’s a soft, tender cake dotted with vibrant rainbow sprinkles and infused with delightful vanilla and almond notes that awaken your taste buds. Paired with a luscious rainbow chip frosting, this cake isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration on your plate that’s sure to brighten up birthdays and any special moment you want to make unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Funfetti Cake plays a vital role in creating a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and those iconic confetti pops of color. From the silky cake flour to the creamy butter and the magical rainbow sprinkles, these essentials come together to craft a cake that’s nothing short of joyous.

• Cake Flour (2 ½ cups / 313 g): Provides the light, tender crumb essential for a soft cake.
• Baking Powder (3 tsp): Helps your cake rise beautifully for fluffy layers.
• Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups / 300 g): Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering it.
• Unsalted Butter (½ cup / 114 g, room temperature): Adds richness and moisture to your batter.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup / 120 ml): Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
• Large Egg Whites (5, room temperature): Lightens the texture and helps with structure.
• Sour Cream (¼ cup / 60 g, room temperature): Contributes to the cake’s moist crumb and slight tang.
• Vanilla Extract (3 tsp): Gives the cake its classic, warm vanilla flavor.
• Almond Extract (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, nutty twist that deepens the flavor.
• 2% or Whole Milk (1 cup / 240 ml, room temperature): Balances the batter’s consistency.
• Rainbow Sprinkles (½ cup / 80 g): The star of the show, adding playful bursts of color throughout the cake.

How to Make Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (176℃) and prepare three 7-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment and spraying with nonstick cooking spray. Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, ensuring they’re evenly combined so your cake layers rise perfectly and bake evenly.

Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Oil

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, beat the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and vegetable oil on medium speed until the mixture is light, pale, and creamy. This step is crucial for a fluffy, tender texture and creates the base for your batter’s richness.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg whites, sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the batter is smooth. These ingredients bring moisture and flavor depth, with the almond extract providing a subtle but wonderfully distinct hint that takes this Funfetti Cake beyond the ordinary.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture and milk alternately into your batter, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Be gentle but thorough to combine everything without overmixing, which can make the cake dense. Folding in the rainbow sprinkles last ensures vibrant, festive spots of color that won’t bleed.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 26 to 30 minutes, or until the cakes spring back when touched lightly and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely—this step helps maintain the soft crumb and ease of frosting later.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake

Garnishes

While the rainbow chip frosting with mini colorful chocolate bits is the star complement, you can extend the festive vibe by adding extra sprinkles or edible glitter on top. Fresh berries or edible flowers also add a lovely visual contrast and a fresh bite that balances the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Funfetti Cake pairs wonderfully with light sides that won’t overshadow its vibrant character. Consider a simple fresh fruit salad, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent contrast. For a party, a fruity punch or sparkling lemonade complements the fun, colorful theme perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by layering mini cupcakes with the same funfetti batter and frosting for single-serving delights. Alternatively, cut the cake into fun shapes with cookie cutters or stack it with different colors of frosting for a dazzling rainbow effect. Presentation adds an extra layer of joy to your Funfetti Cake experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, your Funfetti Cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the cake chilled preserves the freshness of the frosting and maintains the moist texture of the cake layers. Remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor release.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy your Funfetti Cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap each cooled, unfrosted cake layer tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. For frosted cake, freezing is possible but it’s best to freeze it plain then frost after thawing for ideal texture and taste.

Reheating

Although reheating isn’t typically necessary, if you prefer your cake warmer, let it come to room temperature first. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, but avoid overheating as it can dry out the crumbs and melt the frosting.

FAQs

What makes a Funfetti Cake different from regular vanilla cake?

The defining feature is the addition of rainbow sprinkles mixed directly into the batter, adding bright pops of color throughout each slice. Plus, the hint of almond extract in this recipe adds a subtle nutty depth beyond a classic vanilla cake.

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While all-purpose flour can work, cake flour yields a much softer, more tender crumb due to its lower protein content. If substituting, consider replacing a small portion of the all-purpose flour with cornstarch to mimic the lightness.

Are the rainbow chips necessary in the frosting?

They’re not absolutely necessary, but rainbow chips add a playful texture and vibrant color that perfectly complements the sprinkles in the cake. You can omit them or substitute with mini chocolate chips if preferred.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the batter?

To minimize bleeding, use high-quality, oven-safe sprinkles that are specifically designed not to melt or run. Adding them at the end and folding gently into the batter helps keep the colors distinct.

Can this Funfetti Cake be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free cake flour blend designed for baking. Ensure all other ingredients, including sprinkles, are gluten-free certified to maintain safety and the best taste.

Final Thoughts

From its whimsical confetti colors to the moist, tender crumb and dreamy rainbow chip frosting, this Funfetti Cake is a joyous centerpiece for any celebration. Baking it from scratch allows you to customize and truly savor every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make your special moments even more memorable with every colorful slice!