With its vivid colors and joyful sprinkles, a funfetti cake brings instant happiness the moment you lay eyes on it. Picture this: soft vanilla cake bursting with rainbow sprinkles that dance around merrily as you slice into it—an explosion of joy in every bite.

This isn’t just any simple dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! I remember baking my first funfetti cake in my tiny kitchen, and let’s just say my friends didn’t leave a crumb behind. Whether it’s a birthday party or a Tuesday afternoon needing some sparkle, this cake is your go-to treat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The funfetti cake is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion
- Its delightful flavor profile combines buttery sweetness with playful sprinkles
- The visual appeal is unbeatable—every slice reveals a colorful surprise inside
- Plus, feel free to customize it with different frosting or mix-ins based on your preferences!
Baking this delightful treat quickly became a family favorite; my niece once declared it her “official birthday cake” after one ridiculously sweet slice.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the perfect texture and structure—use unbleached for better flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here. You can adjust depending on your sweet tooth.
- Baking Powder: This helps our cake rise to fluffy perfection; fresh powder works best.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness beautifully without making the cake salty.
- Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and rich flavor.
- Eggs: They bind everything together; make sure they are at room temperature for best results.
- Milk: Adds moisture; whole milk gives the richest flavor but feel free to use what you have!
- Vanilla Extract: For that lovely aromatic quality that complements the sweet sprinkles perfectly.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: The star of the show! Make sure to use nonpareils or jimmies for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans with cooking spray and line with parchment paper for easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined; this ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 4 minutes. You should see it transform into a pale yellow cloud of happiness!
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time while mixing slowly. Add the vanilla extract next and watch your mixture become even more fragrant.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture while alternating with milk. Mix gently until no streaks remain but avoid overmixing!
Add Rainbow Sprinkles: Carefully fold in those colorful sprinkles using a spatula; don’t mix too vigorously or you’ll lose their joyful colors!
Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; check by inserting a toothpick—it should come out clean!
Once cooled completely in pans for about 10 minutes, flip them onto wire racks—just be careful not to drop them! Frost as desired after they cool down completely.
Now go ahead and slice into that bright masterpiece; revel in those cheerful colors that will surely bring smiles all around. Enjoy every crumb of your creation while basking in the glory of being an amazing baker!
You Must Know
- Baking the perfect funfetti cake is an art!
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffiness
- The vibrant colors will brighten any celebration, making it a party favorite
- Don’t forget the sprinkles; they add a delightful crunch and burst of sweetness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before mixing your batter. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time. This sequence ensures even incorporation of ingredients, resulting in a light, airy cake.
Add Your TouchWhip up a delightful funfetti cake for any celebration! This easy recipe promises a burst of flavor and joy.
Feel free to swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a unique flavor twist. You can also adjust the sprinkles’ quantity based on your festive mood—more sprinkles equal more fun! And don’t hesitate to add chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Storing & ReheatingWhip up a delightful funfetti cake for any celebration! This easy recipe promises a burst of flavor and joy.
Store any leftover funfetti cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they stay moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect funfetti cake, always measure ingredients accurately using a kitchen scale
- Overmixing can lead to dense cake; mix just until combined
- Lastly, let the cake cool completely before frosting for best results
Baking this funfetti cake brought back memories of my childhood birthday parties—the laughter, the colorful decorations, and of course, that first bite of fluffy goodness topped with loads of sprinkles.
FAQWhip up a delightful funfetti cake for any celebration! This easy recipe promises a burst of flavor and joy.What makes a funfetti cake different from regular cake?
Funfetti cake features colorful sprinkles mixed into the batter, adding festive flair and texture.
Can I use gluten-free flour for this funfetti cake?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
How do I make my funfetti cake taller?
Use three layers instead of two by dividing the batter evenly among three pans for height.

Easy and Delightful Funfetti Cake Recipe
Enjoy a vibrant funfetti cake bursting with colorful sprinkles and buttery sweetness—perfect for birthdays or any festive celebration.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 12 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round baking pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with milk until smooth.
- Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg