If you’re looking for the ultimate party cake that guarantees smiles and excitement, look no further than the Funfetti Layer Cake! This delightful cake bursts with colorful sprinkles in every bite, making it a favorite for birthdays, celebrations, and special gatherings. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice looking to impress, this recipe will guide you through creating a cake that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Get ready to bake up some joy! Read on for a detailed step-by-step recipe that will ensure your Funfetti Layer Cake is the star of your next event.

What Is a Funfetti Layer Cake?
A Funfetti Layer Cake is a light and fluffy vanilla cake filled with vibrant rainbow sprinkles baked directly into the batter, giving it a pop of color in every slice. The sprinkles don’t just add color; they also offer a subtle sweetness and crunch, making the cake a fun, flavorful treat. Each bite of Funfetti cake is like a little party in your mouth! The cake is usually layered with creamy, smooth frosting—most commonly vanilla buttercream—adding to its indulgence. Funfetti cakes are perfect for all kinds of celebrations, from kids' birthdays to festive holiday gatherings.
Now that you’re excited about this colorful masterpiece, let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this fun and festive dessert.
Ingredients List for Funfetti Layer Cake
To ensure your Funfetti Layer Cake turns out perfectly fluffy and flavorful, you’ll need the following ingredients for the cake layers:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles (preferably jimmies, as they don’t bleed as much)
These ingredients will create a soft and fluffy vanilla cake, with the rainbow sprinkles providing the classic Funfetti effect. The sour cream adds extra moisture, ensuring the cake stays soft and tender.
Ingredients List for Funfetti Buttercream Frosting
Now for the frosting! To create a creamy and rich buttercream that pairs perfectly with your cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (optional, for mixing into or decorating the frosting)
The buttercream frosting adds a smooth, rich texture to complement the light and fluffy cake. You can add sprinkles to the frosting for an extra burst of color or save them for decorating the top and sides.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Funfetti Layer Cake is made with vanilla flavor and rainbow sprinkles, there are several substitutions and variations you can try:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk (like almond or soy) and vegan butter for a dairy-free version. Replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.
- Different Sprinkle Colors: Customize the cake for specific holidays or events by using different colored sprinkles. For example, red and green sprinkles for Christmas, or pink and red for Valentine’s Day.
- Flavor Twist: Try adding almond extract along with vanilla for a slightly nutty flavor. You can also experiment with lemon or orange zest for a citrusy punch.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Funfetti Layer Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix in the Dry Ingredients: On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients with the milk and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles, making sure not to overmix, as this can cause the colors to bleed.
- Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the three prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula, then bake for 22-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Funfetti Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking the cake itself is just the first part of the process. Now it’s time to make your buttercream frosting and assemble the cake. Here’s how to proceed:
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on high speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid splatters.
- Add Vanilla and Cream: Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt, and beat the mixture on high speed for 3-5 minutes until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more cream; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand and spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Repeat with the second and third layers, spreading frosting in between each layer.
- Frost the Cake: After stacking the layers, use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. Smooth the frosting with a spatula for a neat finish.
- Decorate: Add more sprinkles on top or around the sides of the cake for decoration.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Funfetti Layer Cake, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can cause the sprinkles to bleed their colors and can also lead to a dense, tough cake.
- Not Leveling the Layers: If your cake layers are uneven, your cake may tilt or become unstable.
- Adding Sprinkles Too Early: Adding the sprinkles too early to the wet batter can cause the colors to bleed. Always fold them in gently at the end.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Your Funfetti Layer Cake is not just a tasty treat—it’s also a showstopper! To make sure it looks as good as it tastes, consider the following serving and presentation tips:
How to Serve Funfetti Layer Cake
- Serve at Room Temperature: Funfetti cake is best served at room temperature to allow the frosting to soften and the cake to become fluffy.
- Cut Clean Slices: Use a warm knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry) to make clean, neat slices for serving.
Presentation Ideas for Funfetti Layer Cake
- Top with Extra Sprinkles: Add more sprinkles to the top of the cake for an extra festive look.
- Add Candles: If it’s a birthday cake, colorful candles will complement the vibrant sprinkles.
Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Always ensure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature to achieve the best texture.
- Sprinkles Choice: Use “jimmies” (longer sprinkles) rather than nonpareils (small round sprinkles) as they are less likely to bleed.
- Make Ahead: You can make the cake layers a day ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. Frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought frosting for the Funfetti Layer Cake?
Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time, but homemade buttercream really takes this cake to the next level.
Can I freeze Funfetti Layer Cake?
Yes, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Conclusion
The Funfetti Layer Cake is a bright and cheerful dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. With its fluffy vanilla layers, colorful sprinkles, and rich buttercream frosting, this cake will be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this recipe guarantees a fun and delicious experience. Follow the steps outlined above, and you’ll have a perfect Funfetti Layer Cake that looks as good as it tastes. Happy baking!
PrintFunfetti Layer Cake Recipe
This Funfetti Layer Cake recipe is a festive treat, featuring colorful sprinkles baked into a soft vanilla cake, layered with smooth buttercream frosting. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, and any fun gathering! Keywords: Funfetti cake, birthday cake, sprinkles, party dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles
Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Additional sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in the sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Frost the cooled cakes and top with extra sprinkles. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Be gentle when folding in the sprinkles to prevent color streaks.
- Cakes can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of the cake)
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 46g
- Sodium: 200mg
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