Have you ever wondered how to create a show-stopping celebration cake that’s as delicious as it is beautiful? The vibrant sprinkles and fluffy texture of a funfetti recipe cake make it the perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. This classic crowd-pleaser brings joy with every colorful bite, whether you’re planning a 2nd birthday party cake or simply craving the best birthday cake ever.
Ingredients List
For the cake:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances the “birthday cake” flavor)
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ⅔ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best, avoid nonpareils)
For the vanilla buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Extra sprinkles for decoration
Timing
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Decorating Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
This simple layered cake takes less time than traditional four-layer cakes while still delivering spectacular results. The active preparation time is efficiently distributed, making this one of the more time-friendly good cake ideas for busy bakers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. Pro tip: Use cake strips soaked in water around the pans for even baking and flat tops.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking well now ensures no bitter baking soda pockets in your final cake.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step—proper creaming creates the base for the best funfetti cake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with buttermilk (starting and ending with dry ingredients). Mix on low speed just until combined—overmixing will result in a tough cake.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in sprinkles by hand using a spatula. Quick, gentle folding prevents the colors from bleeding too much.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
Step 9: Prepare Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 10: Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, top with the second layer, and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional sprinkles.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/12 of cake):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 58g
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugar to 1¼ cups and use a stevia-powdered sugar blend for frosting.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use plant-based butter and substitute buttermilk with almond milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar.
- Natural Coloring: Replace artificial sprinkles with naturally colored ones made with vegetable dyes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this funfetti recipe cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate birthday treat. For an elevated experience, pair with fresh berries and a glass of champagne for adult celebrations or milk for children’s parties. Consider serving on a rotating cake stand surrounded by matching colored candles for a spectacular presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature eggs and dairy create a smoother batter and fluffier cake.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent a dense, tough texture.
- Opening the Oven Door Too Early: This causes temperature fluctuations that can lead to cake sinking.
- Frosting a Warm Cake: Always cool completely to prevent melting frosting and sliding layers.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. When ready to use frozen layers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. For best results, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This funfetti recipe cake combines the perfect balance of vanilla flavor, moist texture, and colorful fun that makes it the best birthday cake ever. Whether for a special celebration or a cheerful weekend baking project, this recipe delivers professional results with home-kitchen simplicity. Try it for your next gathering and watch faces light up with each colorful slice!
FAQs
- Can I make this funfetti cake in advance?
Yes! Bake the layers up to 2 days ahead and store wrapped in plastic at room temperature, or freeze for up to 3 months. - Why did my sprinkles bleed color into the batter?
Nonpareils tend to bleed more than jimmy-style sprinkles. For best results, use jimmy sprinkles and fold them in gently at the last minute. - Can I turn this into cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! This recipe makes approximately 24 cupcakes. Bake at the same temperature for 18-22 minutes. - Is there a way to make this cake less sweet?
Reduce sugar in the cake to 1¼ cups and in the frosting to 3 cups. You can also add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance sweetness.