This Homemade Funfetti Cake is a colorful treat that brings smiles to any party! It’s fluffy and filled with rainbow sprinkles, making every bite a celebration.
Who doesn’t love sprinkles? They turn a simple cake into a fun masterpiece! I enjoy making it for birthdays, and it always gets gobbled up super fast. 🎉
Making this cake is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and frost with the sweet Funfetti Frosting. It’s the perfect way to add some joy to your day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the cake its structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. I’ve found some blends work surprisingly well in cakes!
Butter: Unsalted butter is key for this recipe to control the salt content. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter work nicely, though the flavor may slightly change.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness and moisture. If you’re cutting sugar, try substituting half with a sugar alternative like Stevia or coconut sugar, but keep in mind this might alter the texture a bit.
Rainbow Sprinkles: These are the fun part! If sprinkles aren’t available, you could try mini chocolate chips or even dried fruit bits for a pop of color.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Perfectly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a vital step for a light and fluffy cake. This process incorporates air into the butter, creating a wonderful texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened butter; it should be at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer. Beat the butter alone for a minute before adding sugar.
- Add sugar gradually, mixing for 3-4 minutes until it looks light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Enjoy this step—it makes a big difference in the final cake texture!
Homemade Funfetti Cake with Funfetti Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Funfetti Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk (more if needed)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (for mixing into the frosting and for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This funfetti cake takes about 20 minutes of prep time and roughly 30 minutes to bake. Allow additional time for the cake to cool completely before frosting, which can take around 30 minutes. So, in total, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, take a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust it with flour. This will help the cake come out easily after baking!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Adding Eggs and Flavor:
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and give it a good mix again to combine everything nicely.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating the additions with the milk. Start with the flour and end with flour, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Folding in the Sprinkles:
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles into your batter. This is what makes the cake so colorful and fun!
7. Baking the Cake:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Now, pop it into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be golden brown and delightful!
8. Cooling the Cake:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience pays off when frosting!
9. Making the Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, let’s make the frosting! In a clean large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until it’s creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until it’s all well combined and fluffy.
10. Adding Milk and Vanilla:
Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, and beat the mixture on high speed until the frosting is light and spreadable. If your frosting seems too thick, you can add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency.
11. Mixing in the Sprinkles:
Finally, fold in the ½ cup of rainbow sprinkles into your frosting. Now it’s ready to make your cake look even more festive!
12. Frosting the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, it’s time to frost! Spread the funfetti frosting evenly across the top of the cake. For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle more rainbow sprinkles on top.
13. Serving the Cake:
Cut the cake into squares, serve it to your friends and family, and enjoy your beautiful homemade funfetti cake! It’s perfect for any celebration or just because. Delicious!
Can I Substitute the Butter with an Alternative?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s a direct substitute, as the consistency will be similar. Coconut oil can also work, but it has a different flavor and can alter the texture slightly, so keep that in mind!
How Can I Ensure My Cake Doesn’t Stick to the Pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper after greasing for extra protection. If you’re using a non-stick spray, look for one that contains flour for the best results!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Just cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. You can frost it on the day you plan to serve, or if you want to frost it ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for about a week. You can also freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge!
