Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe

Few cakes are as fun and colorful as a classic Funfetti Layer Cake! Speckled with rainbow sprinkles throughout the batter, this cake is not only delicious but visually delightful. Funfetti cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that calls for a festive treat. It’s a soft, fluffy vanilla cake with bursts of colorful sprinkles in every bite, layered with a creamy buttercream frosting. If you’re looking to bring a little extra fun to your next celebration, this Funfetti layer cake is just the recipe you need.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make your Funfetti cake a hit. Get ready to bake a cake that’s as exciting to make as it is to eat!

this Recipe

What is a Funfetti Layer Cake?

A Funfetti Layer Cake is a vanilla-flavored cake filled with rainbow sprinkles, giving it a fun, festive look when sliced. The sprinkles create a colorful burst inside the cake, making it perfect for celebrations. This cake is typically layered with a creamy buttercream frosting and is beloved for its light, fluffy texture and joyful appearance. You can use a variety of sprinkles (jimmies are recommended) to customize the cake’s colors to suit any occasion.

Ingredients List for Funfetti Layer Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the cake.
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Adds a little extra leavening.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature.
• 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
• 4 large egg whites – For a light and fluffy texture, at room temperature.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds rich flavor.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract – Optional, but adds a subtle, sweet aroma.
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk – For moisture and tenderness, at room temperature.
• ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies) – Make sure to use sprinkles that won’t bleed into the batter.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (340 g) unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature.
• 5 cups (625 g) powdered sugar – Sifted for smoothness.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds sweetness and depth.
• 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream – Adjust for the desired consistency.
• Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.

For Decoration:

• Extra sprinkles – To decorate the outside of the cake.

Substitutions and Variations

Funfetti cake is incredibly versatile, and you can easily modify the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Gluten-Free Funfetti Cake: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. Ensure the flour mix includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and use almond milk or oat milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar in place of buttermilk.
3. Egg-Free: Use an egg substitute or aquafaba (chickpea water) in place of egg whites to make the cake vegan or allergy-friendly.
4. Custom Sprinkle Colors: Personalize the cake by using different sprinkle colors to match the theme of your event, whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or baby shower.
5. Funfetti Cupcakes: Use this batter to make Funfetti cupcakes! Simply divide the batter into lined cupcake pans and bake for 18-20 minutes.
6. Frosting Flavors: Experiment with different frosting flavors by adding a teaspoon of lemon extract, almond extract, or even a splash of champagne for a grown-up twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to baking a perfect Funfetti Layer Cake from scratch:

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch or two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the egg whites: Gradually add the egg whites to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Add vanilla and almond extracts: Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in the sprinkles: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as too much stirring can cause the sprinkles to bleed.

Baking the Cake

1. Divide the batter: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat the butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy and light.
2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
3. Add vanilla and heavy cream: Stir in the vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of cream; if too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
4. Taste and adjust: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, then mix until fully combined.

Assembling the Funfetti Layer Cake

1. Level the cake layers: If the cake layers have domed slightly on top, use a serrated knife to level them for even stacking.
2. Frost the first layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on top, using an offset spatula to smooth it out.
3. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and spread another even layer of buttercream. If making a 3-layer cake, repeat this process for the third layer.
4. Crumb coat the cake: Apply a thin layer of frosting around the entire cake to seal in the crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for 20-30 minutes to let the crumb coat set.
5. Frost the cake: Once the crumb coat is set, apply the final layer of buttercream, smoothing it out evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Decorating the Funfetti Layer Cake

1. Add sprinkles: Gently press additional sprinkles into the sides of the cake, or scatter them on top for a fun, colorful finish.
2. Optional piping: Use any remaining buttercream to pipe decorative swirls or borders around the top or base of the cake.
3. Chill the cake: Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting and make slicing easier.

How to Cook Funfetti Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before starting. This helps the ingredients blend smoothly and creates a fluffier cake.
• Use the right sprinkles: When making Funfetti cake, it’s important to use sprinkles that won’t bleed color. Jimmies (long, skinny sprinkles) are ideal, as nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles) can bleed into the batter and affect the color.
• Avoid overmixing: After adding the flour and buttermilk, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it can dry out. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested bake time.
• Adding sprinkles too early: Add the sprinkles at the end of mixing to avoid breaking them up or causing the colors to bleed into the batter.
• Skipping the crumb coat: A crumb coat seals in any loose crumbs and creates a smoother finish for the final frosting. Don’t skip this step if you want a professional-looking cake!

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Funfetti Layer Cake

• Room temperature: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake at room temperature. Let the cake sit out for 20-30 minutes after chilling to soften the frosting and enhance the flavors.
• Accompany with whipped cream or ice cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve slices of Funfetti cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Presentation Ideas for Funfetti Layer Cake

• Colorful sprinkles: Add an extra sprinkle of color by generously decorating the top and sides of the cake with rainbow sprinkles or your theme colors.
• Piped frosting details: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to create decorative swirls or borders around the cake. You can also pipe dollops of frosting on top and place sprinkles or candies on each dollop.
• Themed decorations: Customize the cake for any occasion by adding edible decorations, like themed cake toppers, candles, or candy.

Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe Tips

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid adding too much flour, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Make-ahead option: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once cooled. Store at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and assemble the cake.
• Freeze for later: Funfetti cake freezes well! Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling and frosting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a box mix to make Funfetti cake?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed white or yellow cake mix and stir in ¾ cup of rainbow sprinkles to create a quick Funfetti cake. Follow the box instructions for baking.

2. How do I store leftover Funfetti cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, but let it come to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe makes approximately 24 Funfetti cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. What sprinkles should I use?
Use jimmies, which are the long, cylindrical sprinkles, as they hold their shape and color during baking. Avoid using nonpareils (small round sprinkles), as they tend to bleed color into the batter.

5. Can I freeze Funfetti cake?
Yes! Freeze the cake layers (without frosting) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

Conclusion

A Funfetti Layer Cake is the ultimate party dessert! With its colorful sprinkles and light, fluffy texture, this cake is bound to make any celebration a little more joyful. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because, this recipe is easy to follow and produces stunning, delicious results. Don’t be afraid to customize the colors, flavors, or decorations to make it your own. Enjoy every bite of this delightful, sprinkle-filled cake! Happy baking!

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