Name: Funfetti Birthday Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 4 large egg whites; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional); 1 cup whole milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies style); For the frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Extra sprinkles for decorating

This Funfetti Birthday Cake is a delightful, colorful dessert that brings joy to any celebration. With its tender vanilla crumb, vibrant sprinkles scattered throughout, and a rich buttercream frosting, this cake is a nostalgic treat for all ages. Whether you’re planning a birthday party or simply want to indulge in a cheerful dessert, this homemade funfetti cake offers the perfect balance of flavor and festivity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for celebrations: The colorful sprinkles make it visually appealing and festive, ideal for birthdays or special occasions.
Soft and moist texture: This cake delivers a tender, fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth.
Rich vanilla flavor: Enhanced with pure vanilla extract for a classic cake taste.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different frosting flavors, sprinkles, or cake shapes.
Better than boxed mix: Made from scratch with wholesome ingredients, the flavor surpasses any store-bought version.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
Whole milk
Pure vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies type to avoid color bleeding)
Butter (for the frosting)
Powdered sugar
Heavy cream or milk (for frosting consistency)
Vanilla extract (for frosting)

directions

Prepare the oven and pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
Mix 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, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and sour cream.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and let them cool completely on wire racks.
Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Assemble and decorate: Spread a layer of frosting between the cooled cake layers, then frost the top and sides. Decorate with additional sprinkles on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Cooling and decorating time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Funfetti Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter and use chocolate chips instead of some sprinkles.
Cupcake version: Pour batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for 18–20 minutes.
Different frosting: Swap the vanilla buttercream for cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
Dairy-free: Substitute plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

To freeze, wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours.

Reheating is generally not recommended for frosted cakes, but you may briefly warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if desired.

FAQs

What type of sprinkles should I use for funfetti cake?

Use “jimmies” type sprinkles, which are long and soft. Avoid nonpareils or sanding sugar, as they tend to bleed into the batter.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time and store them wrapped at room temperature for a day or freeze them for up to a month. Frosting should be made fresh or stored in the fridge and whipped again before use.

How do I keep the cake from being too dense?

Make sure to properly cream the butter and sugar, and do not overmix the batter once the flour is added. Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.

Can I use a boxed mix for this recipe?

While this recipe is from scratch, you can use a boxed vanilla cake mix and fold in sprinkles for a shortcut. The flavor and texture will differ from homemade.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?

Tossing the sprinkles in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended throughout the cake.

Can I use this recipe for a sheet cake?

Yes, the batter can be poured into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Increase the baking time to 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Is sour cream necessary?

Sour cream adds moisture and richness, but it can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt if preferred.

What’s the best way to frost the cake evenly?

Use an offset spatula and apply a crumb coat first (a thin layer of frosting), chill, then apply the final layer for a smooth finish.

Can I color the frosting?

Yes, you can use gel food coloring to tint the frosting to match your party theme.

Can this recipe be made into a tiered cake?

Yes, double the recipe and ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before stacking. Use dowels or supports if stacking more than two tiers.

Conclusion

This Funfetti Birthday Cake is a festive, flavorful, and fun dessert that’s sure to be the highlight of any celebration. With its tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and vibrant sprinkle-filled interior, it brings both nostalgia and delight. Whether baked for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake proves that homemade treats can be both beautiful and delicious.