Funfetti Birthday Cake
About This Funfetti Birthday Cake
Funfetti cake is the ultimate celebration cake - a moist vanilla cake studded with rainbow sprinkles throughout, creating a confetti effect when you slice into it. This homemade version is infinitely better than anything from a box, with a tender crumb, rich vanilla flavor, and that perfect cake texture that makes every bite special.
What Makes This Funfetti Birthday Cake Special
The key to great funfetti cake is using the right type of sprinkles - jimmies work best as they hold their shape and color during baking, while nonpareils tend to bleed. This cake is perfect for birthdays, of course, but also for any celebration where you want something fun, colorful, and undeniably joyful. The vanilla buttercream frosting is simple but classic, providing the perfect canvas for even more sprinkles on top.
Key Techniques for Success
This is the kind of cake that makes everyone smile when you bring it out, regardless of age. Kids love the festive appearance and sweet flavor, while adults appreciate the nostalgia and superior taste of homemade cake.
Perfect for Every Occasion
The recipe makes three generous layers that stack beautifully, creating an impressive cake that photographs beautifully and tastes even better than it looks.
Ingredients
- 360g (3 cups) All-purpose flour
- 300g (1½ cups) Granulated sugar
- 170g (¾ cup) Unsalted butter, softened
- 4 Large eggs
- 240ml (1 cup) Buttermilk
- 60ml (¼ cup) Vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 2½ tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 90g (⅔ cup) Rainbow jimmie sprinkles
- 340g (1½ cups) Unsalted butter for frosting
- 600g (5 cups) Powdered sugar for frosting
- 4 tbsp Heavy cream for frosting
- 2 tsp Vanilla for frosting
Quick Info
- Total Time:
- 90 min
- Difficulty:
- Medium
- Servings:
- 12
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round pans and line with parchment.
- 2
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- 3
In a measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, oil, and vanilla.
- 4
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 5
Add dry ingredients to butter mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk mixture. Mix just until combined.
- 6
Gently fold in sprinkles with a spatula. Do not overmix or colors will bleed.
- 7
Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake 23-27 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- 8
Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.
- 9
For frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then cream and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
- 10
Place one cake layer on stand. Spread with frosting. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost top and sides, then decorate with more sprinkles.
Pro Tips
- •Use jimmie sprinkles not nonpareils - they hold color better
- •Fold sprinkles in gently at the end to prevent color bleeding
- •Make sure all layers are completely cool before frosting
- •Add sprinkles to sides by pressing gently into frosting
- •Cake tastes better the next day as it settles
- •Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for 5 days
Variations
Make funfetti cupcakes instead - bake 18-20 minutes. Try chocolate funfetti by adding ½ cup cocoa powder. Use different colored sprinkles for holidays. Add almond extract for almond flavor.
