If you’re searching for the happiest, most nostalgia-packed dessert to bring unfettered joy to your gatherings, look no further than Funfetti Cake. This whimsical, sprinkle-studded treat is the very definition of celebration in a slice, with an ultra-soft, snowy white crumb flecked with rainbow jimmies and crowned with mountains of fluffy vanilla buttercream. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, a family party, or “just because,” this Funfetti Cake is guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile (and probably go back for seconds).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Funfetti Cake manages to turn a handful of classic cake ingredients into something truly magical. Each component plays a big role in building its irresistibly tender texture, bright colors, and that undeniable fun factor.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, giving the cake its structure while keeping it super plush.
Baking powder: Helps the layers rise so they’re perfectly lofty and not dense or heavy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that pretty, pale color.
Unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and classic cake flavor—be sure it’s at room temperature for the dreamiest texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb extra moist and gives the cake its melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Vanilla extract: Brings that signature birthday cake aroma and pure vanilla flavor.
Buttermilk (room temperature): Makes the cake layers super tender with just a hint of tang.
Egg whites (room temperature): Ensures a soft, snow-white cake with a delicate structure—separate them carefully for the best results.
Rainbow jimmies: The magical touch! They add bright pops of color throughout the slices (just be sure they’re the “jimmies” style, which won’t bleed as much during baking).
Powdered sugar: The key to silky, snow-white frosting.
Heavy cream: Gives the frosting a luscious, easily spreadable texture.
Rainbow sprinkles: For garnishing! Pressed along the bottom and sprinkled on top, they finish the Funfetti Cake with style.

How to Make Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab three 8-inch round cake pans. Lightly grease them with baking spray or the classic butter-and-flour combo, and line the bottoms with parchment rounds. I love to wrap the pans with cake strips to keep the layers perfectly even and flat—it’s a pro trick for bakery-worthy results.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only ensures there are no lumps, but also helps keep the Funfetti Cake extra tender. Set this bowl aside for now—you’ll be adding it in stages for maximum fluffiness.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Oil

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat your sugar, softened butter, and vegetable oil together on medium speed for about 3 minutes. You’re looking for a pale, creamy mixture that’s completely smooth. This step is key for that iconic soft, bakery-style crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

Pour in the egg whites, but do it in three parts, mixing on low after each addition. Scrape the sides and bottom as you go so everything gets combined. Once all the egg whites are in, add the vanilla extract, and beat until the batter turns fluffy and glossy—about 20 seconds.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

With your mixer on low, add one-third of the dry flour mixture, then pour in half the buttermilk. Mix until just combined and repeat with the next third of flour and remaining buttermilk, ending with the last bit of dry mix. Scrape the bowl down so no streaks remain. The batter should look plush and smooth.

Step 6: Fold in the Rainbow Jimmies

Switch to a silicone spatula and gently fold in those vibrant rainbow jimmies. Stir just until they’re evenly distributed—overmixing can make the colors bleed. This is the moment that turns classic cake into unforgettable Funfetti Cake!

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter equally among the three prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Tap each pan a few times on a soft dish towel to burst any big air bubbles. Bake for 32 to 38 minutes, rotating the pans after 20 minutes so everything bakes evenly. The cakes are done when the centers spring back with a gentle touch.

Step 8: Cool and Unmold

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then gently turn them out onto wire racks. Peel off the parchment (so satisfying!), and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 9: Make the Fluffy Frosting

Beat the butter and salt in a big bowl on medium speed until impossibly light and smooth, about 2 minutes. With the mixer on low, slowly add powdered sugar, drizzling in the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time if things get too thick. Beat in the vanilla. Crank the mixer to medium and whip for another minute or two until the frosting is airy and perfect.

Step 10: Assemble Your Funfetti Cake

Place one completely cool cake layer top-side up on your cake stand. Spread about a cup of buttercream evenly over the top, right to the edges. Repeat with the next two layers, stacking them carefully. Smooth the remaining frosting all over the top and sides. For a show-stopping finish, press rainbow sprinkles onto the bottom two to three inches of the cake, creating that signature “sprinkle skirt.” If you’re feeling fancy, pipe generous dollops of frosting around the top, and cascade even more sprinkles over everything!

How to Serve Funfetti Cake

Garnishes

A classic Funfetti Cake simply isn’t complete without a blizzard of rainbow sprinkles on top. Try pressing extra jimmies or confetti-style sprinkles along the sides for maximum impact. Feel free to get creative with a few edible flowers or a drizzle of white chocolate for a grown-up twist. And for birthdays, add a colorful candle or two—because with Funfetti Cake, there’s always something to celebrate!

Side Dishes

Funfetti Cake is all about fun, so keep things light on the side. Serve generous slices with homemade strawberry sauce, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or tall glasses of cold milk. If you’re throwing a party, set out little bowls of extra sprinkles so everyone can deck out their own slice. For a more elegant pairing, fresh berries or a little lemon sorbet can cut through the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Embrace the playful spirit! Consider assembling the cake as a towering layer cake, cutting it into whimsical squares for party bites, or even stacking mini Funfetti Cake cupcakes. For special occasions, try decorating the top with piped rosettes in pastel colors, or sprinkle the plate with a confetti of edible glitter. No matter how you slice it, the riot of color inside will steal the show every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Funfetti Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days, or pop it in the fridge for up to five. If you refrigerate, let the cake come back to room temperature before serving so the crumb stays tender and the frosting is just the right creamy consistency.

Freezing

Funfetti Cake actually freezes like a dream! Wrap slices or even whole, un-frosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge (or at room temperature if you’re in a hurry) before frosting or serving.

Reheating

While Funfetti Cake is best enjoyed fresh, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave can help revive slices from the fridge, especially if you like your frosting a little soft and the cake almost-warm. Just be careful not to overheat, so the buttercream stays silky.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using only egg whites is key for a true Funfetti Cake because it keeps the layers beautifully pale and creates a light, soft crumb. If you substitute whole eggs, the cake will turn slightly yellow and might be a bit denser, though still totally delicious.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk is essential for extra-tender, moist cake layers with just a touch of tang. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make a quick version by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes or until the centers spring back. You’ll get colorful, party-ready Funfetti Cake cupcakes that disappear in minutes.

Why did my sprinkles bleed in the cake?

The type of sprinkle matters! Classic jimmies (the rod-shaped kind) are best, as confetti or nonpareils tend to melt or bleed color into the batter. Also, gently fold the sprinkles in at the end, and don’t overmix.

Can I make the Funfetti Cake layers in advance?

You sure can! Bake the cake layers, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or freeze for up to 3 months. Frost right before your celebration for ultimate freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like making a homemade Funfetti Cake and seeing the delight on everyone’s faces when you cut into those colorful layers. Whether it’s your very first try or your hundredth celebration, this cake brings pure happiness every time. So gather your sprinkles and bake up a little magic—trust me, Funfetti Cake is always worth celebrating!

Funfetti Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 22 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 1 3-layer cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Funfetti Cake recipe is a colorful and delightful treat that’s perfect for celebrations or just adding a bit of fun to your day. With layers of fluffy cake speckled with rainbow sprinkles and a creamy buttercream frosting, it’s a festive dessert that will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.

Instructions

For the Cake: Preheat the oven and prepare the cake pans. Sift together dry ingredients. Cream sugar, butter, and oil. Add egg whites and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk. Fold in rainbow sprinkles. Bake and cool.
For the Frosting: Beat butter and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar and cream. Beat in vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
For the Assembly: Layer cakes with frosting. Decorate with more frosting and sprinkles.

Notes

You can customize the colors of the sprinkles to suit different occasions.
For a twist, try adding flavored extracts like almond or lemon to the cake or frosting.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Funfetti Cake, Celebration Cake, Rainbow Sprinkles, Dessert Recipe