Funfetti cake is a delightful way to celebrate any occasion with its colorful sprinkles and fluffy texture. This cake is not only visually appealing but also offers a sweet, comforting flavor that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy afternoon at home. With its tender crumb and vibrant frosting, this cake will bring a smile to anyone’s face, making every bite a joyful moment.
Table of Contents
What is Funfetti Cake?
The Origins of Funfetti Cake
Funfetti cake first became popular in the 1980s as a whimsical variation of vanilla cake, with the addition of colorful sprinkles mixed into the batter. The name “funfetti” itself combines “fun” and “confetti,” perfectly capturing the cake’s playful spirit. It has since become a staple for celebrations, adding a festive touch to any gathering.
Flavor Profile of Funfetti Cake
This cake boasts a rich vanilla flavor complemented by the sweetness of the rainbow jimmies sprinkled throughout. The soft, buttery texture of the cake pairs beautifully with the creamy buttercream frosting, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that delight the senses. Every bite offers a burst of color and sweetness, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
How to Make Funfetti Cake from Scratch
Essential Ingredients for Funfetti Cake
- 1 cup (220g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (110ml) vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups (435g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (125g) full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 cup (225ml) buttermilk, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (140g) rainbow jimmies sprinkles
- 1 1/2 cups (330g) unsalted butter, room temperature (for buttercream)
- 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar (for buttercream)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for buttercream)
- 1/2 cup (90g) sprinkles for decorating
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing three 9-inch cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. If you are using 8-inch pans, be sure to reserve about 1 cup of batter to avoid overfilling.
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set this mixture aside. In a mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until fluffy. Gradually add the oil while mixing on low speed, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, scraping the bowl as needed.
Next, mix in the sour cream, then alternate adding the buttermilk and dry ingredients to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix the batter thoroughly, and gently fold in the sprinkles.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes for 9-inch cakes or 35-40 minutes for 8-inch cakes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 30 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Chill the cakes in the fridge for about an hour before frosting.
Tips for Perfecting Your Funfetti Cake
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and baking results. For a homemade buttermilk, simply mix 1 cup of milk minus one tablespoon with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes. This will give your cake a moist, tender crumb.
Decorating Your Funfetti Cake
Buttercream Frosting Techniques
To make the buttercream frosting, beat the butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until you achieve the desired consistency. This creamy frosting will complement your cake perfectly.
Creative Decoration Ideas with Sprinkles
When it comes to decorating, spread a thin layer of frosting between the layers, apply a crumb coat, and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream and finish by generously decorating the top and sides with sprinkles for a fun, festive look.
How to Achieve a Professional Finish
For a polished appearance, use a bench scraper to smooth the frosting and create sharp edges. A cake turntable can also help you achieve an even coat and beautifully simple decoration.
Storing Funfetti Cake
Best Practices for Keeping Your Cake Fresh
Your uncut funfetti cake can be stored uncovered in the fridge for up to one day or in a cake container for up to three days. If you’ve already sliced the cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in a container, and it will stay fresh for up to five days.
How to Freeze Funfetti Cake
If you want to prepare in advance, funfetti cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
FAQs
What gives funfetti cake its flavor?
Funfetti cake gets its flavor primarily from the vanilla extract and the butter used in the batter, complemented by the sweetness of the sprinkles.
How long does funfetti cake last in the fridge?
Uncut funfetti cake can be stored uncovered in the fridge for 1 day or in a cake container for up to 3 days. Sliced cake can be wrapped or stored in a container for up to 5 days.
What kind of cake is funfetti?
Funfetti cake is essentially a vanilla cake mixed with colorful sprinkles, giving it a fun and festive appearance.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
- Cream Cheese Frosting
- Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Guinness Chocolate Cake
- Irish Whiskey Cake
- Heart-Shaped Cupcakes
Conclusion
In conclusion, baking a funfetti cake is a simple yet rewarding experience that brings joy to any celebration. Whether you’re making it for a birthday party or just to brighten up a regular day, this cake is sure to impress. For more inspiration and ideas, feel free to browse through this Pinterest page for delightful recipes and tips. Enjoy the sweet moments with your loved ones, and happy baking!
Funfetti Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- mixer
- Spatula
- Cake pans
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 3/4 cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature (for buttercream)
- 5 cups powdered sugar (for buttercream)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- 2–3 tbsp milk (for buttercream)
- 1/2 cup sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare three 9-inch cake pans by greasing and lining them with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- Beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Gradually add oil, then incorporate eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Mix in sour cream, then alternate adding buttermilk and dry ingredients, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Thoroughly mix the batter with a spatula and fold in the sprinkles.
- Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 30-35 minutes.
- Cool cakes in pans for 30 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack and chill in the fridge for about an hour.
- For the buttercream, beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Level the cooled cakes, spread a thin layer of buttercream between layers, apply a crumb coat, and refrigerate for 20 minutes before frosting the entire cake.
- Decorate the cake with additional sprinkles.