Funfetti Birthday Cake—Soft, Sweet, and Bursting with Color
There’s no cake more cheerful than funfetti. It’s soft, sweet, and full of colorful sprinkles that melt into confetti-like pockets of joy throughout every bite. This funfetti birthday cake brings all the nostalgic flavor of the boxed classic—but made from scratch with real butter, rich vanilla, and the fluffiest layers imaginable. It’s the ultimate celebration cake, made for birthdays, parties, or any day that needs a little extra sparkle. Topped with smooth vanilla buttercream and even more rainbow sprinkles, this cake doesn’t just taste like childhood—it looks like happiness on a plate.
Why This Funfetti Cake Is the Ultimate Party Treat
It’s soft, fluffy, and vanilla-forward with just the right balance of sweetness. The sour cream in the batter keeps it extra moist while giving the cake structure that slices beautifully. The sprinkles don’t just sit on top—they’re baked right into the batter, so every bite is colorful and fun. The homemade vanilla frosting is rich, smooth, and easy to spread, making it ideal for layer cakes, sheet cakes, or cupcakes. Whether you’re baking it for a kid’s party or just want to channel childhood nostalgia, this cake is pure joy from start to finish.
Ingredients
For the Funfetti Cake
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the Vanilla Buttercream
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Extra sprinkles for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch or 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Add sour cream and mix until smooth.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk in batches, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently with a spatula—don’t overmix or the color may bleed.
- Divide the batter evenly between pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 25–28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, then beat in vanilla, salt, and cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Frost the cooled cake layers, then decorate with extra sprinkles around the sides and on top.
- Chill for 15–20 minutes for cleaner slicing, or serve immediately.
Tips for a Perfect Funfetti Cake
Use jimmies-style sprinkles—they hold their color and don’t bleed into the batter. Don’t overmix once the sprinkles are added. Room-temperature ingredients mix more smoothly for even batter. Level your cakes with a serrated knife for a tall, even layer cake. Pipe extra frosting around the base or top for a bakery-style finish.
Variations
Use this recipe to make cupcakes—bake for 18–20 minutes. Swap vanilla for almond extract for a new twist. Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy pop. Use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for a tangy contrast.
Storage
Store the frosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. Bring to room temp before serving for the best texture. Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in plastic and foil.
Final Thoughts
Funfetti cake is more than a dessert—it’s a celebration in itself. Whether it’s your birthday, your best friend’s party, or just a regular Wednesday that needs a little joy, this colorful classic brings smiles every time. Soft, buttery, and sprinkled with happiness, it’s a cake that tastes like memories and looks like magic.
Stick around—every visit tastes better than the last at The Buttered Bliss.
