The Best Funfetti Cake Recipe: A Celebration in Every Bite 🎉

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about Funfetti cake. It’s the kind of dessert that brings instant joy with its colorful sprinkles and buttery vanilla flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, baby shower, or simply craving a slice of something happy, The Best Funfetti Cake is your go-to homemade showstopper. This recipe delivers soft, fluffy layers speckled with vibrant sprinkles and topped with a creamy vanilla frosting that’s perfect for piping, swirling, or smearing on thick. Say goodbye to box mixes—this cake is made from scratch and outshines anything store-bought by miles.

Why You’ll Love This Funfetti Cake

This cake isn’t just about the looks—though let’s admit, it is stunning. It’s about flavor and texture. A balance of butter and shortening makes the crumb soft yet structured, while the buttermilk adds a slight tang that keeps the sweetness in check. Clear vanilla extract gives the cake that bakery-style flavor and a bright white hue, and the rainbow sprinkles add pockets of color and subtle crunch throughout each bite.

If you love a cake that looks festive, tastes indulgent, and impresses guests, this is the recipe for you.

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

This Funfetti Cake is ideal for:

• Home bakers looking to ditch boxed cake mixes.

• Parents planning a fun and colorful birthday party.

• Baking enthusiasts who want a celebratory recipe that always turns out right.

• Anyone nostalgic for the classic birthday cakes of their childhood—with a gourmet twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 1 cup (227g) butter, softened

• ½ cup shortening

• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 egg whites, room temperature

• 1½ cups buttermilk, room temperature

• 3 teaspoons clear vanilla extract

• 3¾ cups (469g) cake flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting:

• 1½ cups (341g) butter, softened

• 5–6 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 5–6 tablespoons heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon clear vanilla extract

• ⅛ teaspoon salt

• Additional rainbow sprinkles for decorating

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 3 x 9-inch round cake pans

• Parchment paper

• Stand mixer with paddle and whisk attachments

• Mixing bowls

• Rubber spatula

• Cooling racks

• Offset spatula (for frosting)

• Cake turntable (optional, but helpful)

• Toothpicks or cake tester

• Decorative piping tip (Wilton 1M recommended)

• Sifter for powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of each 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and grease the sides using baking spray or butter.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

In your stand mixer, beat the butter and shortening on high speed for 1 minute until creamy. Slowly add the sugar while mixing on low, then increase speed and beat for 5 minutes until light and fluffy.

Add the eggs and egg whites, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk in 2-3 additions, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Gently fold in the sprinkles with a spatula. Divide the batter evenly among the three pans and smooth the tops.

2. Bake the Cake

Bake the layers for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5–10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

Making the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

In your stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. With the mixer on low, slowly add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.

Increase the mixer to high and beat for 3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Adjust with more cream or sugar to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Cake Like a Pro

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Add a generous layer of frosting and smooth it out. Repeat with the second and third layers.

Frost the sides and top of the cake. If you want to get decorative, reserve a portion of the frosting, tint it with food coloring, and pipe swirls using a Wilton 1M tip. Finish with a cascade of rainbow sprinkles.

Slice, serve, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.

• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before frosting.

Recipe Swaps & Variations

• No Buttermilk? Use 1½ cups milk mixed with 1½ tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes.

• No Cake Flour? Substitute 3¾ cups all-purpose flour minus 7 tablespoons, then add 7 tablespoons cornstarch.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Use a trusted 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Add Flavor: Swap half the vanilla with almond extract for a wedding cake twist.

• Go Seasonal: Mix in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a berry-fetti version!

Food & Drink Pairings

• Drink Ideas: Vanilla milkshakes, sparkling lemonade, or a glass of cold milk pair beautifully with the buttery sweetness.

• Food Pairings: Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

FAQ: Funfetti Cake Edition

Q: Can I use this recipe for cupcakes?
A: Absolutely! Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes.

Q: My sprinkles sank to the bottom—what happened?
A: Make sure you’re using jimmies, not nonpareils. Also, gently fold them in at the very end and avoid overmixing.

Q: Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp and rewhip before using.

Q: How do I get clean cake slices?
A: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing for neater cuts.

Final Thoughts 

Whether you’re baking this Funfetti Cake for a big celebration or just to brighten someone’s day, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles. The combination of a moist vanilla crumb and rich frosting topped with festive sprinkles makes this cake a winner every time.

Did you try this recipe? Share it with your friends and family! And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes, baking tips, and kitchen inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.