Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe

If you're looking for the perfect cake to bring fun and excitement to any occasion, a Funfetti Layer Cake is your go-to choice. This vibrant cake is a crowd-pleaser for birthdays, parties, or just any day you want to add a little color to your dessert table. With its delightful burst of rainbow sprinkles inside the moist vanilla cake and a fluffy buttercream frosting, this cake screams celebration. Stick with us as we take you through the step-by-step process of baking this beauty. Get ready for a colorful, delicious adventure!

What is a Funfetti Layer Cake?

A Funfetti Layer Cake is a vanilla-based cake filled with colorful sprinkles, giving it a “fun” and festive appearance when you slice into it. It’s perfect for celebrations because every slice looks like a party! The sprinkles add pops of color, while the layers make the cake taller and more impressive, especially when frosted with a rich buttercream. The cake is light, fluffy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, making it an all-time favorite for kids and adults alike. Now let’s dive into the key ingredients you’ll need for this fantastic treat.

---

Ingredients List for Funfetti Layer Cake

For the cake layers, you will need:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles (nonpareils or jimmies work best)

---

Ingredients List for Buttercream Frosting

For the creamy buttercream frosting:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4-5 tablespoon heavy cream
• A pinch of salt
• Extra sprinkles for decoration (optional)

---

Substitutions and Variations

Looking for some creative twists or substitutions? No problem! Here are some ideas:

• Cake Flour: You can swap the all-purpose flour for cake flour to achieve a finer crumb and lighter texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt if you prefer. It adds the same moisture and richness but with a slightly tangier flavor.
• Almond Extract: To add an extra layer of flavor, try replacing half of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a delightful twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour substitute for those with gluten sensitivities. Be sure to choose one that already includes xanthan gum.
• Vegan Option: Replace the butter with vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax mixed with 3 tablespoon water = 1 egg), and the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. Use a vegan buttercream recipe for the frosting.

These substitutions let you make the cake your own while still keeping its fun and festive spirit intact!

---

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: One at a time, add the eggs, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk: With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix.
6. Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the sprinkles to bleed their colors.
7. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cakes: Let the cake layers cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

---

How to Cook Funfetti Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you have the basics down, here's a detailed guide on how to bring everything together for a perfect Funfetti Layer Cake:

1. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream (one tablespoon at a time). Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.
2. Level the Cake Layers: Once the cakes have cooled, use a cake leveler or a sharp knife to even out the tops of each layer. This ensures your cake stacks evenly.
3. Frost the Cake: Place one cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Spread a generous amount of buttercream on top. Repeat with the next layer. After stacking all layers, apply a thin crumb coat around the entire cake. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
4. Final Frosting Layer: After the crumb coat is firm, apply a thick, even layer of frosting around the cake. Smooth it out with a cake scraper or spatula.
5. Decorate: If you like, sprinkle more rainbow sprinkles on top of the cake or around the sides. You can also pipe decorative frosting swirls on top for extra flair.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing once the sprinkles are added can cause the colors to bleed into the batter, giving you a dull, muddy look.
• Using the Wrong Sprinkles: Nonpareils or jimmies work best. Avoid using sanding sugar or sugar crystals, as they can dissolve and lose their shape.
• Skipping the Crumb Coat: Don’t skip the crumb coat! It seals in any loose crumbs, ensuring a smooth, clean final layer of frosting.
• Opening the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the temptation to open the oven door before the 25-minute mark. Doing so can cause the cakes to deflate or cook unevenly.

---

Serving and Presentation Tips

A Funfetti Layer Cake is all about the fun! Whether it’s for a kid’s birthday or a holiday gathering, make it look as good as it tastes with these presentation tips.

---

How to Serve Funfetti Layer Cake

Slice the cake into generous layers so that the colorful sprinkles inside are on full display. Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit for an extra treat.

---

Presentation Ideas for Funfetti Layer Cake

1. Sprinkle Explosion: Cover the entire cake with sprinkles for an eye-catching explosion of color.
2. Topper Fun: Add cake toppers like mini balloons, birthday candles, or edible glitter for an extra festive touch.
3. Frosting Swirls: Pipe buttercream swirls around the top edge of the cake and top each swirl with a sprinkle or small candy.

---

Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe Tips

• Chill Your Cake Layers: For easier frosting, refrigerate the cake layers for 20-30 minutes before assembling.
• Prevent Sprinkles from Bleeding: If you want to avoid sprinkles bleeding color, you can toss them lightly in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter.
• Use a Bench Scraper: For a professional-looking smooth cake, use a bench scraper to smooth out the frosting.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to 2 days ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. The frosted cake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze Funfetti Cake?
Absolutely! Freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Q: Why did my sprinkles sink to the bottom?
Make sure to use jimmies or nonpareils, which are light enough to stay suspended in the batter. Also, gently fold them in to avoid deflating the batter.

---

Conclusion

A Funfetti Layer Cake is the ultimate way to add a pop of color and joy to any celebration. Whether it's for a birthday or a simple family gathering, this cake delivers in both taste and presentation. With its light and fluffy texture, vibrant sprinkles, and delicious buttercream frosting, it’s sure to be a hit. Follow the tips and tricks outlined here, and you’ll have a cake that not only looks fantastic but tastes incredible too. So, grab your apron and get baking—there’s a colorful celebration waiting to happen!

Print