Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe

Few things spark pure celebration quite like a slice of funfetti cake, and this Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe is truly the ultimate showstopper for any special occasion. Imagine impossibly fluffy layers studded with pops of colorful rainbow sprinkles, wrapped in a dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that never feels heavy. Every bite is nostalgia and joy—a party on a plate! As someone who’s baked countless birthday treats, I can say this Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe takes the classic up a few notches, guaranteeing happy faces around every table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how the most basic pantry staples turn into a cake so stunning and delightful. Each ingredient, from the tangy sour cream to the rainbow burst of sprinkles, brings its own magic to the Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe—which is why it’s so much more than a box mix can offer!

• Cake flour: Makes the cake light, soft, and tender—trust me, it’s worth picking up a bag if you don’t already have some.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure each layer rises perfectly for a cloud-like crumb.
• Salt: Just a hint pulls out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter creates a rich, buttery base—don’t rush the softening step!
• Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps create the perfect cake structure.
• Egg whites: Beaten until frothy, these give you that classic white funfetti cake look and a delicate texture.
• Milk: A key ingredient for moisture; whole milk if you have it!
• Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and extra softness—absolutely worth including.
• Oil (canola or vegetable): Locks in extra moisture so your cake never tastes dry.
• Vanilla extract: Brings that classic birthday cake aroma we all love.
• Rainbow sprinkles: Use the classic “jimmies” for baking—these won’t melt or bleed in the batter.
• Cream cheese: The essential base of the luscious, not-too-sweet frosting.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Sifted for extra smoothness in your frosting.
• More unsalted butter: Room temp helps the frosting whip up extra creamy and light.
• Salt (again): Brings out the best in the frosting’s sweetness.
• Milk: Just enough to loosen up the frosting for silky spreading.
• Nonpareil sprinkles: Perfect for the cake decoration, but skip adding these into the batter!

How to Make Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds. This step ensures those colorful, sprinkle-speckled layers release effortlessly, making stacking and decorating easy breezy.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting isn’t just about mixing—it aerates everything, setting you up for the fluffiest Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe layers imaginable.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In your stand mixer bowl, beat the softened butter on medium-high until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar and keep beating—about 2 minutes—until it all becomes pale, fluffy, and irresistible. This step is the secret to richness and signature cake bakery texture.

Step 4: Add the Egg Whites

With the mixer on low, drizzle in the frothy egg whites, a little at a time. Pause to scrape down the bowl—this helps keep everything light, smooth, and evenly combined.

Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate measuring cup or bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Each one plays a role: moisture, tang, and that cozy “birthday” aroma!

Step 6: Combine and Fold in Sprinkles

Add the dry and wet mixtures to the butter base in three alternating batches, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until blended—don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the tender crumb. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles to keep those cheerful pops whole.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between the two prepared pans, smoothing out the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes—watch for the edges to turn golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 15 minutes, then flip onto racks to finish cooling completely.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the very soft cream cheese and butter together until creamy and unified. On low speed, add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, salt, and a couple spoonfuls of milk. Then pump up the speed and whip until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable—this is a game changer on the Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe!

Step 9: Assemble and Decorate

Once your cakes are cool, use a serrated knife to gently slice each in half horizontally for a total of four layers. Place the first layer on your cake stand, spread with 2/3 cup of frosting, and repeat with the remaining layers. Spread the rest of the frosting all over the top and sides, then pipe on a few swirls or stars with the reserved frosting. Finish with a generous shower of sprinkles around the sides.

Step 10: Let it Set and Serve

Allow the assembled Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe to set for about 20 minutes—this helps the frosting firm up for clean, gorgeous slices. Now, celebrate!

How to Serve Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Go wild with your toppings! Try extra sprinkles, big swirls of reserved cream cheese frosting, or even a scattering of edible glitter for extra sparkle. A few birthday candles make it absolutely festive—the more colorful, the better.

Side Dishes

While Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe is totally stunning solo, serve it with a scoop of vanilla (or birthday cake!) ice cream for ultimate decadence. A bubbly glass of lemonade, sparkling cider, or even a rich cup of coffee are all wonderful matches for this celebratory treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Get inventive! Slice the cake into tall, towering wedges or cut into small squares for a party platter. You can even use cookie cutters on chilled cake layers for fun shapes—kids (and grown-ups) adore these. Stacking the layers slightly offset, ombre-style, is a trendy twist that doubles the fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight cake container. It’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for 1-2 days, or up to 5 days in the fridge. If chilled, let slices come to room temperature for the softest texture.

Freezing

This cake is freezer-friendly! Wrap whole, undecorated layers tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Frosted cake slices can also be frozen—just place on a baking sheet to firm up before wrapping, so the frosting doesn’t get squished. Thaw overnight in the fridge and finish with a fresh sprinkle shower before serving.

Reheating

Cake slices are best enjoyed at room temp! If refrigerated, just set out for 30-45 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving—the frosting will melt and lose its fluff. For a just-baked feel, let the layers rest on the counter out of the wrapping for an hour before assembling or enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe into cupcakes?

Definitely! Divide the batter evenly among lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You’ll end up with about 24-28 super festive cupcakes—don’t forget the extra sprinkles on top!

What kind of sprinkles are best for the batter?

Use the classic “jimmies”—they look like tiny colorful rods. Nonpareils (the round ones) tend to bleed and melt in the batter, so reserve those for decorating the frosted cake only. This will keep your Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe vibrant and pretty inside.

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour?

If you’re in a pinch, you can make a quick substitute! For each cup of cake flour needed, measure out 1 cup all-purpose flour, remove 2 tablespoons, and add back 2 tablespoons cornstarch. Sift well, and you’re set for a comparable texture.

How do I keep my cake moist?

Don’t overbake—start checking for doneness five minutes before the timer goes off. The sour cream, oil, and proper measuring all keep the cake tender, but overmixing or baking can dry things out. Also, store the Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe well-wrapped to preserve every moist crumb.

Is this recipe easy for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! While there are several steps, each is straightforward, and you’ll learn some classic cake-baking techniques along the way. The results are more than worth it, and your friends and family will be amazed you made it from scratch.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as joyful as a homemade Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe, brimming with color, fluffy layers, and luscious cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re marking a milestone or just celebrating life’s little moments, I hope you bake this cake and turn any day into a reason to celebrate!

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