Funfetti Drip Cake Recipe: A Burst of Joy in Every Bite

Funfetti drip cakes are the ultimate celebration cake. Their vibrant sprinkles and decadent frosting create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning. This recipe will guide you through creating your own masterpiece, from baking the perfect vanilla cake layers to achieving that enviable drip effect. Get ready to unleash your inner artist and bake a cake that will be the star of any party.

Baking the Perfect Funfetti Cake Layers

The foundation of any great drip cake is a moist and flavorful cake. For this funfetti cake, we’ll start with a classic vanilla base and add a generous helping of rainbow sprinkles. Remember, the key to a light and airy cake is to properly cream the butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth and fluffy batter. Don’t overmix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, as this can lead to a tough cake.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Lining the bottom of the pans with parchment paper will also help prevent sticking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter and 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in ½ cup rainbow sprinkles.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Creating the Dreamy Drip Frosting

Now for the fun part – the frosting! A smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream is the perfect complement to the funfetti cake. The key to a perfect drip is the consistency of the frosting. It needs to be thick enough to hold its shape but thin enough to flow gracefully down the sides of the cake.

1. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups (4 sticks) of softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Add ½ cup of milk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is light and fluffy.
4. Add a few drops of gel food coloring, if desired, and beat until the color is evenly distributed.

Whipped Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Assembling and Decorating Your Funfetti Drip Cake

With the cake layers cooled and the frosting ready, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Remember to level the tops of the cake layers if necessary to ensure a flat and even surface. This will help create a stable and beautiful cake.

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops with a serrated knife if needed.
2. Place one cake layer on a cake board or serving plate.
3. Frost the top of the first layer with a generous amount of buttercream frosting.
4. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with a thin layer of buttercream, called a crumb coat. This will help trap any stray crumbs and create a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting.
5. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.
6. Frost the cake with the remaining buttercream, smoothing the sides and top.
7. Reserve about ½ cup of frosting and add a few drops of milk to thin it out. This will be your drip frosting.
8. Add the drip frosting to a piping bag or ziplock bag with a corner snipped off.
9. Carefully pipe the drip frosting around the top edge of the cake, allowing it to flow down the sides.
10. Decorate with additional sprinkles and any other desired toppings.

Decorated Funfetti Drip Cake

Expert Tips from Pastry Chef Amelia Dubois

“When making a drip cake, remember that temperature is key,” advises Pastry Chef Amelia Dubois. “Make sure your cake is chilled before adding the drip frosting to prevent it from melting too quickly.” She also recommends using high-quality sprinkles for the best visual impact. “The vibrant colors really make the cake pop!”

Conclusion

Baking a funfetti drip cake is a rewarding experience. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create a stunning dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake a funfetti drip cake that will impress your friends and family.

Slice of Funfetti Drip Cake

FAQ

1. Can I use different sprinkles? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different colors and shapes of sprinkles to create your own unique design.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, the cake layers can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
3. What if my frosting is too thick? Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
4. What if my frosting is too thin? Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it thickens.
5. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, the frosted cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
6. What’s the best way to level the cake layers? Use a long serrated knife and use a sawing motion to create an even surface.
7. Can I use a different type of frosting? While buttercream is recommended for the best drip effect, you can experiment with other frostings like cream cheese frosting.