Easy Funfetti Cake with Sprinkles: A Joyful Baking Adventure

Funfetti cake. Just the name itself evokes a sense of childlike wonder and celebration. This Easy Funfetti Cake With Sprinkles recipe is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because you crave a burst of color and happiness in your life. And the best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner bakers. So, gather your sprinkles and let’s get baking!

Why We Love This Easy Funfetti Cake Recipe

This funfetti cake recipe is a favorite for several reasons: It’s easy to follow, adaptable to different flavors, and always a crowd-pleaser. The simple ingredients are likely already in your pantry, making it a convenient choice for spontaneous baking sessions. Plus, who can resist those vibrant sprinkles? They add a touch of magic to every slice. This isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience.

Ingredients for easy funfetti cake with sprinkles

Ingredients for Your Funfetti Masterpiece

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup rainbow sprinkles, plus more for decorating

Baking the Perfect Funfetti Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will prevent your cake from sticking and ensure a clean release.
2. Dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake.
3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter, creating a tender crumb.
4. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Be sure to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next.
5. Alternate wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. Sprinkle magic: Gently fold in the sprinkles. This is where the fun begins! Be careful not to overmix.
7. Bake to perfection: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling down: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cakes from crumbling.

Funfetti cake batter in a prepared pan

Frosting and Decorating: Unleash Your Creativity

Once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost and decorate. You can use your favorite frosting recipe. A classic buttercream frosting, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple whipped cream frosting all work beautifully. For an extra touch of funfetti magic, consider adding a handful of sprinkles to your frosting.

Decorated funfetti cake with sprinkles

Tips from a Seasoned Baker: Funfetti Cake Edition

• Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, ensures that they emulsify properly, creating a smooth and even batter.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Sprinkle quality: Invest in high-quality sprinkles that won’t bleed their color into the batter during baking. You want those vibrant colors to pop!

“The secret to a great funfetti cake,” says renowned pastry chef, Amelia Dubois, “is using quality ingredients and not being afraid to have fun with the decorations.”

Variations on a Theme: Funfetti Flavor Adventures

• Chocolate Funfetti: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a rich chocolate funfetti cake. Pair it with a chocolate buttercream frosting for double the chocolatey goodness. You might also enjoy learning more about cupcakes baking recipes.
• Lemon Funfetti: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter and use a lemon-flavored frosting for a bright and citrusy twist.

“Experimenting with different extracts and flavor combinations can elevate your funfetti cake to a whole new level,” adds Chef Dubois. “Don’t be afraid to get creative!”

Sliced funfetti cake with visible sprinkles

Conclusion: A Celebration in Every Bite

This easy funfetti cake with sprinkles is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of joy and color. With its simple recipe and endless possibilities for customization, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and bake a batch of happiness today!

FAQ

1. Can I use different types of sprinkles? Absolutely! Feel free to use jimmies, nonpareils, or any other sprinkle variety you prefer.
2. Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cakes a day or two in advance and store them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost and decorate the cake on the day of your event.
3. Can I freeze this cake? Yes, both the unfrosted cake layers and the frosted cake can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
4. What can I substitute for buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by combining 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
5. How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding? Use high-quality sprinkles or coat them in a thin layer of flour before adding them to the batter.
6. Can I use a different size cake pan? Yes, you can use 8-inch or 10-inch cake pans. Adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller pans will require a longer baking time, while larger pans will require a shorter baking time.
7. My cake is dry, what did I do wrong? Overbaking is the most common culprit for a dry cake. Be sure to check for doneness with a wooden skewer and remove the cake from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.