Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe
Get ready to celebrate with a show-stopping treat that promises joy in every slice: the Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe! This cake delivers everything you want from the classic party dessert—soft, tender layers studded with bursts of rainbow sprinkles and a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting that hugs every bite. Whether you’re baking for a birthday bash or just want to add a little more fun to your week, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe lies in a combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays a key role—don’t be tempted to skip or swap! The result is a delightfully soft crumb, bright pops of sprinkle color, and that irresistible bakery-style flavor we all secretly crave.
- Cake flour: Gives the layers their exceptional tenderness and light, airy crumb.
- Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo that ensures your cake rises tall and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and prevents the cake from tasting flat or overly sweet.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and a creamy base to both cake and frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Egg whites: Give your layers lift and help keep the cake snowy white with a fine crumb.
- Milk: Brings moisture for a perfectly soft bite.
- Sour cream: Adds acidity for tang and an unbelievably tender crumb.
- Oil: Ensures lasting moistness—so your cake won’t dry out, even on day two (or three!).
- Vanilla extract: Infuses deep, sweet warmth into the cake and frosting alike.
- Rainbow sprinkles: The signature funfetti flair—fold in for irresistible pops of color.
- Cream cheese: For that signature tangy, silky frosting—make sure it’s very soft for easy mixing.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sifted for the smoothest, fluffiest frosting—you’ll taste the difference.
- Nonpareil sprinkles: For a final party-ready finish—sprinkle liberally on top if desired, but don’t mix into the batter!
How to Make Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Cake Pans and Oven
Start your celebration off right by setting yourself up for cake-baking success! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, and generously grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Don’t forget to line the bottoms with parchment rounds—this little trick ensures your beautiful layers lift right out, with no stressful sticking. Set them aside and feel the excitement build!
Step 2: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting not only breaks up any lumps but also helps create the signature fine crumb we love in this Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe. Set the mixture aside—you’ll be reaching for it soon!
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment (or a trusty hand mixer), beat your room-temperature butter until it’s silky smooth and creamy, about one minute. Gradually add granulated sugar, then beat on high for two full minutes. You’re looking for a light, fluffy base—this builds the perfect structure for those tender, party-worthy layers.
Step 4: Add Egg Whites for Lightness
Reduce mixer speed to low, and add your frothy egg whites a little at a time. Beat well after each addition, scraping down the bowl as needed. This step ensures even mixing and helps keep your layers ultra-light and cloudlike!
Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a measuring cup, whisk together the milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. This powerhouse combo brings richness, tang, and irresistible moisture—essential for a memorable Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe.
Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Liquids
With your mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk-sour cream mixture. Always start and end with dry ingredients! Mix until *just* combined—overmixing is the enemy of tenderness. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula, and revel in the confetti magic swirling through your batter.
Step 7: Divide and Bake
Pour the batter evenly between the prepared pans (about 765 grams per pan, if you’re precise!). Smooth the tops and slide them into the oven. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 15 minutes in their pans, then carefully invert onto wire racks to cool completely. It’s hard to wait, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 8: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a big, clean bowl, beat together the very soft cream cheese and butter until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Slowly add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, then toss in the salt and milk. Beat until perfectly fluffy—crank the speed up at the end for an extra pillowy texture. Reserve half a cup of frosting in a piping bag for a fancy finish later. The rest is ready to slather on your cake!
Step 9: Assemble and Frost
Once your cakes are cool, use a long serrated knife to slice each in half, creating four even layers. Place the first layer on your favorite cake stand or serving plate, and spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Repeat, stacking, and frosting as you go, until all four layers rise in a glorious rainbow-flecked tower. Frost the top and sides, then whip out that piping bag and decorate with stars or swirls—have fun with it!
Step 10: Decorate and Set
Press extra sprinkles around the sides with your hands and don’t hold back! You can also shower the top with nonpareil sprinkles for extra sparkle. Let the finished cake set for around 20 minutes; this helps firm up the frosting and makes for perfect, clean slices. Now, slice and serve your Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe with pride!
How to Serve Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This is your chance to go wild! Pipe more frosting rosettes around the edge, add a scattering of pretty nonpareil sprinkles, or even top with candles for the ultimate birthday moment. Fun toppers or a few fresh berries add a festive touch if you want to jazz up your Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe even further.
Side Dishes
Keep things simple and let your showstopper shine! A cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even some fresh sliced strawberries complement the cake’s sweetness and richness beautifully. For a party, offer coffee or tea alongside and watch the smiles spread around the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the recipe as cupcakes for handheld fun (adjust the baking time accordingly), or present the whole cake on a bright cake stand with a fun birthday banner. Slice and serve on colorful plates, or package individual slices in clear wrap and ribbon as charming party favors. However you serve it, the Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe is sure to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake? Lucky you! Cover any remaining slices tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The rich cream cheese frosting keeps the cake nice and moist, making every leftover bite as delicious as the first.
Freezing
This Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe is freezer-friendly! Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic, then foil; freeze up to two months. If you want to freeze frosted cake, chill it first until the frosting firms up, then wrap securely and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
No reheating required for this cake—just slice and enjoy straight from the fridge (some even prefer it slightly chilled!). If you like a softer bite, bring the cake to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. This brings back that fresh-baked flavor and pillowy texture.
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Cake flour truly gives the Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe its signature lightness, but if you must, you can substitute all-purpose flour minus two tablespoons per cup. The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious!
What kind of sprinkles should I use?
Use classic rainbow “jimmies” for best results and avoid nonpareils in the batter—they can bleed color and change the texture. Save the nonpareils for decorating the finished cake instead.
Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among lined muffin tins, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Frost and decorate as you would for a full cake—adorable and irresistible!
How do I keep the cake super moist?
Sour cream and oil are your secret weapons for moistness! Don’t overbake, and be sure to store any leftovers covered or wrapped to lock in that soft texture. This Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe stays tender for days.
Can I prepare the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cream cheese frosting up to two days ahead. Store it in the fridge, tightly covered, and let it come to room temperature before spreading it on your cake for the fluffiest, smoothest finish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel as excited as I do to bake and share the Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe! Truly, there’s nothing quite like the smiles and laughter that come with serving a slice of this colorful masterpiece. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two to help swirl in those sprinkles, and create some unforgettable memories (and cake crumbs) in the kitchen. Happy baking!
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Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9-inch cake 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate in style with this ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake recipe! Layers of moist and fluffy cake speckled with colorful sprinkles, paired with a creamy and decadent cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any birthday celebration!
Ingredients
Cake Layers:
- 2 and 2/3 cups cake flour (330 grams)
- 1 Tablespoon (13 grams) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
- 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar (298 grams)
- 6 large egg whites (201 grams) (room temperature, beaten until very frothy)
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) milk
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) sour cream
- 1/4 cup oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1 Tablespoon (15 grams) vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) rainbow sprinkles, plus more for decorating the sides of the cake
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 3 cups (706 grams) cream cheese, VERY soft
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, VERY soft
- 4 cups (454 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons milk, more if needed
- Nonpareil sprinkles, for decorating, optional (do not use these in the cake!)
Instructions
- For the Funfetti Cake Layers: Preheat oven, prepare cake pans, mix dry ingredients, cream butter and sugar, add egg whites, mix wet ingredients, combine wet and dry ingredients, fold in sprinkles, bake, cool.
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter, add sugar, salt, and milk, beat until fluffy.
- Assembly: Slice cakes, layer with frosting, decorate with remaining frosting, pipe decorative swirls, press sprinkles onto sides, allow to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure ingredients are at room temperature.
- You can customize the sprinkles to suit the occasion.
- Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Funfetti Birthday Cake, Celebration Cake, Homemade Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting
