Making a vibrant and cheerful Funfetti Cake brings a touch of joy to any occasion, be it a weeknight dessert, a weekend treat, or a delightful center to gatherings. This recipe embodies simplicity and comfort while being flexible enough to accommodate different celebrations or quiet moments at home. With its easy preparation and the inviting texture that comes from butter, sugar, and eggs, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Let’s step into the kitchen and create something that not only looks appealing but delivers on flavor and nostalgia.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Funfetti Cake
This Funfetti Cake shines with its ease and reliability, making it perfect for everyday baking. The balanced flavor profile of buttery goodness paired with sweet sprinkles creates a comforting treat everyone can savor. The recipe’s practicality allows for quick assembly, bringing joy without the fuss, which is exactly what you want in a beloved dessert.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (or whisk)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (provides structure)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (helps the cake rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (adds moisture and richness)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (sweetens and contributes to texture)
- 4 large eggs (binds ingredients for a stable cake)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (adds aromatic flavor)
- 1 cup milk (ensures moist consistency)
- 1 cup sprinkles (adds color and sweetness)
- American buttercream for frosting (smooth and sweet finishing layer)
How to Make Funfetti Cake
Step 1. Begin by preheating your oven to the recommended temperature for baking. While the oven warms up, prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter or cooking spray. This ensures that your cakes will easily release once baked.
Step 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. This not only aerates the flour but also distributes the baking powder and salt uniformly throughout the mix.
Step 3. In another large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk. You’re aiming for a light and fluffy mixture, which usually takes several minutes. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, contributing to a fluffy cake texture.
Step 4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. It’s important to ensure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This will help create a uniform batter and enhance the structure of the cake.
Step 5. Stir in the vanilla extract, allowing it to blend into the mixture. The vanilla will not only add flavor but also deepen the overall aroma of the cake. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any butter or sugar stuck there.
Step 6. Gradually add the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture to help maintain the structure of the batter. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Step 7. Gently fold in the sprinkles using a rubber spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will create those delightful bursts of color in the finished cake. Take care not to overwork the batter at this stage.
Step 8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use the spatula to smooth the tops if needed, ensuring they are level. This will help the cakes bake evenly and rise properly.
Step 9. Bake the cakes in the preheated oven until they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
Step 10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step helps prevent the cakes from becoming soggy and ensures they have a nice texture.
Step 11. Once cooled, frost the cakes with American buttercream. You can layer the cakes if desired, adding a delightful creaminess to each bite. The frosting helps to enhance the overall sweetness and adds a beautiful finish to your cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Funfetti Cake can be enjoyed in a multitude of settings. It serves well as a sweet breakfast option, especially when paired with coffee or tea. Slices make great afternoon snacks or can be included in family meals for a touch of celebration. If you have leftovers, it keeps nicely for dessert or can even brighten up a lunchbox for kids. Depending on the occasion, feel free to cut the cake into smaller squares for a finger-food treat during gatherings.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Ensure your butter is fully softened before beginning; this will help create a fluffier texture.
- Don’t skip the whisking of dry ingredients; it helps prevent clumping and ensures even rising.
- Let your cakes cool fully before frosting; warm cakes can melt your frosting.
- Use a bench scraper to smooth out the frosting for a more polished look.
- Experiment with the amount of sprinkles; adjust based on color preference without changing the texture significantly.
- Always check for doneness with a toothpick to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream properly with sugar, affecting the cake’s texture. Ensure that your butter is softened fully at room temperature for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Only mix until just combined, especially when incorporating the flour.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can lead to a cake that doesn’t rise or has an off texture. Use proper measuring tools for accurate results.
- Not cooling cakes before frosting: Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Allow the cakes to cool completely on a rack.
- Baking at incorrect temperature: If your oven is too hot or cold, it will affect the baking process. Always preheat your oven properly and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Skipping the weighing of flour: Scoop and leveling flour can lead to too much flour in the recipe. For the best results, consider weighing it for accuracy if you have a kitchen scale.
Variations & Substitutions
For a fun twist, consider swapping the sprinkles with mini chocolate chips to give a different flavor profile. You could also make a layer cake by adding fillings of fruit preserves or chocolate between the layers. If you prefer a different frosting, cream cheese frosting could enhance the flavor with a tangy touch.
Storage & Reheating
This cake can be stored at room temperature for a day or two in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, keeping it in the refrigerator is a good option for up to a week. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to three months; just wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, slicing the cake and warming individual pieces in the microwave for a few seconds will help maintain its moist texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake layers ahead of time. Just make sure to cool them completely before wrapping and storing them in the refrigerator. You can frost them the day you plan to serve.
How long does it last in the fridge?
The Funfetti Cake can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to three months if wrapped tightly. Make sure to defrost it in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for one ingredient?
If you need to substitute the butter, you can use an equal amount of vegetable oil for a different texture, but it may affect the overall flavor and richness.
Why didn’t my recipe turn out as expected?
Possible issues may include inaccurate measuring, underbaking, or not creaming the butter and sugar properly. Each step plays a critical role in achieving the desired outcome.
Final Thoughts
Making a Funfetti Cake is a straightforward process that results in a comforting, visually appealing treat that can fit any occasion. It invites creativity with its colors and flavors while remaining a reliable recipe you can return to time and again. Enjoy the process and relish each slice, knowing you’ve created something delightful for yourself and those around you.
Funfetti Cake
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour provides structure
- 1 tablespoon baking powder helps the cake rise
- 0.5 teaspoon salt enhances flavor
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened adds moisture and richness
- 2 cups granulated sugar sweetens and contributes to texture
- 4 large eggs binds ingredients for a stable cake
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract adds aromatic flavor
- 1 cup milk ensures moist consistency
- 1 cup sprinkles adds color and sweetness
- to taste American buttercream for frosting smooth and sweet finishing layer
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature for baking. Grease the cake pans with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy release.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually mix in the dry flour mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sprinkles until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops if necessary.
Baking and Cooling
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Frosting
- Once cooled, frost the cakes with American buttercream, layering if desired.