Nothing says celebration quite like a Funfetti Birthday Cake! Bursting with colorful sprinkles baked right into tender vanilla layers and topped with creamy vanilla buttercream, this cake is pure happiness on a plate. The cheerful rainbow flecks give each slice a party-perfect look, making it a favorite for birthdays, anniversaries, or any day that needs a little sparkle.

The scent of vanilla fills the kitchen as the cakes bake to golden perfection, and when you finally spread that smooth, fluffy buttercream, it feels like you’ve created something magical. Whether you’re turning six or sixty, Funfetti Cake never fails to bring smiles, laughter, and a touch of nostalgia.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this Funfetti Cake because it captures the joy of childhood in every bite. The soft, moist crumb paired with creamy frosting reminds me of bakery-style birthday cakes — but better, because it’s made from scratch.

What makes this version extra special is the balance: not too sweet, not too dense, just the perfect light and buttery texture.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This cake is a must-try because:

• It’s vibrant, festive, and picture-perfect for birthdays or celebrations.
• The flavor is classic vanilla perfection — buttery, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• The homemade buttercream is smooth, not overly sweet, and easy to work with.
• It’s customizable — you can make it into cupcakes, layer cakes, or even sheet cakes.

Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never go back to boxed Funfetti cake again. It’s pure celebration baked into every crumb.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Assembly & Frosting: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories: ~460 calories per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Dessert / Celebration Cake
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Funfetti Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk (room temperature)
• ¾ cup (120g) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies type, not nonpareils)

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Extra rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Mix in sour cream until combined.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

1. Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth the tops.
2. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

1. In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until creamy and pale.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low.
3. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream.
4. Beat on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until smooth, fluffy, and spreadable. Add more cream if needed for consistency.

Step 5: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on top.
2. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with buttercream using an offset spatula.
3. Smooth the top and sides, then decorate with rainbow sprinkles.
4. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing to help the cake set.

How to Serve

Serve the Funfetti Cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Each slice reveals a rainbow-speckled surprise inside — it’s pure joy to cut into!

Perfect pairings:

• A scoop of vanilla or birthday cake ice cream
• Sparkling lemonade or milk
• Candles, confetti, and smiles — of course!

Recipe Tips

• Use jimmies sprinkles only — nonpareils can bleed color and discolor the batter.
• Don’t overmix the batter after adding sprinkles, or the colors may streak.
• Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly, ensuring a soft crumb.
• Level your cakes before assembling for a neat, professional look.
• To make colored frosting, add a few drops of gel food coloring and mix just until blended.

Variations

1. Chocolate Funfetti Cake: Add ½ cup cocoa powder and use chocolate sprinkles for a rich twist.
2. Lemon Funfetti Cake: Add 2 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the batter for a citrusy version.
3. Cupcake Funfetti: Make cupcakes instead — bake for 18–20 minutes and frost individually.
4. Layered Celebration Cake: Add an extra cake layer and fill with jam or pastry cream for extra decadence.
5. Vegan Funfetti Cake: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg).

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for 5 days when covered or sealed. Bring to room temp before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months.
• Frosted Cake: Can be frozen whole or sliced for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge.

Special Equipment Needed

• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
• Offset spatula for frosting
• Wire cooling rack
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula

FAQ

Q1. Can I use a box cake mix?
Yes, but adding sour cream and extra vanilla makes it taste more homemade.

Q2. What kind of sprinkles should I use?
Use rainbow jimmies — the longer, softer type. Avoid nonpareils (tiny round ones) as they bleed color.

Q3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Bake and freeze the layers up to a month in advance, then frost the day before serving.

Q4. My cake is dry — what went wrong?
It may have been overbaked. Always check a few minutes early and remove when a toothpick comes out clean.

Q5. Can I color the frosting?
Yes! Gel-based food coloring works best for bright, non-runny colors.

Conclusion

Funfetti Birthday Cake with Vanilla Buttercream is pure celebration baked into a dessert. With its tender vanilla crumb, creamy frosting, and colorful sprinkles, it’s a joyful treat for every age and occasion.

Whether you’re baking for a loved one or simply celebrating life’s little moments, this cake promises to bring smiles, laughter, and a burst of color to your table.