Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Funfetti Cake is the epitome of joy and indulgence! The cake itself is light, tender, and packed with colorful sprinkles, making each slice visually stunning and delicious. The buttercream frosting is the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, taking the cake to the next level. It’s a fun dessert that everyone, from kids to adults, will love. Plus, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable, so you can tailor it to suit your taste.

Ingredients

9 Tablespoons (127 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (236 ml) neutral cooking oil (Use canola, vegetable, or avocado oil)
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups+ 2 Tbsp (516 g) all-purpose flour (all of the flour goes into the cake batter, you will also need additional flour for preparing the cake pan)
4 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 ½ teaspoons table salt
1 ½ cup (355 ml) milk
9 (315 ml) large egg whites (room temperature preferred)
½ cup (80 g) sprinkles (see note)

Buttercream

1 lb (453 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
¼ teaspoon salt
6 cups (750 g) powdered sugar
6 Tbsp (89 ml) heavy cream
2 teaspoons LorAnn Princess emulsion or vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
Prepare the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the oil and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Add the egg whites: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the cake batter, ensuring it’s well combined.
Add the sprinkles: Fold the sprinkles into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Buttercream:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and salt until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on medium speed until smooth.
Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract (or LorAnn Princess emulsion) and beat on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Frost the cooled cake layers with the buttercream, spreading it evenly between and over the top of the cake.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour (including cooling)

Variations

Add flavorings: You can add almond extract or lemon zest to the cake batter for a different flavor profile.
Color the frosting: Add food coloring to the buttercream to make the cake even more colorful and fun.
Use different sprinkles: Try different types of sprinkles to match your theme, such as star-shaped or heart-shaped sprinkles for special occasions.
Make cupcakes: Use the same recipe to make cupcakes! Adjust the baking time to 18–22 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating: To enjoy the cake at its best, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

How do I make sure my Funfetti cake is moist?

To ensure your cake stays moist, use room temperature ingredients, particularly the egg whites and milk. Be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake.

Can I use different sprinkles for this cake?

Yes, feel free to use any type of sprinkles you prefer. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid them bleeding into the batter.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap each cake layer in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Frost just before serving.

Can I substitute the butter with oil in the cake?

While oil makes the cake moist, butter provides flavor. If you prefer, you can replace butter with more oil, but it may affect the flavor slightly.

How do I make the buttercream frosting less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a little extra salt to balance the sweetness. Some people also like to add a touch of cream cheese to the buttercream for a tangy flavor.

Is it necessary to use egg whites for this recipe?

Yes, egg whites help create a light, airy texture in the cake. However, you could use whole eggs if preferred, though the texture may be slightly denser.

Can I freeze this Funfetti Cake?

Yes, you can freeze both the cake layers and the buttercream separately. Wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.

Can I use a different frosting for this cake?

Absolutely! You could use cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or any frosting of your choice. The cake pairs well with a variety of frosting options.

How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the sprinkles in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This will help them stay suspended throughout the cake.

What can I use if I don’t have LorAnn Princess emulsion for the buttercream?

You can substitute LorAnn Princess emulsion with vanilla extract or another flavor extract, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

This Funfetti Cake with Buttercream Frosting is the ultimate treat for any celebration. With its soft, fluffy texture, colorful sprinkles, and decadent buttercream, it’s sure to be a hit at any party. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this cake will bring smiles and joy to everyone who gets a slice!

Funfetti Cake from Scratch

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Yield: 12-16 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Funfetti Cake with Buttercream Frosting is the ultimate celebration cake, perfect for birthdays, holidays, and any special occasion. With a moist, fluffy cake filled with vibrant sprinkles and topped with a creamy buttercream frosting, this colorful dessert is sure to delight everyone at your event. Easy to make and fully customizable, it’s a fun, festive treat that brings joy in every bite!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold them into the batter.
Fold the sprinkles into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Buttercream:

Beat the softened butter and salt in a large mixing bowl until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on medium speed until smooth.
Add the heavy cream and LorAnn Princess emulsion (or vanilla extract) and beat on high for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Frost the cooled cake layers, spreading the buttercream evenly between and over the top of the cake.

Notes

To make sure the cake stays moist, use room temperature egg whites and milk. Avoid overmixing the batter.

Different sprinkles, such as star-shaped or heart-shaped, can be used for special occasions.

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the amount of powdered sugar or add a pinch more salt.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American