If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s bursting with color and pure joy, you’ve got to try this Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction. Imagine layers of moist, fluffy vanilla cake generously studded with rainbow sprinkles, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy vanilla buttercream. It’s like a celebration wrapped in every bite, perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or simply whenever you want to brighten your day with a homemade sprinkle-filled delight. This cake manages to deliver both nostalgic charm and bakery-worthy elegance, all crafted from simple, straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect texture, rich flavor, and that iconic pop of color. From the fluffy cake layers to the creamy frosting, here’s what you’ll gather before you start this baking adventure.
- 3 1/2 cups cake flour: Using cake flour ensures your layers stay tender and soft without being dense.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: The lift behind that perfect crumb, giving the cake its airy structure.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise evenly and keeps it moist.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Essential for richness and a smooth crumb texture in the cake layers.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering it.
- 5 large egg whites (room temperature): They keep the cake light and fluffy while adding structure.
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature): Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the vanilla flavor.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: The star of the show for that classic vanilla essence.
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature): Helps create the perfect batter consistency and keeps the layers tender.
- 3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-type): The colorful surprise that makes this cake undeniably fun and festive.
- For the frosting: 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich and creamy base for the frosting.
- 5–6 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to creamy perfection.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds a luscious, silky texture to the frosting.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the classic vanilla flavor that complements the cake beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the frosting’s flavor.
- More sprinkles for decorating: Because you can never have too many sprinkles on this joyous cake.
How to Make Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Pans and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and preparing three 9-inch cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. This step ensures your layers come out perfectly clean and intact. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt so that your dry ingredients are evenly combined. This simple base sets the stage for the fluffiest layers.
Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. This creaming step is crucial—it incorporates air that helps give the cake its tender crumb and light texture.
Step 3: Adding Egg Whites, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
Next, add the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. The gradual incorporation ensures a smooth batter and stable structure. Then mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined, which adds moisture and that signature vanilla flavor.
Step 4: Combining Dry Ingredients and Milk
On low speed, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and whole milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mixing just until combined keeps the batter light and avoids overworking the gluten, which could make the cake tough.
Step 5: Folding in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the jimmies-style rainbow sprinkles with a spatula. It’s important to be gentle so the colors don’t bleed into the batter, keeping those fun specks vibrant throughout the cake layers.
Step 6: Baking the Layers
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula for even baking. Bake for 23 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the layers cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience here makes stacking much easier and neater.
Step 7: Making the Frosting
While your cakes cool, make the frosting by beating the softened butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is luxuriously light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creamy vanilla buttercream perfectly complements the sweet, tender cake.
Step 8: Assembling the Cake
Frost the first cooled cake layer generously, then add the second layer and repeat, finishing off with the third. Smooth the frosting on the sides and top, then shower more sprinkles on top for that final festive touch. And just like that, your Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe masterpiece is ready to brighten any occasion!
How to Serve Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Beyond the classic sprinkle topping, consider adding edible glitter, small candies, or a drizzle of colorful glaze to amp up the festive feel. Fresh berries can also add a lovely pop of freshness and contrast beautifully with the sugary sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light fruit salad or a tangy berry coulis can add balance and contrast, making the dessert experience even more vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties, try placing fun candles or sparklers on top to celebrate in style. You can also cut the cake into mini squares for a playful dessert buffet or even turn leftovers into funfetti trifle cups layered with frosting and berries for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Funfetti Layer Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To keep the sprinkles and frosting looking fresh, cover loosely with parchment paper instead of plastic wrap directly on the cake.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers before frosting by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, maintaining freshness for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and assembling.
Reheating
This cake is best served at room temperature. If refrigerated, simply allow slices to come to room temperature before eating to bring back that soft, tender crumb and creamy frosting texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular sprinkles instead of jimmies?
It’s best to use jimmies-style sprinkles because they hold up better during baking and won’t bleed their color into the batter like nonpareils or other types might.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
With some substitutions like dairy-free butter and milk alternatives, you can adapt the recipe, but note the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from sinking to the bottom?
Gently folding the sprinkles into the batter at the end and avoiding overmixing helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake layers.
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
Using whole eggs changes the texture, making the cake denser; the original recipe relies on egg whites to keep it light and airy.
Is this recipe suitable for making cupcakes?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time to about 16-18 minutes and use cupcake liners for easy funfetti treats.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing a homemade Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe. It’s more than just a cake — it’s a celebration of color, texture, and joyous flavor that brings people together. I can’t wait for you to try this beloved recipe, bake it with love, and watch it light up any occasion with its cheerful charm. Happy baking!
Print
Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Funfetti Layer Cake, inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction, is a moist and fluffy vanilla cake filled with colorful sprinkles and topped with a rich, creamy vanilla buttercream. Perfect for celebrations, this cake offers nostalgic flavors and bakery-style texture made entirely from scratch with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 3 1/2 cups cake flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-type, not nonpareils)
For the frosting:
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 5–6 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- More sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare pans and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed using a mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add egg whites: Incorporate the egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a light batter texture.
- Add sour cream and vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully blended into the batter.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the whole milk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the batter tender.
- Fold in sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow jimmies-style sprinkles, being careful not to overmix to prevent color bleeding.
- Divide and bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 23–26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cake layers: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks. Cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare frosting: Beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
- Assemble the cake: Frost the cooled cake layers evenly, stack them, and decorate the top with additional sprinkles for a festive finish.
Notes
- Use jimmies-style sprinkles rather than nonpareils to avoid color bleeding during baking.
- For convenience, cake layers can be baked ahead of time and frozen, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months.
