If you’re looking for a dessert that brings a big smile to every slice, this Homemade Funfetti Cake is your answer! Imagine tender vanilla layers dotted with cheerful rainbow sprinkles, slathered in dreamy, cloud-like buttercream frosting, and crowned with an extra shower of sparkles. It’s nostalgic, festive, and surprisingly simple to whip up at home—no boxed mix needed! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a milestone, or just want to indulge in a joyful treat, this cake guarantees happiness in every bite.

Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake comes together with wonderfully simple ingredients, each playing a key role. The buttery crumb, vanilla flavor, and lively sprinkles make every forkful irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Unsalted butter (softened): Creates a rich, tender base for both the cake and the frosting—don’t rush the softening, or you’ll miss out on the fluffiness!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps whip up a light, airy crumb.
Egg whites: Give softness and structure—using just the whites keeps the cake dreamy-light.
Vanilla extract: All that classic, homestyle flavor comes from a hearty splash of real vanilla.
All-purpose flour: Holds everything together for the perfect slice.
Baking powder: Ensures a lovely rise and cloud-like texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavors.
Whole milk & sour cream: Adds moisture and richness, and creates that signature soft crumb—you’ll never skip this duo again!
Rainbow jimmies (sprinkles): Choose classic jimmies for fun pops of color that won’t bleed—these are the magic confetti!
Powdered sugar (for frosting): Whips up into a lusciously smooth and fluffy finish.
Heavy cream (for frosting): Makes your buttercream perfectly spreadable and extra creamy.
More rainbow sprinkles (for decorating): Because you can never have too much joy on top!
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Just a little to make the sweetness sing.

How to Make Homemade Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and get those pans ready! Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for stick-free removal. Grab all your ingredients and let that butter come to room temperature for easy creaming—this simple step ensures your Homemade Funfetti Cake bakes up beautifully even.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a stand or hand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This step traps air for a super soft, moist crumb and sets the tone for a melt-in-your-mouth cake.

Step 3: Add Egg Whites and Vanilla

Now, add the egg whites one by one, mixing well after each addition. This helps the batter stay lush and silky. Then pour in the vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma and flavor. The result should be a pale, smooth mixture that already smells like cake shop magic.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening. In another little bowl, stir the whole milk and sour cream together. This combo is the secret to a moist Homemade Funfetti Cake—the cake practically sighs with tenderness!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

With your mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. This gentle alternating rhythm keeps your batter fluffy and light. Mix until just combined; overmixing is a no-go for cakes this delicate.

Step 6: Gently Fold in Sprinkles

Time for the best part: the sprinkles! Use a spatula to gently fold in the rainbow jimmies. Take care not to overmix—just a few turns will keep the colors bright and lively, and ensure every slice has perfect pops of fun.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. The aroma is pure happiness! Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, whipping until you get a fluffy, dreamy frosting that holds soft peaks. This luxurious frosting is one of the things that makes Homemade Funfetti Cake so irresistible!

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once your cakes are fully cooled—not a hint of warmth left—frost between the layers and over the top and sides. Don’t skimp on the frosting! For the grand finale, shower your masterpiece with another handful of rainbow sprinkles. The more, the merrier—and the prettier your cake will be!

How to Serve Homemade Funfetti Cake

Garnishes

Sprinkles are the signature finish, but you can get creative—add white chocolate shavings, edible glitter, or even a swirl of whipped cream on each slice for an extra touch of delight. If you’re celebrating, a few candles nestled into the colorful cloud of frosting set the mood for any party.

Side Dishes

Balance out all the sweetness with a refreshing bowl of mixed berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Want to turn it into a festive dessert table? Serve alongside lemonade, milkshakes, or a steaming mug of coffee for the grownups. The options are as fun as the cake itself!

Creative Ways to Present

Homemade Funfetti Cake isn’t just for birthdays! Cut the cake into cubes for funfetti trifle, use small cookie cutters for bite-sized party treats, or bake the batter as adorable cupcakes for a perfect grab-and-go celebration. Stack slices into a rainbow tower for a showstopper effect—kids and grownups alike will be wowed!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Homemade Funfetti Cake incredibly moist by storing slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is especially warm, pop it in the fridge (well-wrapped) for up to four days, and let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you have extra cake, it actually freezes beautifully! Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. You can also freeze frosted slices—just lay them on a baking sheet to set the icing first, then wrap and store. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Cake is best at room temperature, but if you want that just-baked softness, pop a slice in the microwave for 5–10 seconds. This little trick brings the buttercream back to a fluffy, cloud-like state and revives the cake’s fresh-from-the-oven aroma.

FAQs

Can I use nonpareil sprinkles instead of jimmies?

It’s best to stick with rainbow jimmies for this Homemade Funfetti Cake. Nonpareils tend to bleed their color into the batter and can create streaks rather than the classic fun bursts of confetti.

Can I turn this recipe into cupcakes?

Absolutely! This batter transforms beautifully into cupcakes—just divide it among a lined muffin pan and bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

What’s the secret to super fluffy buttercream?

Softened butter and patience are your friends here. Beat the butter until smooth and creamy before adding the sugar, cream, and vanilla. Don’t skip the beating time—it makes the frosting light as air!

Can I make Homemade Funfetti Cake dairy-free or gluten-free?

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter, dairy-free sour cream, and milk. For gluten-free, try a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Results may vary, but the cake can still be joyful and colorful!

Why do my sprinkles sink to the bottom?

If you overmix once you add the sprinkles or use very heavy sprinkles, they might fall to the bottom. Gently fold them in right at the end, and stick with classic jimmies for the best distribution.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Homemade Funfetti Cake from scratch, you’re in for a treat. The process is pure fun, the result is incredible, and every bite sparks a little extra happiness. Go ahead, gather your sprinkles—this cake is waiting to become the highlight of your next celebration!

Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the whimsical delight of a Homemade Funfetti Cake, a colorful and festive treat perfect for birthdays or any special occasion. This moist and fluffy vanilla cake is speckled with rainbow sprinkles, topped with a creamy buttercream frosting, and more sprinkles for a fun finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 large egg whites
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup rainbow jimmies (sprinkles)

Frosting:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
More rainbow sprinkles for decorating

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare cake pans.
Mix Butter and Sugar: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add egg whites and vanilla.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, and milk and sour cream in another. Alternate adding them to the butter mixture.
Add Sprinkles and Bake: Gently fold in sprinkles, divide batter, and bake for 28–32 minutes.
Make the Frosting: Beat butter, then add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Frost the cakes and decorate.