Get ready to add a splash of color and a whole lot of happiness to any occasion with this cheerful, bakery-style Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake! Bursting with tender vanilla crumb and packed with playful rainbow sprinkles, this cake is an absolute showstopper—whether you’re baking for a birthday, a celebration, or just an ordinary day that deserves a little extra fun. With nostalgic flavors and a cloud-soft texture, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have kids and adults alike reaching for a second slice. Homemade never tasted so joyful!

Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of classic pantry staples come together to make the ultimate Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake. Each ingredient has its special job—bringing moisture, fluffiness, structure, or that signature confetti pop—to turn an everyday cake into a colorful masterpiece.
- All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of the cake, giving it the perfect tender crumb and structure.
- Baking powder: Responsible for that delightful rise and fluffy texture—don’t skip this leavening agent!
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all the sweet, buttery flavors and balances the cake.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds rich flavor and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture when properly creamed.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and works with the butter to create a light, airy crumb.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding and adding moisture and stability to each slice.
- Pure vanilla extract: The secret weapon—this deepens the flavor and brings that iconic cake shop aroma.
- Whole milk: Ensures a soft, luxurious cake and a batter that comes together smoothly.
- Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils): These are the magic ingredient, scattering joyful pops of color throughout every bite!
How to Make Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure an even bake right from the moment your cakes go in. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans thoroughly, then line the bottoms with parchment paper and dust with flour. This little bit of effort guarantees you’ll be able to release your cakes cleanly for perfect layers.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing them separately prevents pesky lumps and ensures that the leavening is perfectly distributed, giving you a consistent, fluffy crumb every time.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar together. Mix on medium speed for about three minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, with a pale buttery hue. This important step adds air and sets the stage for a soft, tender cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to keep the mixture smooth. Once all your eggs are in, blend in the pure vanilla extract. These bring moisture and that irresistible, classic vanilla flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
With your mixer on low, add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the whole milk. Start and end with the flour, mixing just until blended. This gentle mixing keeps your cake tender while ensuring everything comes together into a dreamy batter.
Step 6: Fold in the Rainbow Sprinkles
Here comes the fun! Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles (jimmies) using a spatula. Take care not to overmix—this keeps those bursts of color vibrant throughout the cake, rather than turning the batter streaky.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This prevents crumbling and ensures layers that are easy to frost.
How to Serve Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake

Garnishes
Adorn your Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake with a generous swoop of vanilla buttercream and a fresh shower of extra rainbow sprinkles over the top! For an added flair, try edible glitter or little piped buttercream rosettes. The more color and texture, the more festive each slice looks!
Side Dishes
Enjoy your cake with a cold glass of milk, a fruity punch, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries or a bowl of sliced strawberries are a wonderful, refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweet richness. For grown-up celebrations, a bubbly glass of prosecco never hurts!
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation—slice the cake into neat wedges for parties, or use cookie cutters to stamp out whimsical shapes for kids’ gatherings. You can even stack the layers with a drip of ganache for a more dramatic effect. For birthdays, let everyone personalize their slice with extra sprinkles or fun toppings on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop it in the fridge where it’ll keep perfectly for up to five days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this cake! Wrap whole layers or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil; store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, and the cake will taste as joyful as the day you baked it.
Reheating
While you don’t need to reheat this cake, if you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. This little burst brings back a fresh-baked flavor (and is especially dreamy when topped with a scoop of ice cream).
FAQs
Can I use nonpareils instead of jimmies for the sprinkles?
It’s best to stick with rainbow jimmies for your Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake, as nonpareils tend to bleed color and can turn the batter a muddy shade. Jimmies hold their shape and color for that signature confetti look!
How do I keep my cake moist?
Measure your flour carefully and don’t overbake the layers. Using whole milk and creaming your butter and sugar well also guarantee each slice is irresistibly soft and moist.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them tightly wrapped at room temperature. You can also frost and decorate your Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake the day before serving.
What’s the best frosting for Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream is a flawless match, but feel free to get creative—cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a whipped cream frosting all shine on this playful cake.
Can I bake this into cupcakes instead of cake layers?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among cupcake liners and bake at the same temperature for 16 to 18 minutes. You’ll get about 24 funfetti cupcakes, perfect for parties or easy sharing.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of slicing into a homemade Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake and seeing those colorful speckles light up every crumb. It’s a cake that brings pure happiness with every bite and a perfect way to celebrate life’s sweet moments. Give it a try—you’ll love sharing (and eating!) every last morsel.
Print
Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a colorful and delightful Rainbow Sprinkle Funfetti Cake that’s perfect for birthdays or any celebration. This homemade cake is moist, flavorful, and bursting with rainbow sprinkles throughout.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
Additional:
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
- Bake: Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Let cool before frosting and decorating.
Notes
- For best results, use jimmies sprinkles to prevent color bleeding.
- Frost with vanilla buttercream and top with extra sprinkles for a fun finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg