Funfetti Sprinkle Cake

Introduction

There’s something undeniably joyful about a Funfetti Sprinkle Cake. With its vibrant colors, sweet vanilla flavor, and the delightful crunch of sprinkles, this cake is a celebration in every slice. Originally popularized by boxed cake mixes, Funfetti has become a beloved classic for birthdays, parties, and any occasion that calls for a little extra fun. Making it from scratch elevates the experience, allowing you to customize flavors, textures, and decorations to suit your personal style. Whether you’re baking for a child’s birthday or just because, a homemade Funfetti cake brings smiles and sweet memories with every bite.

The History

Funfetti cake was introduced by Pillsbury in 1989 as a way to combine the joy of colorful sprinkles with a classic vanilla cake. The name “Funfetti” is a playful portmanteau of “fun” and “confetti,” perfectly capturing the essence of the cake. Its instant popularity led to a wide range of products, from cupcakes to frostings and even pancake mixes. While the boxed version remains a favorite, many bakers have taken the recipe into their own kitchens, creating homemade versions that are even more flavorful and customizable. Today, Funfetti represents more than just a cake — it’s a symbol of celebration and joy.

Ingredients Breakdown

A traditional Funfetti Sprinkle Cake starts with a basic vanilla cake base, enriched with a rainbow of colorful sprinkles folded into the batter and used for decoration. Here’s what you’ll typically find in the ingredient list:

Flour – Provides the structure of the cake.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
Butter – For a rich, moist crumb and deep flavor.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and add moisture.
Milk – Creates a tender texture and smooth batter.
Baking powder – Ensures the cake rises properly.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.
Sprinkles – The signature element, adding color, crunch, and whimsy.
Food coloring (optional) – For a more vibrant cake or frosting.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line a cupcake tray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
In a separate bowl or stand mixer, cream 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter and 2 large eggs until light and fluffy.
Add 1 cup whole milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated.
Fold in 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles gently to avoid bleeding the color.
Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Tips

Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even rise.
Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; this can lead to a dense cake.
Add sprinkles at the end to maintain their color and texture.
Chill the cake layers before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Use a crumb coat before applying the final layer of frosting to keep the cake neat.

Variations and Customizations

Make your Funfetti cake truly unique with these easy twists:

Chocolate Funfetti – Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Lemon or Almond Extract – Substitute part of the vanilla for a flavor twist.
Layered Colors – Divide the batter and add different food coloring to each layer.
Confetti Cupcakes – Bake as cupcakes for easy, individual servings.
Gluten-Free or Vegan Options – Use gluten-free flour blend and substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives.
Stuffed Funfetti Cake – Fill the center with sprinkles, jam, or cream cheese for a surprise inside.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

While Funfetti Sprinkle Cake is a treat best enjoyed in moderation, you can make healthier adjustments without sacrificing flavor:

Substitute half the sugar with applesauce or a sugar alternative like erythritol.
Use whole wheat or oat flour for added fiber.
Replace whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the butter for a protein boost.

A typical slice of Funfetti cake (without frosting) contains approximately 300–400 calories, depending on the recipe and portion size. Adding frosting and extra sprinkles can increase the calorie and sugar content significantly.

Ingredients

2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Optional: 1/2 cup cocoa powder (for chocolate version)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a stand mixer or large bowl, beat the butter and eggs until creamy and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add milk and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Fold in the sprinkles by hand using a spatula.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.