There's something undeniably magical about a Funfetti cake. It's not just a dessert; it's a celebration in every slice, a burst of color and joy that takes us back to childhood birthday parties and happy moments. While store-bought mixes are convenient, nothing beats the taste and satisfaction of an Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake made from scratch. And guess what? It's much simpler than you think!
Forget complicated techniques and endless ingredients. Our recipe is designed for bakers of all levels, promising a moist, tender crumb packed with vibrant rainbow sprinkles that won't bleed into the batter. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just a Tuesday, this joyful treat is guaranteed to bring smiles.
Why You'll Love This Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake
This isn't just another cake recipe; it's a game-changer for your celebrations. Here's why you'll want to bake it again and again:
- Simple & Straightforward: Our recipe uses common pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for beginners.
- Bursting with Joy: The colorful sprinkles baked right into the cake create a festive and cheerful appearance that's impossible to resist.
- Incredibly Moist & Flavorful: With just the right balance of ingredients, this cake boasts a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and delightful vanilla flavor.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves a slice of funfetti! It's the ultimate party cake.
Ingredients You'll Need
To whip up this delightful Funfetti cake, you'll need a few basic ingredients. Quality makes a difference, so opt for fresh eggs and good vanilla extract!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Funfetti Cake
Follow these simple steps to create a beautiful and delicious homemade funfetti cake:
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips for Funfetti Cake Success
Achieving that perfect, vibrant funfetti cake is easy with these insider tips:
Don't Overmix the Batter
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dry cake. Mix until just combined, even if there are a few small lumps. A gentle hand will yield a wonderfully tender crumb.
Room Temperature Ingredients are Key
Ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a lighter, airier cake texture.
Preventing Sprinkle Bleed
The secret to keeping your sprinkles bright and defined is to fold them in gently at the very last moment. You can also lightly toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter; this helps them suspend evenly and prevents colors from running.
Check for Doneness Properly
Every oven is different, so start checking your cake at the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
Variations & Frosting Ideas
While delicious on its own, a funfetti cake truly shines with the right frosting! A classic vanilla buttercream is always a winner, or you could try a rich cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast. You can also turn this recipe into festive cupcakes – simply reduce the baking time to about 18-22 minutes.
Get ready to spread some happiness with this delightful Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an edible celebration waiting to happen. Happy baking!
FAQs
What are funfetti sprinkles made of?
Funfetti sprinkles, also known as jimmies or hundreds and thousands, are small, colorful confectionery decorations typically made from sugar, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. They're what give funfetti cake its signature celebratory look!
Can I make this funfetti cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Frost the cake closer to serving.
How do I prevent the sprinkles from bleeding color into the batter?
To prevent color bleeding, ensure your batter is not overmixed, and fold in the sprinkles gently at the very last step. Chilling the sprinkles for about 15-30 minutes before adding them can also help.
What's the best way to store leftover funfetti cake?
Store leftover funfetti cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Easy Homemade Funfetti Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delightful recipe for a homemade funfetti cake, bursting with colorful sprinkles and joyful flavor.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9 inch baking pan.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently to avoid color bleeding.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
For an extra pop of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract along with the vanilla. Don't overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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