Celebration funfetti cake, the very words evoke joy and vibrant memories. This confection isn't just a dessert; it's a symbol of happiness, a sugary embodiment of every birthday party, graduation celebration, or "just because" moment deserving of a sprinkle of magic. You're about to discover how to bake a celebration funfetti cake that's as delicious as it is beautiful, bringing smiles with every single bite. Let's make some cake!
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Why You Will Love This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
This celebration funfetti cake is the ultimate comfort food. Picture biting into a soft, moist crumb, bursting with rainbow sprinkles and topped with a sweet, creamy frosting. It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Plus, the vibrant colors make it an instant hit at any gathering. It’s pure, uncomplicated joy on a plate! I remember making this cake with my grandma every year for my birthday. The sprinkle explosions and the sheer delight of licking the frosting bowl are memories I cherish.
This isn't just about following a recipe; it's about creating a centerpiece for laughter and connection. This funfetti celebration cake truly brightens anyone's day.
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Ingredients Needed for This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Additional rainbow sprinkles, for topping
How to Make This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This ensures the cake releases cleanly.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly for a consistent rise.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is crucial for a tender cake.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops gluten and leads to a tough cake.
Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
Pour and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Frost and Decorate: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer with frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with additional rainbow sprinkles.
Chill (Optional): For easier slicing, chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the frosting set and prevents the cake from crumbling. Try using a cake leveler to ensure that your cake layers are even!
How to Serve This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
Serve this celebration funfetti cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an extra special treat. For a visually appealing presentation, use a cake stand and garnish with extra sprinkles or edible glitter. This goes great with a tall glass of milk! You could also serve it with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies for the ultimate dessert platter.
How to Store This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
Store leftover celebration funfetti cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake layers (frosted or unfrosted) individually, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw completely before serving. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the cake.
Tips to Make This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
- Use high-quality sprinkles for the best visual effect. Jimmie sprinkles tend to bleed less than nonpareils.
- Measure your flour accurately. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid using too much flour.
- Don’t overbake the cake. Overbaking will result in a dry cake.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the frosting. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- For extra flavor, add a touch of almond extract to the frosting.
Helpful Notes for This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to bake. This helps them combine more evenly and creates a better texture. If you don’t have cake pans, you can use round cake pans instead. For a taller cake, bake the batter in three 6-inch round cake pans instead of two 9 inch ones. Reduce the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes.
Variation of This celebration funfetti cake Recipe
For a chocolate version, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also add different flavored extracts, such as almond, lemon, or orange, to the cake batter or frosting. For a seasonal twist, use different colored sprinkles to match the holiday or season. Red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter, and so on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a funfetti cake a ‘celebration’ cake?
Funfetti cakes, often called confetti cakes, are associated with celebrations due to the colorful sprinkles mixed throughout the batter, creating a festive and joyful appearance perfect for birthdays and special occasions.
Can I use any type of sprinkles in a celebration funfetti cake?
While you can use various sprinkles, using jimmies (the long, thin sprinkles) is most common for funfetti cakes because they hold their color better during baking and create the classic funfetti look.
How do I keep my celebration funfetti cake moist?
To keep your cake moist, avoid overbaking it. Using oil in the batter helps retain moisture, and adding sour cream or yogurt can also create a more tender crumb. Cool the cake completely before frosting.
What’s the best frosting for a celebration funfetti cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream frosting is a popular choice for funfetti cakes because it complements the cake’s flavor without overpowering it. You can also add extra sprinkles on top for an extra touch of celebration.
Celebration Funfetti Cake: The EASIEST Recipe Ever!
A classic celebration funfetti cake recipe. Moist, soft, and filled with colorful sprinkles, perfect for birthdays and celebrations.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Nutrition:
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 18g
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Additional rainbow sprinkles, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the milk and vanilla extract, beating until light and creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer with frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with additional rainbow sprinkles.
- Chill frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality sprinkles and ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Do not overbake the cake. For a chocolate version, add 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
Conclusion
This Celebration Funfetti Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a joyful reminder that the simplest moments are often the sweetest. With its soft, moist crumb, colorful sprinkles, and creamy vanilla frosting, this cake brings instant happiness to any table. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a special milestone, or simply baking “just because,” this easy funfetti cake recipe is guaranteed to deliver smiles with every slice. We hope it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in ours. Don’t forget to share your creation and follow us on Pinterest for more festive cake ideas and baking inspiration!