Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe

A Funfetti Layer Cake is the ultimate festive treat, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a burst of color and sweetness. Loaded with rainbow sprinkles both inside and out, this cake is as fun to look at as it is to eat! With its light, fluffy layers and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, this classic Funfetti cake is sure to become a favorite. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite colors and toppings. Let's dive into the recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to create a perfect Funfetti Layer Cake for your next celebration.

What Is a Funfetti Cake?

Funfetti cake is a vanilla-flavored cake loaded with colorful sprinkles (confetti-like), which melt slightly while baking, creating fun pops of color throughout the cake layers. It’s typically paired with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting and decorated with even more sprinkles, making it a fun and festive cake for parties, especially birthdays.

Ingredients List for Funfetti Layer Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, adds a nice flavor boost)
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
• ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles (use the "jimmies" variety; nonpareils can bleed color into the batter)

For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Additional sprinkles for decorating

Substitutions and Variations for Funfetti Layer Cake

1. Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine, and use almond milk or another dairy-free milk instead of whole milk. Make sure your sprinkles are also dairy-free.
2. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum to keep the cake light and fluffy.
3. Egg-Free: Replace egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) or a commercial egg replacer to make the cake vegan-friendly.
4. Chocolate Funfetti: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version of Funfetti cake.
5. Color Themes: Use different colored sprinkles to match a party theme, like pastels for a baby shower or red and green for a holiday celebration.
6. Buttercream Alternatives: For a different frosting option, try cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or even a chocolate ganache for a richer version.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Funfetti Layer Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two or three 8-inch round cake pans (depending on how many layers you want) and line the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy. This step ensures the cake is light and tender.

Step 4: Add the Egg Whites and Extracts

With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the egg whites, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the vanilla and almond extract, and mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the wet ingredients (milk and sour cream), starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles

Using a spatula, gently fold in the sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to stir too much, as the colors may start to bleed into the batter.

Step 7: Divide and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Once the cakes are cool, level the tops using a serrated knife to ensure even layers.

How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes cool, prepare the buttercream frosting:

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to prevent a sugar cloud. Once combined, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Cream

Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Beat on high speed for another 2 minutes until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream; if it's too thin, add more powdered sugar.

How to Assemble the Funfetti Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Level the Cake Layers: If your cakes domed during baking, use a serrated knife to trim off the tops so the layers are even.
2. Step 2: Frost the First Layer: Place one layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thick layer of frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
3. Step 3: Add the Second Layer: Place the second layer on top of the frosted layer and repeat the process. If you're making a three-layer cake, add the third layer and repeat.
4. Step 4: Crumb Coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) to the entire cake to lock in any crumbs. Place the cake in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set.
5. Step 5: Final Frosting Layer: Once the crumb coat has set, frost the entire cake with a final, thicker layer of buttercream. Use an offset spatula or bench scraper to smooth the frosting for a clean finish, or create swirls and texture for a more rustic look.
6. Step 6: Decorate with Sprinkles: Before the frosting sets, generously sprinkle rainbow sprinkles all over the cake, especially around the top and sides. Gently press them into the frosting to ensure they stick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
2. Using Nonpareil Sprinkles in the Batter: These small, round sprinkles tend to bleed color into the batter. Stick to "jimmies," the longer rainbow sprinkles, which hold their color better during baking.
3. Skipping the Parchment Paper: Lining your pans with parchment paper makes it easier to remove the cake without sticking, especially when working with light, delicate cake layers.
4. Not Letting the Cake Cool: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt. Be sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner slices, refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes before cutting into it.
• Garnish the Plate: Serve each slice with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Add Extra Color: Garnish the top of the cake with extra sprinkles, or pipe rosettes of frosting along the edges for a polished look.

How to Serve Funfetti Layer Cake

Funfetti Layer Cake is best served at room temperature. If you've chilled it to help with slicing, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to allow the frosting and cake to soften slightly. This cake pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or even a celebratory glass of champagne!

Presentation Ideas for Funfetti Layer Cake

1. Drip Cake: Add a drip effect with chocolate ganache or colored candy melts around the top edges for a trendy look.
2. Pastel Theme: For a themed party, use pastel-colored sprinkles inside the cake and on top of the frosting.
3. Sprinkle Explosion: For an extra fun surprise, hollow out the center of the cake and fill it with sprinkles before adding the top layer. When the cake is cut, sprinkles will pour out like confetti!

Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, ensure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before starting.
• Storage: The frosted cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerating, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Make Ahead: You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.
2. Can I freeze the cake layers? Absolutely. The cake layers can be baked ahead of time, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting.
3. Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg whites? Using whole eggs will result in a denser, yellow cake. To maintain the light color and texture of a traditional Funfetti cake, it’s best to use just egg whites.
4. What type of sprinkles should I use? The best sprinkles for baking in the batter are "jimmies," the longer, cylindrical sprinkles. Avoid nonpareils (small, round sprinkles), as they tend to bleed color.

Conclusion

This Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, with its fluffy layers of colorful cake and sweet, creamy buttercream frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to brighten someone's day, this cake will bring smiles and joy to the table. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and bursting with sprinkles, this cake is the perfect way to add a little fun to any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a sweet, colorful celebration!

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