Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake: The Perfect Celebration Treat

When it comes to birthdays, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a show-stopping Funfetti Cake! Packed with fluffy, colorful layers and topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting, this cake is the ultimate festive dessert. It’s perfect for any special occasion—whether you’re hosting a birthday party or just craving a cheerful treat. The combination of soft, moist cake and the rich, sweet frosting will have everyone reaching for seconds.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy, Moist Cake: The cake layers are soft and moist, thanks to the combination of egg whites, sour cream, and milk.
• Colorful Funfetti: The rainbow sprinkles make every bite vibrant and fun, adding a playful touch to the classic vanilla cake.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A tangy, creamy frosting that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake, bringing everything together.
• Customizable: Add more or fewer sprinkles based on your preference, or switch up the frosting if you’d like to experiment with flavors.
• Impressive: This cake looks gorgeous with its colorful sprinkles, making it perfect for birthdays or any celebration!

---

Ingredients

For the Funfetti Cake Layers:

• 2 and 2/3 cups cake flour (330 grams)
• 1 tablespoon (13 grams) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon (3 grams) salt
• 1 cup (8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 cups (298 grams) granulated sugar
• 6 large egg whites (201 grams), room temperature, beaten until very frothy
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) milk
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (oil, canola or vegetable)
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) rainbow sprinkles, plus more for decorating the sides of the cake

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 3 cups (706 grams) cream cheese, VERY soft
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, VERY soft
• 4 cups (454 grams) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons milk (more if needed)
• Nonpareil sprinkles, for decorating, optional (do not use these in the cake!)

---

Instructions

For the Funfetti Cake Layers:

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease the bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans, then line them with parchment paper rounds. Set aside.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a handheld electric mixer), beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute. Gradually add the granulated sugar and beat on high for another 2 minutes.
4. Add egg whites:
   Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add in the egg whites, one at a time. Be sure to beat well after each addition, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently.
5. Combine the liquids:
   In a separate bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients:
   With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the liquid mixture (beginning and ending with the flour). Mix until just combined.
7. Fold in the sprinkles:
   Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles by hand to keep them evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Prepare to bake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops for even baking. (Each pan should have approximately 765 grams of batter.)
9. Bake the cakes:
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cakes:
    Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Afterward, invert the cakes onto cooling racks and let them cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat the cream cheese and butter:
   In the bowl of a stand mixer or using an electric handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
2. Add sugar and milk:
   Reduce the speed to low and gradually add in the sifted confectioners’ sugar, followed by the salt and milk. Beat until well combined.
3. Fluff the frosting:
   Increase the speed to high and beat for 1–2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.
4. Set aside some frosting for piping:
   Place 1/2 cup of frosting into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. This will be used for decorating the top of the cake.

Assembly:

1. Slice the cake layers:
   Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice each cake in half horizontally to create 4 even layers.
2. Layer the cake:
   Place one cake layer on a cake stand or large plate. Spread 2/3 cup of the frosting over the top, covering it completely. Repeat this process with the remaining layers of cake and frosting.
3. Top with frosting:
   Once you’ve finished stacking the layers, spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out.
4. Decorate the cake:
   Use the frosting in the piping bag to pipe stars or decorative swirls on top of the cake. Press additional rainbow sprinkles around the sides of the cake.
5. Set the cake:
   Allow the cake to set for 20 minutes before slicing to ensure the frosting holds its shape.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Slice, serve, and enjoy the birthday celebration!

---

Servings and Timing:

• Servings: About 12 slices
• Prep time: 45 minutes
• Bake time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 2–2.5 hours (including cooling time)

---

Variations:

• Flavor Twist: Swap out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Cake Decorations: Customize the cake decorations with themed sprinkles or edible glitter for a more personalized birthday touch.
• Flavored Frosting: Add lemon, orange, or raspberry extract to the frosting for a fruity twist.

---

Storage:

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing the Cake: You can freeze the cake layers before frosting. Wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.

---

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?
While egg whites help create a lighter texture in this cake, you can use whole eggs. The color and texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it come to room temperature before using.

What if I don’t have cake flour?
If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour. For each cup of cake flour, use 1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for a lighter texture.

---

Conclusion

This Ultimate Funfetti Birthday Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, with its light, fluffy layers and rich, creamy frosting. The colorful sprinkles add a fun pop of color, while the cream cheese frosting brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet. Whether it’s a birthday or any celebratory occasion, this cake will make the day even sweeter and more memorable!

Print