The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe

This colorful homemade funfetti cakeis a twist on the classic funfetti cake! It’s a fluffy, buttery white cake topped with a creamy butter meringue frosting.Make it as a sheet cake or round cake layers!

This recipe makes the best funfetti cake and it’s one of our favoritedesserts. The perfect cake for abirthday partyor anycelebration!

You can also make confetti cupcakes too!

The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (1)

There is something so nostalgic aboutfunfetti cake and conjures up wonderful memories of birthdays and celebrations. Funfetti cake was my absolute favorite growing up. I would often call it confetti cake or sprinkle cake as the beautiful colorful sprinkles dot the inside and look like confetti!

As I got older and started to make homemade cakes, I wanted to create a homemade version of a funfetti cake. I created this recipe for homemade funfetti cake so you don’t have to use a boxed cake. You have more options when making homemade cakes like using organic ingredients and natural sprinkles if you prefer.

If you’re looking for more fun sprinkle recipes try our homemade vanilla brownies and our no-bake cheesecake! Both are just as colorful as this cake!

I also love my fluffy, yellowbirthday cake recipefor celebrations too!

IN THIS POST

Homemade Funfetti Cake Ingredient Notes

The full recipe and measurements are in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • Unsalted Butter– Use organic, grass-fed butter if possible. Make sure it’s room-temperature butter.
  • Whole Milk– Moistens the batter and adds protein and structure to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil– Makes it incredibly moist.Any neutral oil will work, such as vegetable or canola oil.
  • Vanilla and Almond Extract– Enhances the flavors in the cake and adds extra flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar– If you have super fine sugar, it works best in a white cake recipe. However, regular white granulated sugar will also work fine too.
  • Large Eggs– Use organic whole eggs work to moisten and stabilize a cake.
  • All-Purpose Flour– Flour provides the structure of baked goods.
  • Baking Powderand Salt
The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (2)

How To Make a Funfetti Sheet Cake

There are eight simple steps to make this cake.

Combine Dry Ingredients– In a large bowl add the dry ingredients together.

Cream Butter and Sugar– In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the sugar and butter with the paddle attachment.

Add in Eggs – Beat each egg in one at a time and use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl.

Combine Liquid Ingredients – In a measuring cup add all of the liquid ingredients.

Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients – Turn the mixer to low speed and alternate the wet and flour mixture with the butter mixture.

Fold in Sprinkles – This is what makes it a funfetti cake!

Prepare Baking Pans – Use a rectangular cake pan or two 8-inch cake pans. If you’re using round cake pans and making a layered cake, grease the pan and line it with parchment paper.

Bake – Make sure the oven is preheated to 350 degrees. Baking times will vary depending on the pan you use, true oven temperature, and location.

What Is A Sheet Cake?

A sheet cake is traditionally baked on a flat rectangular pan like a sheet pan (with sides) or a jelly roll pan. However, we use a 9×13 rectangular cake pan and since it’s a single-layer rectangular pan we call it a sheet cake.

These single-layer cakes are almost always frosted, with decorations and ornamental frosting along the borders and the flat top surface.

The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (3)

Tips for Making Confetti Cake

  • Use Quality Ingredients. We always use organic, whole ingredients for the most part. For this recipe, we also used all grass-fed dairy products. We truly notice a positive difference in the end result. Using high-quality ingredients always makes a big difference.
  • When measuring flour for a cake, lightly spoon it over the measuring cup, then swipe the top using the back of a knife.
  • Use room temperature ingredients.
  • When mixing on low, alternate the dry and wet ingredients.
  • Butter the cake pan or sheet pan well.
  • Don’t over-mix once the flour is added.
  • Remember, all oven temperatures are different, and cooking times vary. You have to know when your cake is made. Check on it and use the toothpick in the center method.
The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (4)

Funfetti Buttercream Frosting

Thebuttercream meringue frosting recipeis absolutely amazing with this cake. It’s soft, fluffy, creamy, and not too sweet. It only has 1 cup of organic sugar, 4 egg whites, and grass-fed butter. It’s so soft and creamy and pretty much perfect!

You can also top it with classic buttercream or even chocolate frosting if you prefer.

The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (5)

How to Store Confetti Cake

Store this cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Trust us, there won’t be any left after 5 days!

If the cake is not frosted you can make it ahead of time and freeze it. We recommend not freezing the cake with frosting as the buttercream meringue doesn’t freeze well. It will freeze well unfrosted for up to 3 months.

Let it sit in the refrigerator overnight to defrost.

When to Serve a Funfetti Sheet Cake

This sprinkle cake is great for several occasions! Here are some ideas:

Birthday Party or Carnival Party

Garden Party or Tropical Party

Graduation Party

Baby Shower or Wedding Shower

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Funfetti cake just vanilla with sprinkles?

Funfetti cake is a fluffy vanilla cake batter with colorful sprinkles which add dots of color throughout the cake.

Can you put sprinkles in the cake batter?

You can! This is a great way to add fun and color to a white or yellow cake. The sprinkles will melt, leaving a beautiful spot of color!

Is Funfetti white or yellow cake?

Funfetti cake is a moist, fluffy white cake with sprinkles. It has a vanilla flavor but it’s made with less egg yolk, so the color is white, not yellow.

What are the best sprinkles to use?

The best sprinkles to use in a cake are jimmies. These are long skinny, colorful sprinkles that you can buy at the grocery store. We buy the rainbow blend and they work great.

The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (6)

More Cake Recipes You’ll Love

Any of these cake recipes would be perfect for a party!

  • Buttermilk Cake
  • Lavender Sheet Cake
  • Neapolitan Sheet Cake
  • Ice Cream Sundae Sheet Cake
  • The Best Chocolate Cake Recipe
  • Easy Pistachio Cake
  • The Best Whipped Cheesecake

Let us know your thoughts!

If you make this homemade funfetti cake recipe, then please rate it and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!

You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, co*cktails, desserts, and parties!

The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (7)

Homemade Funfetti Cake

This sprinkle cake is perfect for any celebration!

4.61 from 28 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

0 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 18 servings

Calories: 450kcal

Author: Eden

Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter , room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, super fine sugar is best, but regular white sugar will work.
  • 4 large eggs whites
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles

Buttercream Meringue Frosting

  • 2 cups buttercream frosting
  • 1/2 cup sprinkles, more for the top

Instructions

Cake

  • Combine all of the dry ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.

  • In a mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  • Add in each egg white one at a time and continue beating.

  • Add in the whole egg.

  • Combine the milk, oil and extracts together in a bowl with a spout.

  • With the mixer on low, alternate the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, beating until combined each time.

  • Fold in the sprinkles and pour into a 9×13, buttered sheet pan.

  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees. This will vary depending on the cake pan you use, true oven temperature and location.

Buttercream Meringue Frosting

    Notes

    • Use organic ingredients, grass-fed when possible. The taste is so much more balanced and rich.
    • When measuring flour for a cake, lightly spoon it over the measuring cup, then swipe the top using the back of a knife.
    • Use room temperature ingredients.
    • When mixing on low, alternate the dry and wet ingredients.
    • Butter the cake pan or sheet pan well.
    • Don’t over-mix once the flour is added.
    • Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Trust us, there won’t be any left after 5 days.
    • Bake this cake in 8×8 round cake pans or a rectangular cake pan.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0g | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 121mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 883IU | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @sugarandcharm or tag us #sugarandcharm!

    The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (8)
    The Best Homemade Funfetti Cake Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    What gives Funfetti its flavor? ›

    Funfetti cake is typically a vanilla buttercream flavor with hints of waxy sweetness from the sprinkles in the batter. It is partnered with vanilla buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting. Decorate it with frosting, sprinkles, and whatever you like!

    How to make Pillsbury box cake better? ›

    No one will believe you didn't make the cake from scratch.
    1. Use an extra egg. Using an extra egg or two adds richness and moisture to your box cake. ...
    2. Use milk instead of water. ...
    3. Swap water for juice. ...
    4. Use butter instead of oil. ...
    5. Add a few spoonfuls of mayo. ...
    6. Use instant pudding mix. ...
    7. Make it nutty. ...
    8. Use coffee instead of water.
    Jun 30, 2023

    Is Funfetti cake the same as Funfetti cake? ›

    Pillsbury owns the trademark to "Funfetti" so the cake is generally called confetti cake, or can also be referred to as a sprinkle cake.

    What are the ingredients in Funfetti cake mix? ›

    Enriched Bleached Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Candy Bits (Sugar, Corn Starch, Vegetable Oil [Palm and Palm Kernel], Soy Lecithin, Confectioner's Glaze, Red 40 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Blue 1 Lake, Carnauba Wax, Yellow 6 Lake), ...

    Is Funfetti just vanilla with sprinkles? ›

    Yes, Funfetti is vanilla cake with sprinkles, but it's so much more. Funfetti cake is a festive confetti cake filled with nostalgia. It was invented in 1989 by Pillsbury. Funfetti is a vanilla-flavored white cake stuffed with colorful candy bits that, when baked, look like confetti or colorful dots.

    How to make a box cake better? ›

    8 Simple Tips and Tricks to Make Box Cake Better
    1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients. ...
    2. Replace Water with Milk or Buttermilk. ...
    3. Substitute Sour Cream in the Mix. ...
    4. Substitute Oil for Butter. ...
    5. Use More Eggs. ...
    6. Add Vanilla Extract. ...
    7. Make It a Chocolate Lovers' Cake. ...
    8. Decorate Your Cake Like A Pro.

    How to make a box cake taste like a bakery? ›

    Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

    How do you doctor up boxed cake mix? ›

    How do I improve a boxed cake mix? If it's chocolate, add some cocoa powder and brown sugar. If it's vanilla, add some pure vanilla extract, or any complementary extract, such as hazelnut, orange or lemon. Add nutmeg, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice.

    How do you perk up a box cake mix? ›

    Other ways to improve your box cake mix
    1. Use coffee instead of water for chocolate cakes. ...
    2. Sour Cream is perfect for adding moisture and rich flavor. ...
    3. Pudding adds moisture and flavor. ...
    4. Vanilla & Salt give the cake a more homemade taste. ...
    5. Butter instead of oil. ...
    6. Mix-Ins can both personalize your cake and add flavor.

    What flavors go well with Funfetti? ›

    Some flavors that pair well with funfetti cake are strawberry, lemon curd, berry, coconut, even chocolate if you want to get crazy, but usually, funfetti is just white cake and vanilla buttercream.

    What frosting goes with Funfetti cake? ›

    Lemon Buttercream Frosting

    The tangy citrus flavor of lemon complements the sweetness of the Funfetti cake, adding a burst of brightness to each bite. It's a perfect option for those who enjoy a vibrant and uplifting flavor profile. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.

    Why is my Funfetti cake flat? ›

    Overbeating your batter leads to cakes that don't rise out of the pan. Instead of beating, grab a wooden spoon or spatula and fold your dry mix into your wet mix a little at a time.

    Can I use whole eggs in Funfetti cake mix? ›

    But to answer your question yes you can substitute whole eggs for egg whites in a cake mix.

    Can you use olive oil in Funfetti cake? ›

    Baking with Olive Oil

    If substituting olive oil for vegetable oil (or another cooking oil) in your baking recipe, you can use a 1:1 ratio. Because of olive oil's distinct flavor, it might affect the flavor of the baked product.

    Can you substitute milk for water in Funfetti cake mix? ›

    Boxed cakes often call for water, but swapping it out for equal amounts of milk, coffee, or even soda will give you a moister, more tender, and flavorful cake.

    What is the flavor of Funfetti? ›

    Flavor: Confetti cakes are essentially vanilla cakes. The best confetti cake should taste strongly of vanilla with hints of butter and a good amount of sweetness.

    Is Funfetti its own flavor? ›

    Since its genesis in the late '80s, Funfetti has been trademarked by its original creator, Pillsbury (via The New York Times). This means that legally, only the Pillsbury brand can make Funfetti-branded products, which also means that technically Funfetti isn't actually a flavor, but rather a specific commodity.

    What provides flavoring in a cake? ›

    Common Ways To Flavor Baked Goods and Pastries
    • Liquid Concentrates. Liquid concentrates are highly concentrated flavorings that can enhance the taste of your baked goods. ...
    • Flavoring Powder. ...
    • Zests and Citrus Juices. ...
    • Cocoa and Chocolate. ...
    • Nuts and Seeds. ...
    • Aromatic Herbs. ...
    • Liquor. ...
    • Savory Goods.
    Oct 5, 2023

    Does Funfetti have a flavor? ›

    Rationally, I know Funfetti is just vanilla cake mix with unremarkable candy sprinkles baked in. But it's been a grocery-store and birthday-party staple since Pillsbury unleashed it on the world in 1989.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6338

    Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

    Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

    Birthday: 1999-11-18

    Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

    Phone: +50616620367928

    Job: Real-Estate Liaison

    Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

    Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.