If there’s one cake that instantly feels like a celebration, it’s funfetti. Soft vanilla cake bursting with colorful sprinkles and topped with fluffy vanilla buttercream? That’s pure birthday magic.
This homemade funfetti cake takes everything you love about the nostalgic boxed version and makes it even better — richer, fluffier, and made completely from scratch with simple pantry staples. It’s moist, tender, perfectly sweet, and packed with cheerful sprinkles in every bite.
Whether it’s for a birthday, a special occasion, or just because you feel like celebrating, this cake delivers big party energy.
What Is Funfetti Cake?
Funfetti cake is essentially a vanilla cake with sprinkles folded into the batter. The sprinkles melt slightly as the cake bakes, creating colorful specks throughout — like edible confetti.
This version adds both vanilla and a hint of almond extract for that classic bakery-style flavor. The result? A cake that’s buttery, soft, and nostalgic in the best way.
Why This Recipe Works
Moist and Tender Texture
Using both butter and oil gives you the best of both worlds: flavor from the butter and moisture from the oil. The crumb is soft, fluffy, and never dry.
Balanced Sweetness
It’s perfectly sweet without being overpowering — ideal for pairing with vanilla buttercream.
Real Vanilla Flavor
A generous amount of vanilla extract (plus a touch of almond) makes the flavor warm, rich, and classic.
From Scratch, But Simple
No complicated techniques — just straightforward mixing and baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- Unsalted butter
- Vegetable oil
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Buttermilk
- Cake flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Sprinkles (use jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the Vanilla Buttercream
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
- Whole milk
How to Make Homemade Funfetti Cake
1. Prepare the Pans
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease.
2. Cream Butter, Oil & Sugar
Beat butter and oil until smooth. Slowly add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Flavorings
Mix in eggs, vanilla, and almond extract until pale and airy.
4. Alternate Dry Ingredients & Buttermilk
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk in alternating additions. Mix just until combined — don’t overmix.
5. Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in sprinkles for even distribution.
6. Bake
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 30–40 minutes, until the center springs back and a knife inserted comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
How to Make the Vanilla Buttercream
- Beat softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in vanilla and salt.
- Add milk one tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
- Beat on high until airy and creamy.
If frosting feels too thick, add more milk. Too thin? Add more powdered sugar.
Assemble the Cake
- Place one cake layer on a stand.
- Spread about ⅓ of the frosting evenly over the top.
- Add the second layer.
- Frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream.
Decorate with extra sprinkles for maximum celebration vibes.
Tips for the Best Funfetti Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients.
- Choose jimmies sprinkles to prevent color bleeding.
- Do not overmix once flour is added.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting.
Storage & Make Ahead
Store:
Keep covered at room temperature for 2–3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze:
Wrap unfrosted cake layers tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw, then frost.
Bright, cheerful, and irresistibly fluffy, this homemade funfetti cake turns any day into a celebration. Skip the box mix — this version is pure birthday perfection.