Funfetti Sprinkle Birthday Cake is the ultimate celebration dessert that everyone instantly loves! It’s a soft and fluffy vanilla cake loaded with colorful sprinkles that make every bite feel like a party. The outside is covered in creamy, smooth frosting that’s just sweet enough to make this cake irresistible.
I always smile when I see the sprinkles peeking out from the cake layers—it reminds me of those joyful moments at birthday parties when kids and adults alike get excited about cake. What makes this cake extra special is how simple it is to make but feels so festive and bright. I like to add a little extra sprinkle decoration on top to make it look as cheerful as it tastes!
My favorite way to serve this cake is with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of warm tea because the sweetness is perfectly balanced. It’s the kind of cake that brings everyone together, whether it’s a big birthday bash or just a casual treat after dinner. Honestly, it’s hard not to smile after a slice of this fun, colorful classic.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cake structure. You can swap it with gluten-free flour blends, just use the same amount but check the blend’s instructions.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness. You can use salted butter but cut back on added salt. For dairy-free, use vegan butter sticks.
Rainbow Sprinkles: Jimmies are preferred as they hold up well in the batter. Avoid nonpareils because their colors bleed more. If you don’t have sprinkles, mini chocolate chips can add a fun touch.
Milk: Whole milk makes the cake moist and tender. You can substitute with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, but keep it unsweetened.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla brings flavor depth. If you don’t have it, a vanilla bean paste or even a bit of almond extract can work.
Powdered Sugar: This is key for a smooth frosting. Make sure to sift it to avoid lumps. For a less sweet option, reduce sugar slightly and add more vanilla or salt.
How Do You Keep Sprinkles from Bleeding Into the Cake Batter?
When you fold sprinkles into batter, colors can bleed and turn your cake batter dull. Here’s how to keep it bright and fun:
- Add sprinkles last, folding gently with a spatula to avoid breaking them.
- Use “jimmies” sprinkles — they have a waxy coating that helps stop bleeding.
- Mix only until sprinkles are just combined; overmixing breaks them and releases color.
- If you’re worried about bleeding, toss sprinkles in a small spoon of flour before folding in. This keeps them suspended better.
These simple steps keep your cake colorful and festive without turning the batter into a rainbow mess.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8-inch round cake pans – I recommend three for a nice layered cake, and they’re easy to portion evenly.
- Parchment paper – helps your cakes come out clean and prevents sticking.
- Electric mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar a breeze and saves you effort.
- Mixing bowls – handy for whisking dry ingredients and mixing your batter.
- Cooling rack – lets your cakes cool completely so frosting doesn’t melt off.
- Offset spatula or butter knife – makes frosting smooth and even for decorating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or chunks mixed into batter for a chocolate-vanilla combo; great for extra surprise bites.
- Colored buttercream swirls instead of plain frosting for extra fun colors.
- Fresh berries or fruit preserves layered between the cake layers for a fruity twist.
- Use coconut extract or almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile; a little goes a long way.
Funfetti Sprinkle Birthday Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- Extra rainbow sprinkles
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll spend about 20 minutes prepping and mixing, around 30 minutes baking time, plus 10 minutes cooling before frosting. After assembling and decorating, chilling the cake for about 30 minutes will help the frosting set perfectly. In total, plan for roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Cake Pans and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare three 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and lightly flouring them, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Keep mixing for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to fully incorporate. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely birthday cake flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk
Starting with the dry ingredients, add them to the butter mixture alternately with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix each addition just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough.
6. Fold in the Sprinkles
Gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the batter using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix so the colors don’t bleed and your batter stays bright and fun.
7. Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.
8. Cool the Cake Layers
Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
9. Prepare the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low speed, then add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat the frosting on high speed for 3-4 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and spreadable. Add extra cream or milk if you want a thinner consistency.
10. Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a smooth, even layer of frosting on top. Repeat this with the second layer, then place the final cake layer on top.
11. Frost and Decorate
Cover the entire cake with a smooth layer of frosting. If you like, pipe swirls or other decorations on the edges. Finally, gently press extra rainbow sprinkles onto the sides and top for that extra festive touch.
12. Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the finished cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This makes slicing easier and keeps everything looking neat.
Enjoy your colorful and fun Funfetti Sprinkle Birthday Cake!
Can I Use Frozen Sprinkles in the Batter?
It’s best to use fresh, room-temperature sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. If your sprinkles are frozen, let them come to room temperature before folding them into the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make the Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance and keep them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost and decorate just before serving for the freshest look.
What Can I Substitute for Whole Milk?
You can substitute whole milk with any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy milk. Just use the same amount, and choose unsweetened varieties to avoid altering the cake’s flavor.