Get ready to unleash a burst of joy with this incredible **Funfetti cake recipe**! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a perfectly moist and tender vanilla cake, generously studded with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, promising a party in every slice. While I’ve crowned it with a delightful and easy lemon buttercream frosting, feel free to use your absolute favorite. Whether you prefer baking it in elegant layers or as a convenient sheet cake – as I did here – this homemade Funfetti creation is guaranteed to be the centerpiece of any celebration.

Starting with my tried-and-true moist vanilla cake recipe as the foundation, I’ve transformed it into this delightful Funfetti cake by simply folding in a generous amount of rainbow sprinkles and baking it in a practical 9×13 inch cake pan. The secret to its irresistible taste, often described as reminiscent of “cake batter,” lies in the harmonious blend of pure vanilla extract and a subtle hint of almond extract. This flavor profile elevates the classic Funfetti experience, making it truly special.

For this specific **Funfetti sheet cake**, I chose my zesty lemon buttercream, much like the one I use for my popular lemon cupcakes. However, this versatile cake also pairs magnificently with a less sweet and delightfully airy ermine frosting. While Funfetti, or confetti cake, is undeniably a classic choice for birthday celebrations, its charm extends to other fun treats too. Don’t limit the sprinkle fun; you might also love Funfetti cookies, Funfetti cupcakes, or even a classic yellow cake adorned with rich chocolate buttercream frosting for an equally joyful dessert experience.

Table of Contents

• Why You Will Love This Funfetti Cake
• Professional Tips for Making Perfect Funfetti Birthday Cake
• Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
• Delicious Funfetti Cake Variations
• How to Make Funfetti Cake from Scratch
• Frequently Asked Questions About Funfetti Cake
• Funfetti Sheet Cake Recipe Card
• Before You Go: Explore More Delicious Recipes

Why You Will Love This Funfetti Cake

• Incredibly Soft, Moist, and Tender Vanilla Cake bursting with Sprinkles! This isn’t just a cake; it’s a delightful experience for your taste buds. The base is a truly moist vanilla cake, with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. We don’t skimp on the rainbow sprinkles here – they add both visual appeal and a pleasant sweetness. Because the sprinkles contribute some sweetness, I love to balance it with a less-sweet, yet incredibly flavorful frosting. My top recommendations include a silky Italian meringue buttercream, the bright and tangy lemon buttercream, or a wonderfully light ermine frosting. Each complements the funfetti perfectly without overpowering its charm.
• Effortless Celebration: An Easy Sheet Cake Baked in a Baking Dish. Forget the stress of stacking and leveling multiple cake layers! This **easy Funfetti sheet cake** recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Baking it in a single 9×13 inch dish makes it incredibly straightforward to prepare, transport, and serve. Despite its simplicity, it remains 100% festive and ready for any party, potluck, or spontaneous celebration. It’s the perfect solution when you want a show-stopping dessert without the elaborate cake decorating techniques.
• Richly Flavored with Vanilla and a Hint of Almond Extract. What truly sets this Funfetti cake apart is its deeply satisfying flavor profile. The generous use of high-quality vanilla extract provides a warm, comforting base, while a subtle touch of almond extract elevates the taste to that beloved “cake batter” essence. This combination creates a rich, complex flavor that goes beyond basic vanilla, making each bite incredibly moist, aromatic, and unforgettable. It’s this thoughtful flavoring that makes this cake truly stand out.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions

• Unsalted Butter: For both the cake and buttercream, cool but pliable unsalted butter is key. In the cake batter, it incorporates beautifully, allowing you to trap air effectively between the butter and sugar molecules, which contributes to the cake’s volume and tender texture. For buttercream, it forms the rich, creamy base. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of your dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness for the cake. Beyond taste, sugar plays a crucial role in creating a moist crumb, interacting with other ingredients to retain moisture. During the creaming process with butter, its crystalline structure also helps create tiny air pockets, contributing to the cake’s light texture.
• Large Eggs: I rely on whole large eggs for this Funfetti cake because they’re multitaskers, adding essential moisture, rich fat, and aiding in the cake’s leavening. Because this is a butter-based cake, we don’t need to rely on the airy lightness of whipped egg whites, as you might in a classic white cake, where the goal is a stark white interior.
• Vanilla Extract: This is the star flavor of our vanilla Funfetti cake, so choose a high-quality vanilla extract that you truly enjoy. The difference between a good and great vanilla extract is noticeable. I personally love Nielsen-Massey’s vanilla extract for its rich and pure flavor profile.
• Almond Extract: Here’s a secret weapon! Just a hint of almond extract transforms this delicious cake from simply “great” to an absolute “WOW!” It imparts that nostalgic, authentic “cake batter” flavor that so many people adore. If you’re not a fan of almond, you can certainly omit it without sacrificing the cake’s core deliciousness.
• Sour Cream: For the softest, moistest Funfetti cake imaginable, I insist on using full-fat sour cream. Its acidity tenderizes the cake, and its fat content contributes to a rich, velvety texture. If sour cream isn’t available, full-fat Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, offering similar benefits. If you find yourself without either, I suggest opting for my dedicated vanilla cupcakes recipe, which is formulated specifically to use only milk and can be doubled for a similar cake thickness.
• Whole Milk: The whole milk adds another layer of moisture and richness to our Funfetti cake batter. The fat content in whole milk contributes significantly to a more tender and flavorful final product. Using skim or low-fat milk might result in a slightly drier, less rich cake.
• Cake Flour: This ingredient is truly essential for achieving the light, tender, and fluffy texture we crave in this Funfetti cake recipe, much like in my lemon cupcakes. Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which means less gluten development. Less gluten equals a more delicate crumb. While you *can* use all-purpose flour, be prepared for a slightly denser, less tender, and less fluffy cake. For optimal results, stick with cake flour.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Our recipe utilizes a powerful combination of both baking powder and baking soda. The baking soda provides an initial, intense lift when it reacts with the acidic sour cream, creating a light and airy structure. The double-acting baking powder then ensures a more sustained and even rise throughout the baking process, contributing to a consistently high and fluffy cake.
• Kosher Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of salt in baking! It balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the cake and buttercream. It’s crucial to use kosher salt as specified, or reduce the quantity by half if using sea salt or regular table salt. Kosher salt has larger granules and is less salty by volume, so a direct substitution can lead to an overly salty taste.
• Powdered Sugar: The secret to a silky-smooth buttercream is powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar). It dissolves effortlessly into the butter, creating a fine, creamy frosting without any grittiness.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens our buttercream, adding a delightful tangy counterpoint to the sweet cake. It cuts through the richness of the butter and provides a refreshing flavor that is universally loved.

For precise measurements and detailed instructions on all ingredients, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.

Delicious Funfetti Cake Variations

• Transform into Cupcakes or an Elegant Layer Cake: This incredibly versatile Funfetti cake recipe isn’t limited to a sheet cake! The same delicious batter can yield approximately 24 cheerful cupcakes, perfect for individual servings, or create a stunning two-layer 8-inch or 9-inch round cake for a more traditional presentation. Adjust baking times accordingly – cupcakes will bake faster, while a layer cake might take slightly longer. If you’re in the mood for sprinkle-filled handheld treats, head over to my Funfetti cookies recipe!
• Deck the Halls: Make it Holiday Festive! One of the best things about Funfetti cake is how easily it adapts to any holiday or special occasion simply by changing the sprinkle colors! Imagine red, white, and blue sprinkles for a patriotic 4th of July celebration (bonus points if you arrange them like my American Flag Cake!). Opt for classic red and green for a vibrant Christmas cake, or blue and white sprinkles for Hannukah. For a romantic touch on Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day, use a charming mix of red, white, and pink. You can even customize it with your favorite team’s colors for game day or the Super Bowl! The possibilities for seasonal fun are endless.
• Experiment with a Different Frosting: While I adore the bright zest of lemon buttercream frosting on this Funfetti cake, and vanilla American buttercream is always a classic, the beauty of this cake is its adaptability. Consider a sophisticated Swiss meringue buttercream for a lighter, less sweet finish, or a decadent caramel Swiss meringue buttercream for a rich twist. A fluffy ermine frosting (also known as flour buttercream) provides a unique, airy texture. For chocolate lovers, a luscious chocolate buttercream frosting is always a hit. A toasted marshmallow frosting can add a smoky-sweet dimension, or stick with the beloved American buttercream frosting for an easy and delicious option. Don’t hesitate to explore our full collection of buttercream and frosting recipes to discover more favorites, like the tangy cream cheese frosting! No matter how you choose to ice it, this Funfetti cake is guaranteed to be a party.

How to Make Funfetti Cake from Scratch

Creating this delicious rectangular Funfetti cake from scratch is simpler than you think! Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll have a wonderfully moist and festive dessert ready for any occasion. Further precise measurements and comprehensive details can be found in the complete recipe card provided below.

To Make & Bake the Cake:

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Whether your oven is convection or regular, this temperature will work perfectly. Prepare a 9×13 inch cake pan by lightly spraying it with baking spray (or buttering and flouring it), then line the bottom with a piece of parchment paper. This parchment paper is crucial for easy removal of the baked cake.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Sifting helps to aerate the dry ingredients and prevents lumps. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and whole milk until thoroughly combined. Set both bowls aside.

Step 3: Using the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a hand mixer in a large bowl), cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is visibly light in color and has a fluffy, airy texture. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air into the cake.

Step 4: Add the large eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. After each egg addition, beat well until it is fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures proper emulsification. With the final egg, add the vanilla extract and almond extract, beating just until combined.

Step 5: Now, it’s time to alternately add the wet and dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Add about one-third of the sifted dry ingredients, mix on low speed until just combined, then add half of the sour cream and milk mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining wet mixture, and finally, the last third of the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed *just until* no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix! Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles by hand with a spatula. This prevents the sprinkles from breaking down or bleeding color excessively.

Step 6: Pour the prepared Funfetti cake batter into your lined 9×13 inch pan and use an offset spatula to spread it evenly. Bake immediately in the preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Be vigilant not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry cake. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool on a wire rack in the pan for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack, remove the parchment paper from the bottom, and let it cool completely before frosting.

To Make the Lemon Buttercream Frosting:

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium-high speed until it becomes smooth, creamy, and slightly lighter in color. This usually takes 2-3 minutes and helps to incorporate air into the butter, making the frosting light.

Step 2: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about ½ cup at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate into the butter before adding the next batch. This prevents a cloud of sugar dust and ensures a smooth consistency. Continue until all the powdered sugar has been added and mixed in.

Step 3: Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the kosher salt (if using) and the fresh lemon juice. Mix on medium speed until the frosting is light, smooth, and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 4: For an extra light and airy texture, switch the paddle attachment for the whisk attachment. Whisk the buttercream on medium-high speed for another 2-3 minutes until it’s incredibly light, fluffy, and visibly white. This final step aerates the frosting beautifully.

Step 5: Once your Funfetti cake is completely cool to the touch (this is very important to prevent the frosting from melting), use an offset spatula to spread the luscious lemon buttercream evenly over the top. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with additional rainbow sprinkles if desired. Slice and serve this joyous cake immediately!

Frequently Asked Questions About Funfetti Cake

Before You Go: Explore More Delicious Recipes

I genuinely hope you enjoyed baking and, more importantly, devouring this professional chef-created Funfetti Sheet Cake recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser and perfect for brightening any day! If you’ve loved the sprinkle-filled magic and moist vanilla goodness, I encourage you to delve deeper into my collection of delightful desserts. Whether you’re looking for individual treats or grand centerpieces, we have something for every sweet craving.

Explore all our vibrant cupcake recipes, from classic flavors to unique combinations, perfect for any gathering. Or perhaps you’re in the mood for more show-stopping bakes? Then our comprehensive cake recipes section is waiting for you, filled with creations for every skill level. If you’re planning a special day, don’t miss our dedicated collection of birthday dessert recipes to make any celebration unforgettable. Or, if you simply can’t wait to bake something else utterly delicious, why not dive straight into these incredibly decadent caramel cupcakes? Happy baking!