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Fluffy Funfetti Cake with Easy Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

fluffy funfetti cake recipe - featured image

A light and airy funfetti cake with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting, perfect for birthdays or any celebration. This recipe uses simple ingredients and a gentle folding technique to create a soft, fluffy texture with colorful sprinkles throughout.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ยฝ cups (310g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ยฝ tsp baking powder
  • ยฝ tsp baking soda
  • ยฝ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ยพ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • ยฝ cup (90g) rainbow sprinkles (sturdy, non-melting)
  • For the Frosting:
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 23 tbsp (30-45ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three additions alternating with buttermilk in two additions, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles with a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops gently.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and cakes spring back when touched.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. For the frosting, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed until combined.
  12. Add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
  13. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a thick layer of buttercream on top.
  14. Place second cake layer over the first and frost the top and sides evenly.
  15. Optionally, sprinkle a few more rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosting.
  16. For smooth frosting, chill cake for 15 minutes after crumb coat before applying final layer.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter to avoid toughness. Use sturdy sprinkles like jimmies or nonpareils to prevent color bleeding. Chill cake after crumb coat for smooth frosting. Can substitute buttermilk with milk plus vinegar or lemon juice. For gluten-free or vegan versions, see variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: funfetti cake, vanilla buttercream frosting, birthday cake, easy cake recipe, homemade frosting, sprinkles cake, fluffy cake