Name: Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 Tablespoons unsalted butter (softened); 3 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup neutral cooking oil (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil); 4 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 cups + 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ½ teaspoons table salt; 1 ½ cups milk; 9 large egg whites (room temperature preferred); ½ cup sprinkles (use rainbow or non-melting sprinkles); 1 lb unsalted butter (softened to room temperature); ¼ teaspoon salt; 6 cups powdered sugar; 6 Tablespoons heavy cream; 2 teaspoons LorAnn Princess emulsion or vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 81 reviews

If you have a soft spot for celebrations that call for bright smiles and joyful bites, you are going to adore this Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe. It’s a magical blend of fluffy, moist cake layers studded with colorful sprinkles, covered in silky, buttery frosting that perfectly balances sweetness and creaminess. Making this from scratch means you get full control over every ingredient and the satisfaction of baking a dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Once you try this Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe, you’ll see why it’s my go-to for birthdays, parties, or any day that deserves a little extra sparkle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a dark pink cloth nearby, holding a mix of creamy thick batter and white fluffy whipped egg whites, swirled together with colorful rainbow sprinkles scattered throughout the mixture. A woman's left hand is steadying the bowl while her right hand uses a bright pink spatula to fold the two mixtures gently. In the background, a small white bowl of rainbow sprinkles and a spoon with a pink handle rest on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe is surprisingly straightforward with pantry staples that come together to create a cake bursting with flavor, texture, and festive color. Each ingredient has a purpose, from the oil that keeps the cake tender to the egg whites that add lightness and airiness.

Unsalted butter: 9 tablespoons softened butter add richness and tender crumb to the cake layers.
Granulated sugar: 3 cups balance sweetness and help with the cake’s structure.
Neutral cooking oil: 1 cup (canola, vegetable, or avocado oil) keeps the cake moist without overpowering flavors.
Vanilla extract: 4 teaspoons infuse the batter with warm, aromatic notes.
All-purpose flour: 4 cups plus 2 tablespoons create the perfect sturdy yet soft foundation for the cake.
Baking powder: 4 ½ teaspoons provide the essential lift to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Table salt: 1 ½ teaspoons enhance the overall flavor without making the cake salty.
Milk: 1 ½ cups add moisture and help dissolve sugar for a smooth batter.
Large egg whites: 9, preferably room temperature, beaten to stiff peaks, giving the cake its airy texture.
Sprinkles: ½ cup, the star ingredient for that joyful pop of color inside the cake.
Butter for frosting: 1 lb unsalted and softened for a creamy, luscious finish.
Salt for frosting: ¼ teaspoon to balance the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: 6 cups for a silky-smooth, sweet frosting.
Heavy cream: 6 tablespoons to create a light, spreadable frosting texture.
LorAnn Princess emulsion or vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons for an extra punch of flavor in the frosting.

How to Make Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans thoroughly, making sure to shake out the excess flour. Line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper rounds to prevent sticking and help your cake layers come out perfectly every time.

Step 2: Creaming Butter, Sugar, and Oil

Using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-low speed until creamy. Add the granulated sugar and oil, continuing to beat until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl—getting every bit of batter mixed evenly makes a big difference!

Step 3: Adding Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Mix in your vanilla extract for that classic flavor. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture alternated with milk to your butter mixture on medium speed. Begin and end with the flour. Pause to scrape the bowl periodically to keep everything evenly combined.

Step 4: Whipping Egg Whites

In a clean, grease-free glass or metal bowl, beat your egg whites starting on low speed and gradually increasing to high until you achieve stiff peaks. This step is crucial because those fluffy egg whites bring an airy, tender crumb to your Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe.

Step 5: Folding in Egg Whites and Sprinkles

Gently fold the whipped egg whites and sprinkles into your batter. Use a spatula and carefully incorporate these ingredients while preserving the fluffy texture. Avoid over-mixing at this stage to keep the batter light and fun.

Step 6: Baking the Cake

Distribute the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, checking with a toothpick in the center for doneness. The toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for an evenly golden-brown finish on all layers.

Step 7: Cooling and Removing Layers

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Run a butter knife around the pan edges and invert the cakes onto cooling racks. Cool completely before moving on to frosting to avoid melting or slipping layers.

Step 8: Making the Frosting

Beat 1 lb of softened butter until smooth and creamy. Add salt, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, one cup at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Add heavy cream tablespoon by tablespoon to reach the desired creamy texture. Stir in the vanilla or LorAnn Princess emulsion, scraping the bowl to blend everything perfectly.

Step 9: Assembling and Frosting the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, then apply a thin crumb coat all around. Chill the cake in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to set the crumb coat, then finish with a thick, even layer of frosting for a smooth, professional look.

How to Serve Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe

This image shows a three-layer funfetti cake with vanilla frosting between each layer and on the outside. The cake layers are light brown with small colorful sprinkles spread evenly inside. The cake has thick white frosting around all sides, and the top edge is decorated with bright pink frosting dollops that have colored sprinkles on them. The cake is placed on a round white marble surface with a smooth texture. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top this cheerful cake with a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils or edible glitter to echo the sprinkles baked inside. Fresh berries or edible flowers add a touch of elegance and a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light, fruity salad or tangy lemon sorbet can also provide a lovely balance to the rich cake and frosting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a real showstopper, bake individual mini Funfetti cupcakes with the same batter and frost them in coordinating colors. Or create a Funfetti trifle by layering cake chunks, frosting, and fresh berries in a glass bowl—each scoop brings a new burst of fun and flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. Keep it covered well to protect the frosting from drying out and absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

You can freeze both frosted and unfrosted cake layers. Wrap slices or whole layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen properly, your Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe will stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Since cakes are best served at room temperature, take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before eating. If you prefer a warm slice, gently microwave a piece for 10-15 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the frosting from melting.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs will make the batter denser and less airy, changing the texture of your Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe. For the classic light and fluffy cake, egg whites beaten to stiff peaks are key.

What type of sprinkles is best for this cake?

Use sturdy, non-melting sprinkles such as jimmies or classic round confetti sprinkles. Avoid sugar crystals or tiny, delicate sprinkles that may bleed color and affect the batter’s texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

While the recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend with added xanthan gum. Keep in mind this may alter the cake’s texture slightly, so adjustments in baking time might be needed.

How do I store leftover frosting?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and beat it a bit to restore its creamy consistency.

Can I substitute the oil with more butter?

The oil is important for moisture, so swapping it out with butter might make the cake denser and less tender. If you prefer, substitute half the oil with butter for a richer flavor, but keep some oil for the ideal texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like baking your very own Funfetti Cake from Scratch Recipe to fill your kitchen with warmth and smiles. It brings together simple ingredients to create a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope this recipe inspires you to roll up your sleeves, sprinkle your cake with joy, and savor every bite of your homemade celebration!