Some days call for a celebration, and what better way to celebrate than with a slice of moist, colorful funfetti cake? This recipe is your ticket to a fluffy, sprinkle-filled delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Let’s get baking!
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of butter and oil ensures a moist crumb that stays tender for days.
- Using buttermilk adds a slight tang and enhances the cake’s fluffiness.
- A generous amount of rainbow sprinkles mixed into the batter gives every slice a festive look.
- The vanilla buttercream frosting is the perfect creamy, sweet complement to the light cake.
- Simple ingredients come together for a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your cakes will come out perfectly without sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents, ensuring your cake rises uniformly.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the oil, then the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Tip: Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly, creating a uniform batter.
Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles for that signature funfetti look.
Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Tip: Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent the cakes from sinking.
Tips and Tricks
For an extra moist cake, brush the cooled layers with simple syrup before frosting. If you’re short on time, a boxed funfetti mix can be jazzed up with an extra egg and substituting the water with milk. To prevent the sprinkles from bleeding, toss them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter. For a professional finish, use a piping bag to apply the frosting and a bench scraper to smooth the sides.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the vanilla buttercream for cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
- Add a layer of fruit jam between the cake layers for a fruity surprise.
- Use chocolate cake as the base and keep the funfetti sprinkles for a chocolatey version.
- Turn the batter into cupcakes for portable party treats.
- Incorporate citrus zest into the batter for a refreshing flavor contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
Why did my sprinkles bleed into the batter?
Sprinkles can bleed if they’re of lower quality or if the batter is overmixed. To prevent this, use high-quality sprinkles and fold them in gently at the last step. Tossing them in flour can also help.
Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. Any milk variety will work, but the cake’s texture may vary slightly.
Summary
This moist funfetti cake is a vibrant, delicious treat perfect for any celebration. With its tender crumb, creamy frosting, and colorful sprinkles, it’s sure to bring joy to every bite. Follow the tips and variations to make it your own!
