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Perfect Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe with Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

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A vibrant and tender funfetti birthday cake with sprinkles folded into a thick batter to prevent bleeding, topped with silky smooth vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations and easy enough for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
  • ¾ cup (about 150g) rainbow sprinkles (sturdy jimmies)
  • For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons (30-60ml) milk or heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles with a rubber spatula, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops gently.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 28 minutes.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  10. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid dust clouds.
  11. Add vanilla extract, salt, and 2-4 tablespoons milk or cream. Beat on medium-high until light, fluffy, and spreadable. Adjust consistency as needed.
  12. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
  13. Place second cake layer on top and cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Smooth with offset spatula or butter knife.
  14. Optionally, decorate with extra sprinkles on top.

Notes

Use sturdy jimmies sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. Bring eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing. Fold sprinkles gently into thick batter to keep colors vibrant. If oven runs hot, tent cake with foil halfway through baking. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum if needed. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: funfetti cake, birthday cake, vanilla buttercream, sprinkles cake, easy cake recipe, celebration cake, colorful cake

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/perfect-funfetti-birthday-cake-recipe-with-easy-vanilla-buttercream-frosting/