Soft & Moist Funfetti Cake

There’s something truly magical about a cake bursting with colorful sprinkles—it instantly brings back memories of childhood birthdays, laughter, and that unmistakable scent of vanilla wafting through the house. The first time I baked a Soft & Moist Funfetti Cake from scratch, it was for my niece’s birthday. I wanted to recreate the joy of those store-bought mixes, but with richer flavor and a tender homemade crumb. What I didn’t expect was how incredibly easy and satisfying it would be—even as a beginner in baking.

This Soft & Moist Funfetti Cake recipe is perfect for beginners because it strikes the right balance between festive fun and straightforward technique. With simple ingredients, clear steps, and forgiving batter, it’s a wonderful introduction to baking layer cakes. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy compared to processed versions, using real ingredients and allowing flexibility for dietary preferences.

Why This Recipe is Special

• Rich Yet Simple: Unlike typical vanilla cakes, this Funfetti version includes both butter and oil for superior moisture, plus whole eggs for a denser, more decadent texture.
• Beginner Friendly: You don’t need fancy equipment or advanced skills—just a bowl, a mixer, and a love of cake.
• Customizable: Whether you’re out of sour cream or want to try non-dairy versions, there are easy swaps for almost every ingredient.
• Visual Joy: The rainbow sprinkles make it an instant mood-lifter, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any day that needs some color.
• No Box Required: This from-scratch version outshines boxed mixes with its depth of flavor and pillowy soft crumb.

Ingredients and Preparation

Here’s a breakdown of what each ingredient brings to the table, along with suggested alternatives.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and a tender crumb. Use room-temperature unsalted butter for better control of salt content.
• Sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning. Granulated white sugar is ideal here.
• Oil: Keeps the cake moist even after refrigeration. Canola or vegetable oil works best, but you can use light olive oil or melted coconut oil.
• Eggs: Whole eggs add structure and richness. If needed, substitute with egg replacers for a vegan version.
• Vanilla Extract: The soul of Funfetti cake—enhances sweetness and aroma. Pure vanilla is preferred.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the cake’s body. You can use a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and stay light. Double-check expiration dates to ensure effectiveness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and acidity. Substitute with Greek yogurt or more buttermilk if necessary.
• Buttermilk: Reacts with baking soda for lift and tenderness. You can make your own by adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk.
• Sprinkles (Jimmies): These add visual appeal and fun without bleeding into the batter. Avoid nonpareils inside the cake, as they may discolor it.
• Buttercream: Made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Smooth and sweet, perfect for decorating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line three 9-inch round pans with parchment paper. Grease the sides and optionally use cake strips to ensure even baking.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Using a stand or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until fluffy and light. This aeration step is key to a soft cake.

Step 4: Slowly stream in the oil while mixing on low, then scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

Step 5: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, followed by the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Mix in the sour cream until smooth.

Step 7: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter in three parts—start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Step 8: Fold in the sprinkles gently with a spatula to avoid overmixing.

Step 9: Pour the batter evenly into the pans, filling them a little over halfway. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 10: Cool the cakes in the pans for 30 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before frosting.

Step 11: Make the buttercream by beating butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk. Adjust consistency as needed with more milk.

Step 12: Level the cakes if necessary. Add a thin layer of buttercream between each layer, then frost the entire cake with a crumb coat. Chill for 20 minutes, then finish frosting and decorate with sprinkles.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and dairy are at room temp to help batter mix evenly and rise well.
• Dense Centers?: This usually happens from overfilling pans or overmixing the batter. Use a spoon to gently fold ingredients.
• No Cake Strips?: Use a damp towel wrapped around your pans or bake at a slightly lower temperature for more even layers.
• Sprinkle Hack: For mess-free decorating, hold the cake over a baking sheet and toss sprinkles onto the sides.
• Time Saver: Bake the layers a day ahead and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Chill before frosting for neater decorating.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairings: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. It also goes well with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Storage: Store unsliced cake uncovered in the fridge for a day, then cover with a cake container. Slices can be wrapped or stored in a container for up to 5 days.
• Celebration-Worthy: Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or simply to brighten your week.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new go-to recipe for the best homemade Soft & Moist Funfetti Cake . Whether it’s your first cake or your fiftieth, this version is foolproof, festive, and full of joy. I’d love to hear how yours turns out, so drop a comment below or tag your creation online. Happy baking and don’t forget to add that extra sprinkle of love.

FAQ About Soft & Moist Funfetti Cake

More Relevant Recipes

• Lemon Blueberry Cake
• Coffee Cheesecake
• Vanilla Dream Cake

Print