Festive Funfetti Vanilla Cake (Printable)
A colorful vanilla layer cake with rainbow sprinkles throughout, frosted with creamy vanilla buttercream.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
09 - 3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies)
→ Buttercream Frosting
10 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - Extra sprinkles for decoration
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk to butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just incorporated.
06 - Gently fold rainbow sprinkles into batter using spatula. Avoid overmixing to prevent color bleeding.
07 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops and bake for 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
08 - Let layers cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable consistency.
10 - Frost top of one cooled layer, place second layer on top, and cover entire cake with remaining frosting. Decorate with additional sprinkles.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sprinkles create tiny pockets of sweetness throughout every bite
- It tastes like childhood nostalgia but with actual butter and real vanilla
- The frosting-to-cake ratio is absolutely perfect
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the batter from curdling or separating
- Overmixing after adding sprinkles will make your cake tough
- Completely cool cake layers are non-negotiable or the frosting will melt
03 -
- Sift your powdered sugar directly into the mixing bowl to prevent dusty clouds
- Freeze your cake layers for 30 minutes before frosting for easier handling