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Perfect Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe with Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

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A tender, colorful funfetti birthday cake paired with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting that includes a touch of cream cheese for balanced sweetness. Perfect for birthdays and casual celebrations alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • ¾ cup (about 120 g) rainbow sprinkles (non-melting jimmies recommended)
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) heavy cream
  • Optional: 2 ounces (60 g) cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with butter and lightly dust with flour. Line bottoms with parchment paper rounds.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. On low speed, alternate adding dry ingredients in three parts with warm milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. 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. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking if needed.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid dust clouds.
  10. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until smooth and spreadable. Beat in cream cheese if using.
  11. Assemble cake by placing one layer on a plate, spreading a generous layer of frosting on top, then adding the second layer. Frost top and sides evenly.
  12. If frosting is too stiff, add more cream a teaspoon at a time; if too soft, chill briefly. Use warm water to dip spatula for smooth spreading.

Notes

Use non-melting ‘jimmies’ sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. Room temperature ingredients blend better for a lighter crumb. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cake tender. If oven runs hot, tent cakes with foil after 20 minutes to prevent over-browning. Frosting consistency can be adjusted with cream or chilling. For dairy-free or gluten-free adaptations, substitute ingredients as noted.

Nutrition

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

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