Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake

Name: Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore celebrating Galentine's Day with friends, and what better way to do it than with a colorful Funfetti Birthday Cake! This cake is a delightful blend of sugary sweetness and vibrant sprinkles, making it perfect for a festive gathering. I love that this recipe not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible, with layers of moist cake and a fluffy frosting. It's a joy to whip up and share, bringing everyone together for a slice of happiness.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:20:58.123Z

When I decided to make this Funfetti Birthday Cake for Galentine's Day, I knew I wanted something that would not only be delicious but also brighten up the day. I filled the cake with colorful sprinkles and coated it in a creamy frosting that takes only a few minutes to whip up. One tip I learned is to let the eggs come to room temperature before mixing; it helps achieve a fluffier texture!

While testing the recipe, I played around with different baking times, and I found that pulling the cake out just when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean does wonders. It keeps the cake nice and moist. Watching my friends' faces light up when they tasted it made all the effort worth it!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Vibrant sprinkles that bring joy to any occasion
Moist cake layers with a rich buttercream frosting
Perfect for sharing with friends at any celebration

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this Funfetti cake is undoubtedly the rainbow sprinkles. They not only add a delightful crunch but also contribute to the cake's vibrant color and festive look. Be sure to use high-quality sprinkles that won’t bleed their color into the batter during baking. The butter in the recipe provides moisture and richness; softened butter is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture when creamed with sugar.

For the frosting, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your cake, balancing the sweetness of the powdered sugar. The addition of heavy cream creates a silky-smooth consistency that’s easy to spread. If you’d like a lighter frosting, consider incorporating whipped cream into the buttercream, adjusting the powdered sugar accordingly to maintain stability.

Baking Tips for Perfect Layers

When prepping your baking pans, make sure to thoroughly grease them and use parchment paper to prevent sticking. This not only helps with removal but ensures that the delicate layers maintain their shape. Bake each layer separately; overcrowding the oven may result in uneven baking, so make sure to rotate the pans halfway through for consistent results.

After baking, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a short time before transferring them to wire racks. This step is essential for preventing the layers from breaking apart. If you find that your cakes have domed tops, level them with a serrated knife or cake leveler before frosting to ensure the frosting sits evenly and looks polished.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round baking pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently.

Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting on the top of one layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional sprinkles.

Let the cake sit for about 30 minutes before slicing to allow the frosting to set.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cake batter.

Storage and Freezing

If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Be sure to label with the date; frozen cake can maintain its best quality for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.

When freezing, it's best to frost the cake later. This helps preserve the frosting's texture and appearance. If you're making the cake in advance, consider preparing the layers a few days ahead, then frost and assemble just before your gathering.

Serving Suggestions

This Funfetti cake pairs excellently with a variety of accompaniments. For a fun twist, serve slices with scoops of vanilla or birthday cake ice cream to enhance the celebratory feel. Add fresh berries on the side for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake and frosting.

For a more formal presentation, consider creating cake pops using leftover cake. Crumble the extra cake into a bowl, mix with frosting, and shape into balls. Dip in white or colored chocolate for a delightful treat that guests can enjoy easily. This makes for great party favors as well!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with cake flour for a lighter texture, but adjust the measurements accordingly.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them the day you plan to serve.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream in the frosting?

You can use milk or half-and-half, but the frosting will be slightly less rich.