Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake
Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes
I absolutely love bringing people together for celebrations, and this Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake is the perfect centerpiece! Each colorful layer is filled with vibrant sprinkles that instantly uplift your mood. As I bake this cake, the delightful aroma fills my kitchen, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement. Every slice reveals a beautiful rainbow, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. It’s truly the ultimate way to celebrate friendship and fun moments with my favorite gals!
When I first made this Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake, I was amazed at how much joy it brought to my friends. The colorful sprinkles within each layer create a wonderful surprise that everyone loves! To ensure maximum flavor, I always use high-quality vanilla extract, as it enhances the sweetness and blends beautifully with the cake. I find that letting the cake cool completely before frosting is key to achieving that perfect, smooth finish.
I’ve also learned that a simple buttercream icing works wonders in bringing everything together. The fluffy texture complements the cake’s moistness, and adding a touch of almond extract gives it a subtle yet delightful twist. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, making it an unforgettable dessert at any Galentine’s gathering!
Why You'll Love This Cake
- Colorful sprinkles add a fun twist to every slice
- Moist and fluffy layers create a delightful texture
- Perfectly sweet buttercream frosting that tantalizes your taste buds
Tips for Baking the Perfect Layers
When baking the cake layers, it’s crucial to ensure your oven is fully preheated. Invest in an oven thermometer if you're unsure, as uneven heat can cause your cakes to rise unevenly. A good indicator that your cakes are done is a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If it’s wet, add a few more minutes but keep an eye on them to avoid dryness.
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This technique is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, which helps the cake rise beautifully. Beat until you achieve a light and fluffy texture, usually around 3-5 minutes. Avoid overmixing once you add the dry and wet ingredients, as this can lead to a dense cake rather than the desired light and airy texture.
Frosting Fun and Decoration Ideas
For the frosting, achieving the right consistency is key. If it’s too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, spreadable texture. Conversely, if it’s too thin, incorporate additional powdered sugar gradually. I recommend beaters over a whisk for smooth results; a stand mixer also works wonders for maintaining consistency.
To amp up the festive flair, consider creating a drip effect by loosening some frosting with cream and allowing it to fall gently over the edges of the cake. Pairing the multicolored sprinkles with thematic color palettes or even edible glitter can elevate your cake's visual appeal, making it a true centerpiece for your Galentine's celebration.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, then fold in sprinkles.
Bake the Cakes
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together. Add heavy cream, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, add the second layer, frost it, and repeat for the third layer. Decorate the outside with more sprinkles.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and enjoy this delightful treat with your friends! Perfect for any Galentine celebration.
Pro Tips
- For a vibrant color, try using neon or pastel sprinkles, and don't be afraid to mix up the flavors in the buttercream frosting by adding your favorite extracts.
Storage Tips for Leftover Cake
If you find yourself with leftover cake, it can be stored at room temperature, covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, ensuring it’s well-wrapped to retain moisture. The cake can last up to a week in the fridge, but remember it may dry out quicker than fresh from the oven.
Freezing is also an excellent option for this cake! Slice the cake into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Variations and Dietary Adjustments
Feel free to switch up the base flavor! Instead of vanilla, you could use almond or coconut extract for a different twist. Additionally, if you want to incorporate a fruit flavor, try mixing in some citrus zest or pureed fruit into the batter, adjusting the milk ratio slightly to keep the cake's moisture perfect.
If you need a gluten-free option, substituting with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, but make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. These variations still yield a delightful cake that everyone can enjoy!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cakes a day ahead and store them wrapped in plastic wrap. Frost it when you’re ready to serve.
→ What can I substitute for the butter in the frosting?
You can use a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
→ Can I use a different type of sprinkles?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chocolate sprinkles or themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
→ How should I store leftover cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake
I absolutely love bringing people together for celebrations, and this Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake is the perfect centerpiece! Each colorful layer is filled with vibrant sprinkles that instantly uplift your mood. As I bake this cake, the delightful aroma fills my kitchen, creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement. Every slice reveals a beautiful rainbow, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. It’s truly the ultimate way to celebrate friendship and fun moments with my favorite gals!
Created by: Anna
Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined, then fold in sprinkles.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
In a bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together. Add heavy cream, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer, add the second layer, frost it, and repeat for the third layer. Decorate the outside with more sprinkles.
Slice the cake and enjoy this delightful treat with your friends! Perfect for any Galentine celebration.
Extra Tips
- For a vibrant color, try using neon or pastel sprinkles, and don't be afraid to mix up the flavors in the buttercream frosting by adding your favorite extracts.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 28g
- Protein: 3g