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; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup rainbow sprinkles; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Pastry & Sweets Corner

I absolutely love celebrating Galentine's Day, and this Funfetti Birthday Cake has become a delicious tradition in my circle of friends. It encapsulates everything that makes this day special—fun, friendship, and an irresistible sprinkle of joy! The vibrant colors and irresistible frosting make it perfect for any celebration, but it’s especially fitting for a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible women in our lives. Plus, the combination of fluffy vanilla cake and festive sprinkles always brings a smile. Prepare to make some delightful memories with this cake!

Created by

Ethan

Last updated on 2026-01-05T22:09:27.909Z

Making this Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake was such a joyful experience! I remember the first time I baked it, I was amazed at how simple yet flavorful it turned out. We used a classic vanilla cake batter, but adding those colorful sprinkles turned it into a party in every slice. One tip I can offer is to fold in the sprinkles gently at the end to prevent them from bleeding into the batter, ensuring that my cake is visually appealing!

After frosting, the cake looked gorgeous, and I couldn't wait for my friends to try it. They loved how moist it was and appreciated the fun surprise in every bite. Serving it alongside some refreshing fruit made it a perfect treat, and I found myself in awe of how a simple cake could bring so much happiness to our gathering!

        Why You'll Love This Cake
        Vibrant sprinkles that brighten up any celebration
Fluffy vanilla cake that melts in your mouth
Perfect balance of sweetness and joy with every slice

      

The Role of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient in this Funfetti Birthday Cake plays a crucial role in achieving that classic fluffy texture. For example, the combination of all-purpose flour and baking powder provides the necessary structure while keeping the cake light. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend; just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

The rainbow sprinkles not only add color but also enhance the cake's texture with delightful bursts of sweetness. When selecting sprinkles, opt for high-quality, nonpareil sprinkles, as they retain their color better during baking and won't bleed into the batter. Avoid using chocolate sprinkles, as they can alter the overall flavor profile of the cake.

Cake Assembly Tips

When assembling and frosting your cake, ensure the layers are completely cool to prevent the frosting from melting. I recommend placing the cooled cake layers in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before frosting. This will create a firmer surface and make it easier to spread the frosting evenly without it sliding around.

For a flawless finish, use an offset spatula to apply a crumb coat, which is a thin layer of frosting. This will trap any loose crumbs and create a smooth surface for the final coat. After the crumb coat sets, apply the final layer of frosting and generously sprinkle the top with additional sprinkles for a festive look.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

If you want to make this cake ahead of time, it stores beautifully. You can freeze the unfrosted layers for up to three months. Ensure they are wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. When ready to use, thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.

Once frosted, the cake can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, but I recommend keeping it in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance the flavor and texture of the cake, making each slice more enjoyable.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful cake:

Cake Ingredients

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

Frosting Ingredients

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

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round baking pans.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until fully combined.

Fold in Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and divide the batter evenly between the two pans.

Bake the Cakes

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.

Make the Frosting

To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy, then slowly add the powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Decorate the Cake

Spread the frosting between the layers and over the top of the cake. Decorate with more sprinkles.

Enjoy every slice of this fun and festive cake!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the batter. Also, allow the cake to cool completely before frosting
this will help ensure the frosting stays perfectly fluffy rather than melting.

Serving Suggestions

This Funfetti Birthday Cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream creates a delightful texture experience. For an extra touch, consider drizzling a bit of chocolate or caramel sauce over each slice for a gourmet twist.

For a themed Galentine's Day celebration, you can also serve the cake with a selection of fruity cocktails or punch, which complement the cake's sweetness. Mixing fresh berries into your drinks will echo the sprinkles' colors and add a refreshing contrast to the cake.

Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with this cake by incorporating different flavors. Instead of vanilla, try almond extract for a nutty twist, or add a hint of coconut extract for a tropical vibe. You can also mix in some chocolate chips or swap out the sprinkles for edible glitter for an even more festive appearance.

For those who prefer a more decadent cake, consider turning this into a layered cake with alternating layers of chocolate and vanilla. Use chocolate buttercream in between the layers and top it off with the original vanilla frosting. This combination offers a rich, satisfying option that balances the sweetness of the Funfetti.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! Feel free to use flavored or themed sprinkles to match your celebration.

→ How do I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap it well and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer in equal amounts.