If you're looking for a cake that's as fun to eat as it is to make, then you’ve landed in the right place! The Confetti Layer Cake is the ultimate party dessert. With its colorful sprinkles baked right into the batter, it’s the perfect cake for birthdays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to bring a little extra joy to the table. Keep reading to learn how to make the most delightful and delicious Confetti Layer Cake that will wow your guests with its vibrant colors and incredible taste!
What is a “Confetti Layer Cake”?
A Confetti Layer Cake, also known as a Funfetti cake, is a light and fluffy vanilla cake loaded with rainbow sprinkles. The sprinkles melt slightly during baking, creating beautiful bursts of color throughout the cake layers, resembling confetti. It’s typically paired with a rich, creamy frosting that complements the soft and buttery cake texture. The result? A visually stunning and incredibly tasty dessert that's perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients List for Confetti Layer Cake
Cake Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups
- Granulated sugar – 1 ½ cups
- Baking powder – 2 ½ teaspoons
- Baking soda – ½ teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – ¾ cup (room temperature)
- Egg whites – 4 large
- Whole milk – 1 cup
- Vanilla extract – 2 teaspoons
- Sour cream – ½ cup (adds moisture)
- Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies or confetti sprinkles) – ½ cup (plus extra for decoration)
Frosting Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (room temperature)
- Powdered sugar – 4 cups
- Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Heavy cream or whole milk – 2-4 tablespoons (for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
- Rainbow sprinkles – ¼ cup (for decoration)
Substitutions and Variations
There are countless ways to adapt the Confetti Layer Cake to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the sprinkles you use are also gluten-free, as some may contain wheat-based ingredients.
- Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or plant-based butter. Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk, and dairy-free sour cream or yogurt for moisture.
- Egg-Free Option: For a vegan version, swap the eggs with an egg replacer like flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Ensure all other ingredients, including the sprinkles, are also vegan.
- Flavor Variations: Want to add a little twist? You can add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the cake batter for a subtle yet delightful flavor change.
- Custom Colors: Instead of traditional rainbow sprinkles, try using sprinkles in a color theme that matches your event—think pastels for a baby shower or all-blue sprinkles for a boy’s birthday party.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside, as you’ll gradually incorporate it into the wet ingredients later.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, making sure to mix each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense.
5. Fold in the Sprinkles
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the cake batter. Be careful not to stir too much, as excessive mixing can cause the sprinkles to bleed their color into the batter.
6. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
How to Cook Confetti Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease and line your cake pans before mixing the batter to ensure you can quickly transfer the batter once it's ready.
- Combine Ingredients in the Right Order: Start by creaming the butter and sugar, then gradually add the egg whites for the lightest, fluffiest texture.
- Watch the Oven: Every oven is slightly different. Check the cakes around the 25-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your cakes to cool completely before frosting them. If you try to frost a warm cake, the frosting will melt, and the cake layers may slide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake. Once the flour is added, mix just until incorporated.
- Using Non-Confetti Sprinkles: Not all sprinkles are created equal. Use jimmies or confetti-style sprinkles that hold their shape in the oven. Avoid nonpareils (the tiny round sprinkles) as they can bleed their colors into the batter.
- Overbaking the Cake: Pay close attention to the bake time. An overbaked cake will be dry and crumbly, which no amount of frosting can fix.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Patience is key! Frosting a warm cake can lead to a runny mess, so ensure the cake is fully cooled before decorating.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A Confetti Layer Cake isn’t just about taste; it's also a visual delight! Here are some tips to serve and present your cake to perfection:
How to Serve Confetti Layer Cake
- Room Temperature: Serve your cake at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. If the cake has been refrigerated, let it sit out for 30-60 minutes before slicing.
- Accompanied by Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream pairs beautifully with the sweet, buttery flavors of the Confetti Layer Cake.
- Beverage Pairings: A glass of cold milk or a cup of tea or coffee will complement the cake's sweetness and richness.
Presentation Ideas for Confetti Layer Cake
- Extra Sprinkles on Top: After frosting the cake, generously sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the top and sides for a festive look.
- Decorative Piping: Use a piping bag to add swirls or rosettes of frosting along the edges of the cake. This adds an elegant touch to a fun dessert.
- Layered Colors: For an extra pop of color, divide the cake batter and dye each layer a different color before adding the sprinkles. When sliced, the inside of the cake will reveal a rainbow surprise.
Confetti Layer Cake Recipe Tips
- Chill the Cake Layers: Once your cake layers have cooled completely, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before assembling the cake. This makes frosting easier and reduces the risk of crumbs getting mixed into the frosting.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add more milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Storing the Cake: If you're not serving the cake right away, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers up to two days in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature. Frost the cake the day you plan to serve it.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled, unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the layers overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
What’s the best type of sprinkles to use?
Use “jimmies” or confetti sprinkles, which are larger and retain their shape better during baking. Avoid nonpareils, as they tend to bleed color into the batter.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
Yes! This recipe works perfectly for cupcakes. Simply divide the batter among lined cupcake tins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Conclusion
The Confetti Layer Cake is the ultimate celebration cake—fun, colorful, and bursting with flavor! Whether you're baking for a birthday, anniversary, or just a random Tuesday, this cake is sure to bring smiles to everyone who takes a bite. With its simple ingredients, easy substitutions, and step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a show-stopping dessert that’s just as enjoyable to look at as it is to eat. So gather your sprinkles and get ready to make a cake that’s truly a party on a plate!
PrintConfetti Layer Cake Recipe
This fun and festive confetti layer cake recipe creates a moist, fluffy cake filled with rainbow sprinkles for a delightful pop of color. Perfect for celebrations like birthdays or holidays, it’s a joy to bake and even more exciting to decorate! Keywords: confetti layer cake, birthday cake, sprinkle cake recipe, funfetti cake, easy party cake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake pans by greasing and lining them.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between the two.
- Fold in rainbow sprinkles.
- Divide batter between cake pans and bake.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting and assembling.
Notes
- Use jimmies (soft sprinkles) to prevent bleeding into the batter.
- Frost with vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting for the best flavor.
- Customize with different sprinkle colors for various occasions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
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