If you’re searching for the ultimate celebration treat, look no further than Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake. This iconic recipe is a confetti-studded classic that combines fluffy layers, rich vanilla flavor, and vibrant rainbow sprinkles for a cake that’s as joyful to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just a Tuesday in need of a little extra sparkle, this cake always delivers pure happiness in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake is truly half the fun! Every element here serves a delicious purpose, from creating a tender crumb to achieving the perfect pop of color. Don’t skip any of these simple staples—they each play their part in cake perfection.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, giving it structure and that classic, moist bite.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives your layers their irresistible lift and fluffiness.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings all the flavors together and ensures the sweetness never overwhelms.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Essential for richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps lock in moistness with every bite.
- Egg whites (room temperature): These make the crumb light and tender, giving that signature funfetti fluff without heaviness.
- Sour cream (room temperature): Adds subtle tang and extra moisture, making this cake anything but dry.
- Pure vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on the good stuff—the flavor is unmistakably classic.
- Whole milk (room temperature): Binds the batter and brings even more creaminess to the cake.
- Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style): The heart and soul of funfetti—these add color, chew, and serious fun to every forkful!
How to Make Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake
Step 1: Prep the Pans and Preheat
To get those perfect layers, start by greasing three 9-inch round cake pans and lining each bottom with a circle of parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cakes will release effortlessly, keeping every edge picture-perfect. Set your oven to 350°F (177°C) to heat up while you mix—temperature matters when you’re after evenly baked funfetti magic.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only evenly distributes the leavening but also prevents any lumps—giving your finished cake those flawless, cloud-like layers Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake is famous for.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat your softened butter and granulated sugar together on high speed. You’re aiming for a creamy, pale, and fluffy mixture—this airiness will translate into a light and tender crumb later. Don’t rush this step; two full minutes of beating makes a big difference.
Step 4: Add the Egg Whites, Sour Cream, and Vanilla
With the mixer on medium speed, add your room-temperature egg whites. Beat until they’re just combined, then mix in the sour cream and pure vanilla extract. The egg whites keep the crumb light, while the sour cream adds luscious moisture and a whisper of tang. Your batter should now smell absolutely dreamy!
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk
This is where the cake comes to life. Begin by adding about one-third of the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Pour in half the whole milk and blend lightly. Repeat, ending with the last portion of dry mixture. This alternating technique gives the batter a consistency that bakes up impossibly tender, never dense.
Step 6: Gently Fold in the Sprinkles
Switch to a spatula and gently fold in your rainbow jimmies. Go easy here so the color doesn’t bleed—this keeps those confetti pops so vivid throughout Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake. Kids especially love helping with this part!
Step 7: Bake and Cool the Layers
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Slide the pans into your preheated oven and bake for 23–26 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, you’re good to go. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them onto a wire rack to finish cooling. Resist the urge to frost until they’re completely cool—this patience pays off with pristine, stackable layers.
How to Serve Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with garnish—after all, this cake is a celebration on a plate! Pile on extra rainbow sprinkles, top with colorful candies, or swirl on a crown of fluffy vanilla buttercream. Even a handful of edible glitter can take it to the next level, making each slice shine brighter.
Side Dishes
For a party table worthy of Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake, surround slices with little bowls of fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Chilled vanilla ice cream is a surefire hit for the ultimate cake-and-cream combo. No one ever leaves dessert disappointed!
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your layer cake into a centerpiece by displaying it on a bright cake stand, or transform it into a “cake bar” with bowls of personalized toppings alongside. For birthdays, add candles and colorful flags. Cupcake versions and cake pops using the same base are always popular, too—who says you have to stick to the classic format?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your cooled and frosted Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, pop it in the fridge to keep it extra fresh—but let slices come to room temp before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Cake layers freeze beautifully! Cool them completely, then wrap each layer in a double layer of plastic and foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to assemble, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and frost as desired.
Reheating
If you love a slightly warm slice, microwave leftover cake pieces for about 10–15 seconds. This is especially delicious if the cake has been chilled—it brings back the soft texture and makes the vanilla flavors sing!
FAQs
Can I use different types of sprinkles?
For the best look and texture, stick with jimmies-style sprinkles. Nonpareils (those little round beads) tend to bleed their color and can make the cake wildly polka-dotted and muddy. Jimmies keep their shape, color, and crunch throughout baking.
Can I make Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake in advance?
Absolutely! The cake layers can be prepped a day ahead—just wrap them well and store at room temperature. You can also frost the entire cake a few hours ahead and keep it covered until serving time.
What kind of frosting goes best with this cake?
A classic vanilla buttercream is always a winner, but cream cheese frosting or even chocolate buttercream can make for a decadent twist. Don’t forget the sprinkles on top for that signature funfetti finish!
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try swapping the all-purpose flour for a reputable gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to check that your sprinkles are also gluten-free to keep every bite safe and scrumptious.
Why do my cake layers sometimes stick to the pan?
Lining your pans with parchment and greasing well is the best insurance policy against sticking. For extra measure, run a thin knife around the cake edges once they’ve cooled for several minutes before inverting onto a rack.
Final Thoughts
If you love sharing a bit of extra joy at every gathering, you truly can’t go wrong with Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake. It’s festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone who tries it. Give it a whirl, and watch this cake become a beloved tradition in your own kitchen!
Print
Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sally’s Baking Addiction’s Funfetti Layer Cake is a delightful and colorful dessert that’s perfect for birthdays or any celebration. This moist and fluffy cake is filled with rainbow sprinkles and frosted to perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 and 1/2 cups (313g) all-purpose flour
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup (105g) rainbow sprinkles (not nonpareils)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease three 9-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare batter: In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add egg whites, sour cream, and vanilla. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk, then fold in sprinkles.
- Bake: Divide batter between pans and bake for 23–26 minutes. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Notes
- Use jimmies-style sprinkles to prevent bleeding.
- For a taller cake, bake in three 8-inch pans instead.
- Cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
