Name: Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Cake Flour; 1 tsp Baking Powder; 1/4 tsp Salt; 5 tbsp Unsalted Butter (room temperature); 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1 Large Egg (room temperature); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/3 cup Buttermilk; 1/4 cup Rainbow Jimmies (or rainbow sprinkles); 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/2 cup Milk; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (room temperature and cut into pieces); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/4 cup Rainbow Jimmies; 1/4 cup Rainbow Nonpareils; 1/4 cup Rainbow Confetti

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If you are craving a delightful, colorful cake that brings instant joy to any gathering, this Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with rainbow jimmies inside, crowned with a luscious, homemade vanilla flour buttercream frosting speckled with confetti sprinkles. It’s a celebration in every bite, perfect for birthdays, casual dessert cravings, or whenever you want to add a dash of fun to your kitchen. This recipe balances simplicity with that wow factor we all love, making it a treasured go-to that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light yellow batter with a smooth, fluffy texture sits on a white marbled surface. Inside the bowl, a light blue silicone spatula rests gently on the batter, with some batter clinging to its edge. In the background, slightly out of focus, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with colorful round and rod-shaped sprinkles in bright shades of pink, orange, yellow, green, purple, and blue. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays its part in creating a soft, tender crumb and that classic funfetti charm, while the homemade frosting brings it all together with smooth richness and colorful sparkle.

Cake Flour: Key for a tender texture, cake flour keeps the crumb light and fluffy.
Baking Powder: Your rising hero that helps the cake puff just right.
Salt: A pinch to enhance flavors without overpowering the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter (room temperature): For creaminess and that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps with the cake’s soft texture.
Large Egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to the cake’s structure.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic notes that elevate every bite.
Buttermilk: Gives the cake a slight tang and tenderizes the crumb beautifully.
Rainbow Jimmies (or rainbow sprinkles): The iconic confetti that turns an ordinary cake extraordinary.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the homemade flour buttercream frosting base.
Milk: Used to create the smooth, creamy frosting texture.
Rainbow Nonpareils and Confetti Sprinkles: For that joyful, colorful finishing touch on your frosting.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by adjusting your oven rack to the second level mark, which is slightly above the center. Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Generously spray a 6-inch round cake pan with a flour-based baking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper and respray the top. This ensures your cake slips out easily, keeping every sprinkle intact and your edges smooth.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting not only blends these ingredients perfectly but also aerates the flour, contributing to the cake’s delicate texture. Set this mixture aside as you move to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step builds the base for a moist cake by incorporating air into the butter, essential for a light crumb.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined. These ingredients enrich the batter, creating flavor depth and structure, making each slice a luscious treat.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Switch your mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so gently folding in the dry and wet ensures perfect tenderness. Then, fold in the rainbow jimmies to distribute those cheerful bursts of color throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes at 350ºF. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it—no wet batter. Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key to ensure your frosting stays smooth and doesn’t melt.

Step 7: Make the Vanilla Flour Buttercream Frosting

In a small saucepan, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the milk and whisk again until smooth. Gently heat this mixture over low-medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and burning, until it thickens into a glossy paste. Once bubbling, turn off the heat and stir for 1-2 more minutes off the burner to reduce glossiness. Spread the mixture on a plate and cover tightly with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface to prevent a skin. Let it cool to room temperature before proceeding.

Step 8: Whip Butter and Combine

Ensure your unsalted butter is softened and cubed. Beat it on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Add the cooled flour mixture spoon by spoon on low speed, allowing each addition to blend fully before adding more. Finish by mixing in vanilla extract and whipping until the frosting is silky and smooth. If bubbles appear, gently press the frosting against the bowl sides with a spatula.

Step 9: Assemble Your Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe

If you wish, carefully slice your cooled cake horizontally into two even layers. Spread a thin layer of frosting with an offset spatula on the first layer and sprinkle a few rainbow jimmies for added fun. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. Finally, adorn with a homemade mix of rainbow jimmies, confetti, and nonpareils to make your Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe truly shine.

How to Serve Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe

A round cake with smooth white frosting covers the top and sides, sprinkled with colorful round and rod-shaped sprinkles in bright colors like pink, yellow, blue, orange, green, and purple. The cake sits on a white parchment paper placed on a silver baking tray. Next to the cake, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with more of the same colorful sprinkles. In front of the cake, on the tray, lies a knife with a wooden handle and a metal blade. The background and surface have a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sprinkles on top is the classic choice, but why not sprinkle some edible glitter or finely chopped nuts for extra texture and sparkle? Fresh berries beside each slice add subtle tartness that balances the sweet richness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a lightly brewed herbal tea or a chilled glass of milk, creating a nostalgic and comforting dessert duo.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe by serving it on a decorative cake stand or alongside colorful themed décor for celebrations. Slice it into petite squares for bite-sized funfetti bites at parties, or stack mini versions with different frosting colors for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep your cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate but allow it to warm to room temperature before serving to recapture that tender crumb and creamy frosting texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers without frosting for up to three months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight and frost fresh before serving to maintain that perfect funfetti finish.

Reheating

The cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, microwave a single slice for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat or the texture may change, but that warm, soft slice is a cozy treat on a chilly day.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour in this Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe?

Yes, but cake flour is preferred for its lower protein content, which results in a lighter, softer cake. If using all-purpose flour, you can replace 2 tablespoons per cup of flour with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s tenderness.

What’s a good substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?

A quick substitute is to mix 1/3 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly before using it in your cake batter.

Can I make the flour buttercream frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both the thickened flour mixture and the finished flour buttercream can be prepared 3 to 5 days in advance. Store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before whipping again to restore that light, fluffy texture.

Will the sprinkles melt during baking?

Using rainbow jimmies rather than sugar-based confetti sprinkles is key because they hold their shape better in the oven. This keeps your funfetti effect bright and distinct in every slice.

How do I prevent the frosting from getting air bubbles?

Mix the frosting on low speed when adding the flour mixture and use a spatula to press and smooth the frosting along the bowl’s sides. This technique helps to minimize air pockets and creates a silky finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy that a Single Layer Funfetti Cake Recipe brings to your table, whether it’s a special occasion or a treat to brighten your day. Its perfect balance of tender crumb, colorful sprinkles, and homemade buttercream frosting makes it a recipe you’ll return to over and over. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and bake this lovely cake. I promise, every joyful bite will remind you why it’s a beloved classic.

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