Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake
Highlighted under: Sugar & Spice Desserts
I absolutely adore making Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake for my best friends. The vibrant sprinkles mixed into the fluffy vanilla batter not only make it a joyful sight, but also bring a nostalgic sweetness to every slice. Each layer bursts with color and flavor, creating the ultimate celebration treat. As I bake this cake, I’m reminded of all the fun we’ve shared over the years. It's the perfect way to show my friends how much they mean to me, while indulging in a little sweet luxury that everyone loves.
When I first decided to make a funfetti cake, I wanted it to be not just sweet but also bursting with personality. I experimented with different sprinkles and found that a mix of pastel colors really captures the essence of a Galentine’s celebration. Each slice reveals surprises that brighten up any gathering.
The secret to getting maximum fluffiness in the cake is to beat the eggs and sugar until they're pale and voluminous. This method ensures that every bite of cake is light, airy, and utterly delightful, making it a hit with friends and family alike!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright and colorful sprinkles create a festive vibe
- Light and fluffy cake texture that's simply irresistible
- Perfectly sweetened with a delightful vanilla flavor
The Importance of Ingredients
Using high-quality ingredients is crucial for the success of your Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake. Opt for fresh eggs, ideally organic, as they contribute to a fluffier texture and richer flavor. The unsalted butter should be at room temperature, allowing it to cream easily with the sugar. If you prefer a healthier approach, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce, which will still keep the cake moist but reduce the fat content.
For the flour, all-purpose provides the right balance of structure and tenderness in the cake. Remember to measure flour properly—spoon it into a cup and level it off to avoid a dense cake. The baking powder must be fresh; if it's past its expiration date, the cake won't rise as it should. Finally, choose quality vanilla extract, as it enhances the overall flavor profile, making every bite decadent.
Frosting Tips for a Perfect Finish
When preparing the frosting, ensure that the butter is softened but not melted—this is key for achieving that desirable creamy consistency. If your butter is too warm, your frosting may turn out too runny. Aim for a texture that's smooth and fluffy, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes of mixing on medium speed. If your frosting appears too thick, don’t hesitate to add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired spreadability.
For decoration, using rainbow sprinkles not only adds visual appeal but also introduces a delightful crunch. Applying sprinkles onto the frosting can be a bit messy, so I like to hold the cake over a baking sheet when doing this to catch any falling sprinkles. You can even try using different types of sprinkles to suit the occasion, like heart-shaped ones for a Valentine’s theme.
Ingredients
To achieve the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing the batter.
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, at room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, you're ready to start the fun of baking!
Instructions
Ensure your oven is preheated to 350°F (175°C) before you start mixing your ingredients.
Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Gradually add in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top and sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cake and serve it with a smile! Celebrate your Galentine's day with friends and make fond memories over this delightful cake.
Clean up your workspace and enjoy the sweet aroma of your freshly baked cake!
Pro Tips
- For an extra special touch, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the batter for a delightful twist on the flavor.
Storage Tips
To keep your Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to save it longer, consider refrigerating it; it can last up to a week in the fridge. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you're preparing the cake ahead of time, you can freeze it without frosting for up to three months. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as desired.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for group celebrations, but you can also dress it up for a more formal gathering. Adding a simple fruit compote or whipped cream on the side can elevate the presentation. For a richer experience, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the warmth of the cake to slightly melt the ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures.
For a festive touch, pair slices of the cake with a light drizzle of chocolate ganache. Simply heat heavy cream until just boiling, pour it over chopped chocolate, and let it sit. Stir until smooth, and drizzle generously over the cake for added flavor and elegance.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of sprinkles?
Yes! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you like, but avoid nonpareils as they tend to bleed color into the batter.
→ How can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk.
→ Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature. Frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Leftover cake can be stored 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 adore making Galentine's Funfetti Birthday Cake for my best friends. The vibrant sprinkles mixed into the fluffy vanilla batter not only make it a joyful sight, but also bring a nostalgic sweetness to every slice. Each layer bursts with color and flavor, creating the ultimate celebration treat. As I bake this cake, I’m reminded of all the fun we’ve shared over the years. It's the perfect way to show my friends how much they mean to me, while indulging in a little sweet luxury that everyone loves.
Created by: Lina
Recipe Type: Sugar & Spice Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 servings
What You'll Need
Cake Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup milk, at room temperature
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles for decoration
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until fully combined. Fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
Divide the batter evenly between two greased 9-inch round cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Gradually add in the milk and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top and sprinkle some rainbow sprinkles. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with more sprinkles on top.
Slice the cake and serve it with a smile! Celebrate your Galentine's day with friends and make fond memories over this delightful cake.
Extra Tips
- For an extra special touch, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the batter for a delightful twist on the flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 3g