When it comes to weddings, one of the most unforgettable moments is the cake cutting. Guests eagerly gather to see the couple slice into a masterpiece that’s both beautiful and delicious. Traditional wedding cakes often feature elegant flavors like vanilla, almond, or chocolate. But in recent years, couples have been looking for ways to add personality and playfulness to their big day. That’s where the Funfetti Wedding Cake comes in—a vibrant, colorful, and festive cake that brings smiles before the first bite.
This article is part of our series on Wedding Cake Recipes, and today, we’ll dive deep into the Funfetti Wedding Cake, from ingredients and preparation to decoration ideas and tips for making it the star of your wedding.
Why Funfetti Wedding Cake is Trending
The Funfetti cake isn’t new—it first became popular in the 1980s when sprinkles were mixed into white or vanilla cake batter, creating bursts of color throughout the cake layers. Over time, Funfetti became synonymous with celebration and joy, making it a natural choice for birthdays.
But now, many couples are incorporating it into their wedding cake recipes because:
- It’s unique – Funfetti stands out from traditional cakes and adds personality.
- It’s fun for guests – Children and adults alike get excited seeing colorful cake slices.
- It photographs beautifully – The vibrant sprinkles inside create Instagram-worthy cake shots.
- It balances elegance with playfulness – When decorated well, it can look sophisticated while still keeping its whimsical heart.
Ingredients for Funfetti Wedding Cake
Making a multi-tiered wedding cake at home or with a baker requires careful preparation. Below is a recipe designed for a three-layer Funfetti cake, which can be scaled for larger weddings.
For the Cake Layers
- 3 cups cake flour (sifted)
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- ½ cup sour cream (for moistness)
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils—they won’t bleed color)
the Frosting (Vanilla Buttercream)
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 6 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Decoration
- Extra rainbow sprinkles (for the outside and top)
- Fresh flowers (optional, for a wedding touch)
- Gold leaf or metallic cake toppers (for elegance)
Tools You’ll Need
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Three 8-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Offset spatula
- Cake turntable (recommended for smooth frosting)
- Parchment paper
- Serrated knife or cake leveler
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4: Combine Wet and Dry
Alternate adding the dry mixture with the milk and sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix.
5: Add Sprinkles
Fold in the rainbow sprinkles gently with a spatula to avoid color bleeding.
6: Bake
Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
7: Make the Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Whip until smooth and fluffy.
8: Assemble the Cake
- Level each cake layer with a serrated knife.
- Spread frosting between layers.
- Apply a crumb coat (thin frosting layer) and chill for 20 minutes.
- Frost the cake fully with a smooth finish.
9: Decorate
Add sprinkles along the base or cover the entire cake for a bold look. Decorate with flowers, toppers, or gold accents for a wedding-worthy finish.
Decorating Ideas for Funfetti Wedding Cake
- Classic Sprinkle Explosion – Fully coat the cake with sprinkles for a playful design.
- Elegant with a Surprise Inside – Keep the outside plain white buttercream but reveal colorful Funfetti layers when sliced.
- Ombre Funfetti – Tint the frosting with pastel shades for a modern look.
- Floral Touch – Add edible flowers or fresh roses to elevate the design.
- Metallic Accents – Incorporate edible gold leaf for a glamorous finish.
Tips for Success
- Use jimmies sprinkles, not nonpareils, as they don’t bleed color into the batter.
- Always bake cakes in advance and chill layers before stacking to avoid shifting.
- Consider using a cake dowel system for multi-tiered versions.
- For extra moistness, brush layers with simple syrup before frosting.
- Always transport wedding cakes in a cool environment to avoid melting.
Funfetti Wedding Cake Variations
- Vegan Funfetti Cake – Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs and use plant-based butter.
- Gluten-Free Version – Swap cake flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
- Chocolate Funfetti Cake – Add cocoa powder for a colorful chocolate twist.
- Confetti Cupcakes – Bake smaller versions for individual servings at weddings.
Pairing Ideas
A Funfetti Wedding Cake pairs beautifully with:
- Champagne or sparkling rosé
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Fresh fruit platters
- Light desserts like macarons or meringues
Nutritional Information (per slice, approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Sugar: 48g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
Why Add Funfetti to Wedding Cake Recipes?
The world of wedding cake recipes is full of tradition, but couples today want cakes that reflect their story and style. Funfetti symbolizes joy, playfulness, and individuality—values that many modern couples bring to their weddings. By incorporating Funfetti into your wedding cake, you merge tradition with creativity.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for a wedding cake that combines elegance with fun, the Funfetti Wedding Cake is a perfect choice. Not only does it delight guests with its colorful layers, but it also photographs beautifully and creates lasting memories. Among countless wedding cake recipes, this one stands out for its personality and flavor.
Whether you’re baking it at home or working with a professional baker, this cake guarantees smiles and makes your big day extra special. Try it once, and you’ll see why more and more couples are choosing Funfetti for their weddings!
