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Confetti Cake Recipe

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There’s just something about a confetti cake with sprinkles baked right into the batter that makes any day feel like a celebration. It’s bright, nostalgic, and honestly a little chaotic in the best way. This is my go-to confetti-style cake when I want that classic birthday cake flavor without using boxed mix. It’s soft vanilla crumb, colorful sprinkles throughout and a fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting on top.

This recipe is forgiving, beginner-friendly, and works for layers, sheet cakes, or cupcakes.

Confetti Cake Recipe

This confetti cake recipe is soft, buttery, and sturdy enough for stacking, but still tender when you slice it.
Prep Time20 minutes
Keyword: birthady cake recipe, confetti cake, confetti cake recipe, funfetti recipe, homemade funfetti cake, sprinkle cake recipe
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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tsp birthday cake flavoring (I love Amoretti)
  • 3/4 cup jimmies-style sprinkles not nonpareils — they bleed

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pans with parchment.
  • In a bowl, whisk together: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Don’t rush this — it builds the cake texture.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each.
  • Mix in: sour cream, milk, vanilla and birthday cake flavoring
  • Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Don’t overmix — a few streaks are okay.
  • Gently fold in sprinkles last.
My baking essentials:

Bake Times by Pan Size

This batter works across multiple formats. Fill pans about 2/3 full.

Layer Cakes

  • Two 8-inch round pans: 28–32 minutes
  • Two 9-inch round pans:  24–28 minutes

Sheet Cake

  • 9×13 pan:  32–38 minutes

Cupcakes

  • Standard cupcakes: 18–22 minutes

Thicker Celebration Layers

  • Three 6-inch pans: 30–35 minutes

Check with a toothpick, look for moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Cool in pans 10–15 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This is a basic vanilla buttercream frosting that pairs perfectly with confetti cake. It pipes well, spreads easily, and tastes like traditional birthday cake frosting.
Prep Time10 minutes
Keyword: easy vanilla frosting, vanilla buttercream
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 3 1/2 – 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt

Instructions

  • Beat butter for 2–3 minutes until smooth and pale.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually, mixing between additions.
  • Add vanilla, salt, and 2 tbsp milk.
  • Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.

Notes

Adjust texture:
too thick = add milk 1 tsp at a time
too soft = add powdered sugar
If you want a bakery-style finish, beat it longer than you think you need — extra air makes a big difference.

Sprinkle Tips (This Part Matters)

Not all sprinkles behave the same in a sprinkle confetti cake.

Best choice:

Avoid:

  • nonpareils (tiny balls — colors bleed fast)
  • sanding sugar (melts away)

Fold them in gently at the very end so the batter doesn’t streak.

Make It Your Own

Easy ways to customize this homemade confetti cake:

  • Add extra sprinkles on top of the frosting
  • Tint the buttercream pastel colors
  • Add a thin layer of jam between layers
  • Use it as a birthday sheet cake with swirls and piping
  • Turn it into confetti cupcakes for parties

It’s one of those cakes that doesn’t need to look perfect to feel special — honestly, the more playful it looks, the better it fits the vibe.

more like this:

dessert recipes

If you make this confetti cake for someone special, I’d love to hear about it!

Happy Baking!

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