Name: Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup whole milk; 3/4 cup pastel jimmies sprinkles; 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened; 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 2 to 3 tablespoons pastel sprinkles for decorating; mini chocolate eggs or candy eggs, optional for topping

Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake brings bright spring color, soft vanilla cake layers, and that cheerful bakery-style look that makes any Easter table feel extra festive. It has the playful charm of a classic funfetti cake, but the homemade version tastes richer, fluffier, and more buttery from the very first slice.

This is the kind of cake that feels right at home for Easter brunch, family dessert, or a birthday that lands right in the middle of spring. With pastel sprinkles baked into tender cake layers and a creamy vanilla buttercream on top, it looks special without being difficult to pull together.

What Makes Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake So Perfect for Spring?

What makes this cake stand out is the balance between fun and homemade flavor. The crumb stays soft and moist, the vanilla flavor comes through clearly, and the pastel sprinkles give it that Easter-ready look without needing complicated decorations. You can keep the finish simple with swirls of frosting and extra sprinkles, or dress it up with mini eggs and pastel piping for a centerpiece dessert.

Ingredients for the Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup whole milk
3/4 cup pastel jimmies sprinkles

For the buttercream:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
pinch of salt
2 to 3 tablespoons pastel sprinkles for decorating
mini chocolate eggs or candy eggs, optional for topping

Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake (1)

How To Make the Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper so the layers release cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside while you mix the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and helps give the cake a lighter texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract for a sweet bakery-style flavor.

Step 5: Finish the Batter

Add the dry mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Mix just until combined after each addition. Fold in the pastel jimmies gently so the colors stay bright and do not bleed too much into the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the centers spring back lightly and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Cool the layers completely before frosting so the buttercream stays smooth and fluffy.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream

Beat the butter until creamy. Add the powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until light and spreadable.

Step 9: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of buttercream on top. Add the second layer, frost the top and sides, then decorate with extra pastel sprinkles and candy eggs if you like.

Serving and Storing Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake

Serve this cake at room temperature for the softest texture and best vanilla flavor. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk, and it looks especially pretty on an Easter dessert table with fresh berries or a few extra pastel candies around the base.

Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. If chilled, let slices sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving so the frosting softens again. You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different sprinkles in this cake?

Jimmies work best because they hold their color better in the batter. Nonpareils can bleed quickly and may streak the cake.

Can I bake this in a 9×13-inch pan instead?

Yes. Bake the batter in a greased 9×13-inch pan and start checking for doneness around 30 to 35 minutes.

What frosting goes best with funfetti cake?

Vanilla buttercream is the most classic choice, but cream cheese frosting also tastes wonderful if you want a slightly tangier finish.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake the layers a day ahead, wrap them well, and frost the cake the next day.

How do I keep the cake from becoming dense?

Do not overmix the batter once the flour goes in, and make sure the butter, eggs, sour cream, and milk are not too cold before mixing.

Can I add Easter decorations on top?

Absolutely. Mini eggs, pastel piping, shredded coconut grass, or even small bunny toppers all work well.

Want More Easter Dessert Ideas?

If this cheerful cake puts you in the mood for more sweet spring baking, there are plenty of fun treats to try next. For something rich and colorful, Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies bring a beautiful green hue that feels perfect for the season. If you want another festive Easter dessert, Easter Oreo Cookie Casserole is playful, creamy, and made for holiday gatherings.

Fruit-forward desserts also fit beautifully on an Easter table. Flaky Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Puffs are light, pretty, and easy to serve, while Lemon Sugar Cookies add a fresh citrus note that balances heavier desserts nicely. And if carrot cake flavors are calling your name, Easy Carrot Cake Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting are another spring favorite worth baking.

📌 Save this cake to your Pinterest Easter dessert board so you can come back to it whenever you need a fun spring centerpiece.

And if you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you keep it classic with vanilla buttercream, or did you add your own Easter decorations on top? Maybe you used extra pastel sprinkles, candy eggs, or a different frosting style.

You can also find more daily recipe inspiration on Nina Dishes Pinterest. It’s a great spot to save new ideas for holidays, family desserts, and easy comfort food favorites.

Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Homemade Funfetti Inspired Easter Cake is a soft, buttery vanilla layer cake filled with pastel sprinkles and finished with fluffy buttercream for a cheerful spring dessert that feels perfect for Easter gatherings, brunch tables, and family celebrations.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract.

5. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and milk, mixing just until combined.

6. Fold in the pastel jimmies gently.

7. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. For the buttercream, beat the butter until creamy, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy.

10. Frost the cooled cake layers, decorate with extra sprinkles and candy eggs if desired, then slice and serve.