Name: Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs + 2 egg whites; 1 ½ cups buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ cup rainbow sprinkles, plus more to decorate cake; ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy; 2 tablespoons milk of choice; 1 tablespoon vanilla essence (extract or paste)

Jump to Recipe

If there’s one cake that never fails to spark instant joy, it’s the Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!). This vibrant treat is an all-occasion favorite, featuring a tender, almost cloud-like crumb dotted with cheery rainbow sprinkles throughout. Each slice is wrapped in a dreamy, buttery vanilla frosting that melts on your tongue. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, or simply the everyday little wins, this cake delivers that essential childhood nostalgia with grown-up flavor—no boxed mixes needed!

Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how everyday ingredients come together to form this show-stopping dessert. Each component has a simple job—some giving lift, others indulging your sweet tooth, and, of course, those sprinkles stealing the spotlight. Here’s what you’ll need to make your Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) absolutely irresistible:

All-purpose flour: The backbone, providing structure while keeping the crumb light and tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens things up and adds moisture for that plush texture.
Baking powder: The leavener behind all that satisfying rise and airiness.
Kosher salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the vanilla notes.
Unsalted butter (cake & frosting): Adds richness and a buttery flavor, plus the base for that luscious frosting.
Large eggs + egg whites: Help bind the cake together for structure while keeping it fluffy and light.
Buttermilk: The secret to extra-moist cake with a subtle tang to round out the sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Ensures a supremely moist crumb that stays soft even after chilling.
Vanilla extract (and essence/paste for frosting): Infuses rich, warm vanilla flavor all the way through.
Rainbow sprinkles: The star of the show—choose the classic, colorful “jimmies” style for the best pop and no bleeding.
Powdered sugar (frosting): Guarantees a silky-smooth, melt-in-your-mouth frosting.
Milk of choice (frosting): Loosens the frosting to your ideal swirling consistency.

How to Make Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!)

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously with non-stick spray, then line it with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides for easy lifting. This setup ensures your cake releases effortlessly without sacrificing any of those precious crumbs.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients & Reverse Cream

In the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large bowl if working with a hand mixer), whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Add the softened butter and beat with the dry ingredients on medium speed. This reverse creaming method might seem quirky, but it encourages a super tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, making the Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) incredibly fine-crumbed—just the way we love it!

Step 3: Add Liquids, Eggs & Sprinkles

Pour in the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until your batter is thick, glossy, and thoroughly combined—don’t forget to scrape down the bowl’s sides! The final sprinkle moment is pure joy: gently fold in your rainbow jimmies so they’re evenly swirled throughout, but don’t overmix or the colors may bleed.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing out the surface for an even rise. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting it onto a wire rack—this helps it finish setting without getting soggy.

Step 5: Make the Fluffy Vanilla Frosting

While your cake cools, whip up the quick vanilla frosting. Beat softened butter in a large bowl until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Once smooth, splash in the milk and vanilla essence, mixing until the frosting is cloud-like and spreadable. The result? A buttercream that’s rich, light, and just sweet enough—the crowning glory for Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!).

Step 6: Frost, Decorate & Serve

Once the cake is fully cool, spread the frosting generously over the top, swooping with a spatula for big, satisfying swirls. Shower with extra rainbow sprinkles for that iconic finish. Slice into 12 generous portions (or smaller squares if you’re feeding a crowd), and get ready for happy faces all around!

How to Serve Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!)

Garnishes

For the happiest presentation, finish your cake with an extra flurry of rainbow sprinkles just before serving. A few edible glitter flakes or confetti-style jimmies elevate the fun, and a single candle always adds a festive note for birthdays or big announcements. If you’re feeling fancy, try a handful of white chocolate curls or a scattering of freeze-dried fruit for a vibrant twist.

Side Dishes

This cake stands beautifully on its own, but you can easily pair it with cool accompaniments like vanilla bean ice cream or a scoop of tangy frozen yogurt to balance the sweetness. A cup of fresh berries—think strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries—offers a refreshing contrast and a pop of color on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) into fun shapes with a cookie cutter for parties, stack two squares with extra frosting for a layer-cake effect, or serve them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go treats. For party platters, arrange bite-sized cake cubes on skewers with berries for colorful cake kabobs everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) keeps well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just be sure to use an airtight container or wrap your cake snugly in plastic wrap to preserve its precious moisture and keep the frosting soft.

Freezing

This cake is freezer-friendly! Simply cut cooled, unfrosted cake into squares, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. If you’d like to freeze already frosted pieces, place them on a tray to freeze until the icing is firm, then wrap individually. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’ll have party-perfect slices ready to go anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, pop a slice (unwrapped) in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked, buttery aroma and soft crumb. It’s a lovely option for cold days, especially with a scoop of melting ice cream on top.

FAQs

Can I make this cake as cupcakes instead?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter evenly among lined muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Top with frosting and sprinkles for classic funfetti cupcakes.

What kind of sprinkles work best in this recipe?

Stick to “jimmies” (the long, soft type) for the most vibrant color and the least chance of bleeding. Avoid nonpareils and sanding sugars inside the cake—they tend to melt or run, resulting in muddy colors.

Can I make Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) without buttermilk?

If you’re out of buttermilk, just mix a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar into a scant 1 1/2 cups milk, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken, then use as directed. While not quite as tangy, it will keep the cake deliciously moist.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a couple tiny crumbs. The top should be lightly golden, and the edges will gently pull away from the pan.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

You can double the batch for a larger event! Pour into two 9×13 pans (don’t overcrowd), bake both at the same temperature, and check for doneness after 35 minutes. It’s a guaranteed way to spread more sprinkle happiness.

Final Thoughts

No matter the occasion, few desserts bring the kind of unbridled joy as a big pan of Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!). With its crave-worthy crumb, nostalgic flavors, and eye-popping rainbows inside every slice, this cake brings out smiles in even the toughest crowd. Give it a try and make your own celebration a little brighter—you absolutely deserve it!

Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake (Buttery, Moist, and Fluffy!) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Homemade Funfetti Sheet Cake is buttery, moist, and fluffy, with a delightful burst of rainbow sprinkles in every bite. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a sweet treat!

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Prepare the cake: Combine dry ingredients, add wet ingredients and rainbow sprinkles, mix well, and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Make the frosting: Beat butter, add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla essence, mix until smooth.
Finish the cake: Cool, frost, decorate with sprinkles, slice, and serve.