Hi friends, Chef James here from Tiramisucake.com! If you’re craving a funfetti sheet cake that tastes like childhood birthdays, school celebrations, and pure joy, you’re in the perfect place. This vanilla sprinkle cake has been my go-to for busy weeknights, last-minute parties, and those “Dad, can we bake something fun?” moments my kids loved growing up. It’s the very definition of a one-pan celebration cake fast, colorful, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear slice by slice.
In our main guide, Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes, I highlight why sheet cakes have become a go-to for busy families: they’re dependable, simple to bake, and perfect when you need a dessert that serves a crowd without any fuss.
This funfetti version slides right into the mix cheerful, colorful, and easy to prepare just like our Southern classic Texas Sheet Cake Recipe or the tropical sweetness of our Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe. Each one brings its own personality to the dessert table, and this funfetti cake is the joyful, sprinkle-filled cousin everyone loves.
As part of my E-E-A-T commitment, I personally test every recipe in my home kitchen, using everyday tools and realistic weeknight timing the same way busy families cook. And because this dessert contains dairy, I always encourage readers to follow safe food-handling recommendations from the USDA to keep every celebration delicious and safe.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Here’s exactly why this moist funfetti sheet cake has become one of the most beloved recipes in our community:
- It’s quick, easy, and perfect for beginners a true easy party sheet cake.
- Soft, fluffy, and incredibly moist thanks to buttermilk.
- Bursting with colorful sprinkles that stay vibrant (no color bleeding).
- Tastes just like the nostalgic birthday cakes we grew up with.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
- Frosting is creamy, smooth, and kid-approved.
- Slices cleanly and travels well for parties and potlucks.
- It fits beautifully in our collection featured in Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes.
What’s the first occasion you’ll bake this colorful cake for?
INGREDIENTS NEEDED
Here’s everything you need to make the perfect colorful cake with rainbow jimmies sprinkles and ultra-smooth bakery-style frosting.
Ingredients for the Cake
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure without heaviness.
- Unsalted butter – For that rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Helps create a moist, tender crumb.
- Eggs (room temperature) Important for lift and texture.
- Buttermilk – The secret to a perfectly soft buttermilk vanilla cake.
- Clear or pure vanilla extract – Enhances that classic birthday-cake taste.
- Baking powder + baking soda Ensures even rising.
- Cornstarch – Softens the crumb (optional but highly recommended).
- Rainbow jimmies sprinkles Only jimmies work nonpareils will bleed into the batter.
- Salt – Balances sweetness.
Ingredients for the Frosting
- Butter + optional shortening – Creates that nostalgic bakery-style frosting.
- Powdered sugar – For structure + sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – Classic, comforting flavor.
- Milk or heavy cream – Helps achieve the perfect creamy texture.
If you enjoy bright, citrusy cakes, the technique here is similar to our Lemon Sheet Cake soft crumb, simple ingredients, perfect for feeding a crowd.
And of course, this recipe aligns with the techniques we use in Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes.
HOW TO MAKE IT (STEP-BY-STEP)
Follow these simple steps for a fluffy, colorful vanilla sprinkle cake that bakes evenly every single time.
1. Prepare the pan
2. Cream butter and sugar
Beat for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy the key to a light crumb.
3. Add oil and vanilla
Creates that moist, smooth texture and enhances flavor.
4. Mix in eggs
One at a time to avoid splitting the mixture.
5. Add dry ingredients
Flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
6. Pour in the buttermilk
This creates silky, rich batter with perfect moisture.
7. Fold in rainbow jimmies sprinkles
AEO Tip: Gently fold to prevent streaking.
8. Spread evenly into pan
Ensures uniform baking.
9. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes
Cake should spring back lightly to the touch.
10. Cool completely
Frosting melts on a warm cake patience is key.
11. Frost generously
Use an offset spatula for perfect bakery-style swirls.
⭐ Chef James Extra Tip
If your oven browns quickly, tent the cake with foil at the 20-minute mark.
If you love festive, colorful bakes like this one, don’t miss our iconic Red Velvet Sheet Cake another crowd-pleasing favorite.
And of course, this technique comes straight from the principles in Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes.
RECIPE TIPS & VARIATIONS
Here are some fun and tasty ways to customize your funfetti sheet cake:
1. Holiday Funfetti
Swap rainbow sprinkles for red–green (Christmas) or orange–purple (Halloween).
2. Dairy-Free Option
Use vegan butter + oat milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
AEO: Works best when all ingredients are room temperature.
3. Low-Carb/Keto Adaptation
Skip the sprinkles, replace sugar with monk fruit, and use almond flour (not a 1:1 swap).
4. Bakery-Style Frosting Upgrade
Add 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream for an ultra-smooth finish.
⭐ Chef James Suggestion
Chill the cake for 20 minutes before slicing it creates restaurant-level clean edges.
For another seasonal twist, try the cozy, warmly spiced Pumpkin Sheet Cake.
STORAGE & REHEATING
This one-pan celebration cake stores beautifully, making it ideal for prepping ahead.
Room Temperature
Up to 24 hours if unfrosted.
Refrigerator
4–5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Up to 2 months. Wrap slices individually for best texture.
Reheating
- Microwave: 8–10 seconds → restores softness.
- Air Fryer: 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Oven: 275°F for 8–10 minutes.
If you love cakes that stay moist and flavorful even after storing, you’ll also enjoy our Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake another freezer-friendly favorite.
FAQs
Why did my sprinkles melt or bleed into the batter?
That happens when using nonpareils. Always choose rainbow jimmies sprinkles they hold their shape perfectly and won’t streak.
Can I use oil instead of butter in the batter?
Yes, you can replace part of the butter with vegetable oil to make the crumb even softer. Just avoid replacing all of it or you’ll lose that classic buttery flavor.
How can I make this into cupcakes?
Fill cupcake liners halfway and bake at 350°F for about 18–20 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 24 cupcakes.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and keep all other ingredients the same. For more inspiration, check out our Gluten-Free Sheet Cake.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes double the batter and bake it in a full sheet pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as thicker cakes may need a few extra minutes.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
A funfetti sheet cake is already a party on its own, but pairing it with the right desserts makes any celebration even sweeter. Here are a few delicious options that complement its soft vanilla flavor and colorful sprinkles:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Sheet Cake
If you want something richer and more indulgent on the dessert table, serve this cake alongside the Peanut Butter Chocolate Sheet Cake. Its peanut butter frosting and chocolate base pair beautifully with the light, fluffy funfetti cake.
Pineapple Sheet Cake
For a bright, fruity contrast, the Pineapple Sheet Cake adds a refreshing twist. The tropical sweetness balances perfectly with the funfetti cake’s vanilla tones.
Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe
If you love dessert tables full of nostalgic flavors, the Coconut Sheet Cake Recipe brings a soft, melt-in-your-mouth coconut layer that pairs beautifully with funfetti’s playful colors.
funfetti sheet cake
A moist and colorful Funfetti Sheet Cake with rainbow sprinkles, creamy frosting, and a nostalgic flavor perfect for any celebration.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs (room temperature)
Buttermilk
Clear or pure vanilla extract
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cornstarch (optional)
Rainbow jimmies sprinkles
Salt
For the frosting:
Butter and optional shortening
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Milk or heavy cream
Instructions
1. Grease and line a 9×13 pan with parchment.
2. Cream butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
3. Add oil and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time.
5. In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cornstarch.
6. Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with buttermilk.
7. Gently fold in rainbow jimmies sprinkles.
8. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
9. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
10. Cool completely before frosting.
11. Frost with bakery-style vanilla frosting using an offset spatula.
Notes
Always use rainbow jimmies, not nonpareils, to avoid color bleeding.
Tent the cake with foil if it browns too fast.
Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Store unfrosted at room temp for 24 hours, or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Can be frozen up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
If you enjoyed this colorful funfetti sheet cake, you’ll love exploring more bright, festive, and crowd-pleasing ideas from our sheet cake collection:
Gluten-Free Sheet Cake
A light and fluffy option for guests with dietary restrictions. Try the Gluten-Free Sheet Cake for an easy, inclusive dessert.
Vegan Chocolate Sheet Cake
Rich, fudgy, and unbelievably moist and you wouldn’t believe it’s vegan! Discover the Vegan Chocolate Sheet Cake.
Spice Sheet Cake
Warm spices and soft crumb make the Spice Sheet Cake a comforting choice for fall gatherings.
CONCLUSION
And that’s it, friends your fun, colorful, joyful funfetti sheet cake is ready to brighten any celebration. This recipe is one of my family’s all-time favorites, and I hope it becomes a go-to dessert in your home too. Whether it’s for a birthday, a potluck, or just a weeknight craving, this cake always brings smiles.
For more easy, reliable desserts, don’t forget to explore our complete guide Best Sheet Cake Recipes – 15 Easy, Classic & Creative Sheet Cakes your new hub for family-friendly baking inspiration.
And as always, for safe handling of dairy and baked goods, you can refer to the USDA’s official food safety recommendations (fsis.usda.gov). You’ll also find lots of helpful techniques on trusted culinary sites like Food Network for improving your baking skills.
I hope you’ll try this recipe soon and when you do, come back and let me know how it turned out.
Happy baking, and enjoy every colorful bite!
