½cupunsalted butter, softened at room temperature(113g)
1cupgranulated sugar(200g)
1tspvanilla extract
2eggs, room temperature
1 ½cupall-purpose flour(180g)
1tspbaking powder
¼tspsalt
1cupwhole milk, room temperature(120ml)
¼cuprainbow sprinkles
American Buttercream with Rainbow Sprinkles
1cupunsalted butter, room temperature(226g)
3 ¾cupspowdered sugar(469g)
¼tspsalt
2tsppure vanilla extract
2tbspheavy whipping cream (or milk)
¼cuprainbow sprinkles
Makes: 6inch0 x 0inch round, 4inch height
Instructions
Funfetti Cake
Have the butter, eggs and milk at room temperature. Prepare two, 6-inch cake pans by spraying the sides with cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper or use a method you prefer. Preheat the oven to 350℉ (177℃).
In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment or a hand held mixer, beat the butter for 1 minute on high speed. Add the granulated sugar and cream together for 2 minutes on medium-high speed.
½ cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature, 1 cup granulated sugar
Turn the mixer to low speed and add the vanilla extract and 1 egg one at a time, mixing in-between. Turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 eggs, room temperature
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the stand mixer and mix on low speed. Add the milk and stop mixing when everything is just incorporated.
1 ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp salt, 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
Fold in the sprinkles with a spatula. Pour the batter equally into the prepared cake pans.
¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
Bake for 28-32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, use a knife to run around the pan to release the cake from the edges. Use potholders to turn the cakes out of the pans. Discard parchment paper.
American Buttercream with Rainbow Sprinkles
Equip the paddle attachment to a stand mixer or use a hand mixer to beat softened butter on high speed for 1 minute.
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Turn the mixer off and add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix on low speed for 30 seconds. Continue to add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. After all the powdered sugar is added, scrape down the bowl with a spatula.
3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
Add the salt, vanilla, and whipping cream and mix everything on medium speed for two minutes. Then, change the speed to low and mix for 5 minutes. If the buttercream is too stiff, add 1 tsp of additional heavy whipping cream at a time until it looks smooth and silky but not wet.
¼ tsp salt, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream (or milk)
Pour in rainbow sprinkles and mix on low speed until incorporated. You can also stir them in by hand.
¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
Assemble
Place cooled cake layers in the freezer for 5-10 to chill. Cold cake is easier to level and frost.
Once cake layers have chilled, use a serrated knife to level cake tops. Then place 1 cake layer on a plate or turntable.
Scoop frosting onto the cake layer and smooth with a knife or offset spatula. Add the second cake layer and add more frosting. Smooth the top and add more frosting to the sides. Smooth the sides with a knife or bench scraper.
Optional: Finish the top with buttercream swirls by preparing a piping bag with a #1M tip. Add more sprinkles!
Notes
Tools: Electric mixers whip up frostings to a smooth and creamy texture. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is very helpful, or a handheld mixer with whisk attachments.
Buttercream: This recipe makes about 3 1/2 cups of frosting and is adapted from my easy American buttercream recipe. I make a full batch, more than enough to fill and frost a 6-inch, 2 layer cake with decoration. If you half the buttercream, you'll have just enough to fill and frost the cake but not enough for piping swirls.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Unsalted butter, milk, and eggs will incorporate better when at room temp.