This delightful funfetti sheet cake is perfect for celebrations and gatherings. Bursting with colorful sprinkles and topped with creamy frosting, it's sure to bring joy and smiles to everyone who takes a bite. The moist and tender crumb of the cake, combined with its festive appearance, makes it an irresistible treat for both kids and adults alike.
One ingredient you may not have on hand is rainbow sprinkles – they add a fun and colorful touch to the cake. Also, make sure to pick up pure vanilla extract, as its rich flavor is crucial for both the cake and the frosting. Confectioners’ sugar is another item that might not be in your pantry but is essential for making the frosting smooth and sweet.
Ingredients for Funfetti Sheet Cake
unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake and the frosting.
granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with the texture.
eggs: Binds the ingredients and gives structure to the cake.
pure vanilla extract: Adds a deep, rich flavor to both the cake and frosting.
yogurt: Adds moisture and tanginess to the cake.
all purpose flour: Forms the base of the cake, providing structure.
baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
salt: Enhances the flavors.
whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake and frosting.
rainbow sprinkles: Adds a fun and colorful element to the cake.
confectioner’s sugar: Sweetens and adds a smooth texture to the frosting.
One reader, Bili Dewitt says:
This funfetti sheet cake recipe is a hit! The cake is moist and fluffy, with the perfect amount of sweetness. The colorful sprinkles add a fun touch, and the frosting is creamy and delicious. It's easy to make and perfect for any celebration. Highly recommend!
Key Techniques for Baking a Funfetti Sheet Cake
How to cream butter and sugar: Cream the softened butter for about 1 minute on medium speed until smooth, then add sugar and beat until fluffy and light in color. How to mix dry ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl. How to fold in sprinkles: Use a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula to gently fold the sprinkles into the batter without overmixing. How to test cake doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done. How to make frosting: Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, then add confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes, adjusting consistency as needed.
How To Make Funfetti Sheet Cake
Enjoy the soft and creamy vanilla goodness of this funfetti sheet cake together with your friends. Perfect for gatherings and other events.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupunsalted butter,(230 grams), softened to room temperature
- 2cupsgranulated sugar,(400 grams)
- 2large eggs,at room temperature
- 2½tsppure vanilla extract
- ½cupyogurt,(120 grams)
- 2¼cupsall purpose flour,(285 grams), spoon & leveled
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspsalt
- 1cupwhole milk,(240 milliliter)
- ½cuprainbow sprinkles,(94 grams), plus more for decor
- ¾cupunsalted butter,(170 grams), softened to room temperature
- 3cupsconfectioner’s sugar,(360 grams)
- tbspwhole milk,(30 to 45 milliliter)
- 2tsppure vanilla extract
- ⅛tspsalt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). Generously grease and lightly flour a 12×17-inch half sheet/jelly roll pan. Set aside.
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In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream the softened butter for about 1 minute on medium speed.
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Get it nice and smooth, then add the sugar on medium speed and beat until fluffy and light in color. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Beat in the yogurt on medium-high speed until combined.
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In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Pour half of this flour mixture into the creamed butter mixture.
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Beat on low speed for 5 seconds. Pour in half of the milk. Beat on low speed for 5 seconds. Repeat with the rest of the flour and beat in the remainder of the milk until combined and smooth.
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Do not overmix. Using a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula, fold in the sprinkles.
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Spread the cake batter into the prepared pan. Smooth it out into a thin, even layer with a rubber spatula.
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Bake for 20 to 24 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Make sure you rotate the cake pan once or twice during bake time if your oven has hot spots. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. As the cake is cooling, make the frosting.
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Using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy for about 2 minutes.
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Add confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 full minutes.
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Add more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin, more milk if frosting is too thick, or a pinch more of salt if frosting is way too sweet.
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Spread frosting all over cooled cake then top with sprinkles. Slice and serve.
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Cover leftovers tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 254.28kcal
- Fat: 11.55g
- Saturated Fat: 7.16g
- Trans Fat: 0.44g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.53g
- Carbohydrates: 36.48g
- Fiber: 0.25g
- Sugar: 29.10g
- Protein: 1.90g
- Cholesterol: 42.21mg
- Sodium: 102.62mg
- Calcium: 20.97mg
- Potassium: 36.39mg
- Iron: 0.52mg
- Vitamin A: 100.75µg
- Vitamin C: 0.02mg
Technique Tip: How to Evenly Distribute Sprinkles in Funfetti Sheet Cake
When creaming the butter and sugar, ensure the butter is at room temperature. This allows it to incorporate air more effectively, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. If the butter is too cold, it won't mix well, and if it's too warm, it can make the batter greasy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Funfetti Sheet Cake
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the baking process and ensure you don't miss anything.
Use room temperature butter: Soften the butter ahead of time. This will make it easier to cream with the sugar and speed up the mixing process.
One-bowl method: Combine dry ingredients in a single bowl before adding them to the wet mixture. This reduces cleanup time.
Preheat oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing. This ensures it's ready when you are.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Funfetti Sheet Cake Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture, making it a good alternative for baking.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
yogurt - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream provides a similar texture and tanginess, making it an excellent alternative.
all purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: A gluten-free flour blend can be used to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder as a substitute for baking soda. Note that this may slightly alter the texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a good dairy-free alternative that provides a similar consistency.
rainbow sprinkles - Substitute with chocolate chips: Chocolate chips add a different flavor and texture but still provide a fun element to the cake.
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct substitute for butter in frosting recipes.
confectioner’s sugar - Substitute with powdered coconut sugar: Powdered coconut sugar can be used for a slightly healthier alternative with a different flavor profile.
whole milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk is another dairy-free option that works well in frosting.
pure vanilla extract - Substitute with maple extract: Maple extract offers a unique flavor twist while still providing a sweet aroma.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different texture.
Presentation Ideas for a Colorful Funfetti Sheet Cake
Serve smaller portion sizes: Cut the funfetti sheet cake into elegant, bite-sized squares or rectangles to create a refined presentation. This allows each piece to showcase the vibrant rainbow sprinkles and ensures a delicate, manageable portion for each guest.
Use decoration: Garnish each piece with a light dusting of confectioner’s sugar and a few extra rainbow sprinkles for a touch of whimsy. Consider adding a small, edible flower or a mint leaf to enhance the visual appeal.
Plate with precision: Arrange the cake pieces on a pristine, white plate to make the colors pop. Space them evenly and consider using a geometric pattern to add a modern, sophisticated touch.
Add complementary elements: Serve the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. These additions can balance the sweetness of the frosting and add a creamy texture contrast.
Highlight textures: Ensure the frosting is smooth and evenly spread over each piece. Use a piping bag to create elegant swirls or rosettes on top of the cake for a professional finish.
Incorporate height: Stack two or three pieces of the cake slightly offset from each other to add dimension and height to the presentation. This creates a more dynamic and visually interesting plate.
Use a sauce drizzle: Add a drizzle of raspberry coulis or chocolate ganache around the plate for a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor. This can also help tie the dessert into the overall theme of the meal.
Focus on cleanliness: Ensure that each plate is meticulously clean, with no stray crumbs or smudges. This attention to detail is crucial for a professional, Michelin-star-worthy presentation.
Essential Tools for Making a Perfect Funfetti Sheet Cake
Oven: Used to bake the cake at a consistent temperature of 350 degrees F (177 degrees C).
Hand-held mixer: Useful for creaming the butter and sugar, and for mixing the batter and frosting.
Stand mixer: An alternative to the hand-held mixer, especially useful for larger batches and more consistent mixing.
Paddle attachment: Attached to the stand mixer to cream the butter and mix the batter.
Whisk attachment: Used with the stand mixer to make the frosting light and fluffy.
Large mixing bowl: Needed for mixing the cake batter ingredients.
Medium mixing bowl: Used for whisking together the dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and milk.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract and salt.
Rubber spatula: Handy for folding in the sprinkles and spreading the batter evenly in the pan.
Wooden spoon: Another option for folding in the sprinkles and mixing the batter gently.
12×17-inch half sheet/jelly roll pan: The specific pan size required for baking the sheet cake.
Wire rack: Used to cool the cake evenly after baking.
Toothpick: Helps check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.
Sifter: Optional but useful for sifting confectioners' sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
Spatula: Used for spreading the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
Storing and Freezing Funfetti Sheet Cake for Later
- Cover the funfetti sheet cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring that no air can get in and dry out the cake.
- Store the covered cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cool temperature will help keep the cake fresh and prevent the frosting from melting or becoming too soft.
- If you want to freeze the funfetti sheet cake, first let it cool completely to room temperature. Then, wrap the entire cake (or individual slices) tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer of protection will help prevent freezer burn and keep the cake fresh.
- Place the wrapped cake in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy the frozen cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can serve the cake cold or let it come to room temperature before serving.
- If you've frozen individual slices, you can thaw them more quickly by placing them on the counter for about an hour before serving.
How To Reheat Funfetti Sheet Cake Leftovers
The best way to reheat leftover funfetti sheet cake is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil, and cover it loosely with foil to prevent the top from drying out. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the frosting is soft and gooey.
If you're in a hurry, you can also reheat individual slices of funfetti sheet cake in the microwave. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 15-20 seconds, or until the cake is warm and the frosting is melted. Be careful not to overheat the cake, as it can become rubbery or dry.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior, try reheating your leftover funfetti sheet cake in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a slice of cake in the basket. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cake is heated through and the frosting is melted and bubbly.
If you want to get creative with your leftover funfetti sheet cake, try turning it into a delicious cake parfait. Crumble the cake into small pieces and layer it with whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce in a tall glass. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for a cool and refreshing treat.
For a decadent twist on traditional french toast, try using leftover funfetti sheet cake instead of bread. Cut the cake into thick slices and dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Fry the slices in a hot skillet with butter until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup for a fun and festive breakfast treat.
Random Fact: The Origins of Funfetti Cake
A fun fact about this funfetti sheet cake recipe is that the rainbow sprinkles not only add a burst of color but also a delightful crunch to each bite, making it a favorite for celebrations and parties.
Is Making Funfetti Sheet Cake at Home Cost-Effective?
When evaluating the cost-effectiveness of this funfetti sheet cake recipe, it's important to consider the ingredients and their quantities. The main components like unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, yogurt, all-purpose flour, baking soda, whole milk, and rainbow sprinkles are relatively affordable and commonly found in most households. The frosting ingredients, including confectioner’s sugar, are also budget-friendly. For a household of 4, the approximate cost is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Funfetti Sheet Cake Healthy or Unhealthy?
This funfetti sheet cake recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients contributing to its unhealthy status are:
- High amounts of butter and sugar, which are calorie-dense and can lead to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess
- Refined all-purpose flour, which lacks fiber and essential nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives
- Whole milk and yogurt, which are high in saturated fats
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 to 1/2 cup, as the cake will still be sweet enough due to the frosting and sprinkles
- Use low-fat yogurt and milk instead of whole milk products to reduce the amount of saturated fats
- Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to reduce the calorie and fat content while maintaining moisture
- Add 1/2 cup of finely grated zucchini or carrots to the batter for an extra boost of vegetables and fiber
By incorporating these changes, you can create a more balanced and nutrient-dense version of the funfetti sheet cake. However, it's important to remember that this cake should still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet.
Editor's Opinion: Why Funfetti Sheet Cake is a Crowd-Pleaser
This funfetti sheet cake recipe is a delightful and festive treat, perfect for celebrations. The combination of yogurt and whole milk ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the generous amount of vanilla extract enhances the flavor. The use of rainbow sprinkles adds a playful touch, making it visually appealing. The buttercream frosting is rich and creamy, providing a perfect balance of sweetness. Overall, this recipe is straightforward and yields a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert. Just be mindful of not overmixing the batter to maintain the cake's light texture.
Enhance Your Funfetti Sheet Cake Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes for Funfetti Cake Lovers
Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Funfetti Sheet Cake
Why trust this Funfetti Sheet Cake Recipe:
This funfetti sheet cake recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, perfect for any celebration. With a balance of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, it promises a moist and flavorful cake. The addition of yogurt ensures a tender crumb, while rainbow sprinkles add a festive touch. The confectioner’s sugar frosting is creamy and easy to make, allowing you to customize the sweetness to your liking. Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof baking experience and a delightful treat that will impress your guests.
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