Funfetti Sheet Cake: Perfect Party Dessert Recipe

Ingredients and Substitutions

Below are the ingredients for the cake and frosting, plus a few substitution suggestions.

For the Sheet Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure. For a slightly lighter texture, substitute cake flour.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder + 2 ½ teaspoons baking soda – The baking powder helps the cake rise; the baking soda balances the acidity of the buttermilk and contributes to a tender crumb.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and encourages slight browning.
• 3 large eggs – Add structure, richness, and stability.
• ½ cup canola oil – Keeps the cake moist; swap for any neutral oil or melted butter for a richer flavor.
• 1 cup buttermilk – Adds tenderness and subtle tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use a buttermilk substitute made from milk and an acid.
• 2 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Classic flavoring; imitation vanilla also works.
• 1 cup boiling water – This thins the batter and creates a moist, fluffy cake.
• ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles – Use jimmies-style sprinkles to minimize color bleeding.

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter – Softened so it mixes smoothly; provides body and flavor.
• 8 ounces cream cheese – Softened; full-fat gives the creamiest result.
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens; sift if lumpy.
• ½ cup strawberry preserves – Adds fruity flavor and a pale pink color; raspberry or cherry preserves are good alternatives.

How To Make Funfetti Sheet Cake

Prepare a thin batter by adding boiling water, bake until golden, then cool completely before frosting. Finish with strawberry cream cheese frosting and extra sprinkles for a festive look.

Bake the Funfetti Sheet Cake

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. Add the wet ingredients: Whisk in the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth and lump-free.
3. Pour in the boiling water: Add the hot water carefully and whisk until the batter is fully combined and thin.
   
4. Fold in the sprinkles: Gently fold them in with a spatula to avoid color bleeding.
5. Bake: Pour batter into a parchment-lined and greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before frosting.
   

Make the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat butter and cream cheese: In a bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese on low speed until smooth.
2. Add sugar and preserves: Mix in powdered sugar and strawberry preserves, beating until light and fluffy. For a brighter color, add a drop of pink food coloring if desired.

Frost and Decorate

1. Frost: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly with an offset spatula.
2. Decorate: Generously top with rainbow sprinkles for the classic Funfetti look.
3. Serve: Slice into squares, serve, and enjoy.

Essential Recipe Tips

Use jimmies-style sprinkles. They hold their color better and are less likely to bleed into the batter.

Don’t skip the boiling water. The thin batter it creates is responsible for the cake’s moist, tender crumb.

Cool completely before frosting. Frosting warm cake will melt it and cause the topping to slide.