Sweet Confetti Home Bake

Frequently Asked Questions About Baking Cakes

Are Cake Mixes Dairy-Free?

While many cake mixes are not inherently dairy-free, there are numerous options available that cater to dietary restrictions. Some conventional mixes contain powdered milk or other milk-derived products as ingredients. However, a growing number of brands are specifically formulating dairy-free cake mixes. It is always important to carefully read the ingredient label to ensure the product meets your specific dietary needs. If you’re baking from scratch, as with our funfetti recipe, you have complete control over your ingredients, making it easier to ensure it’s dairy-free if you use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Can You Make Cake Batter Ahead and Refrigerate Overnight?

Generally, it is not recommended to make cake batter too far in advance and refrigerate it overnight. The primary reason for this is that baking powder and baking soda, which are crucial leavening agents, begin to activate once they come into contact with liquid. If the batter sits overnight, these leavening agents can lose much of their rising power, resulting in a dense, flat, or less fluffy cake. For optimal results, it’s best to prepare the cake batter just before you plan to bake it, ensuring a light and airy texture. However, some dense cakes or quick breads might tolerate a short refrigeration, but for a delicate funfetti cake, freshness is key.

What Makes Cake Crack in the Middle?

A common culprit for a cake cracking in the middle is an oven that is too hot. When the oven temperature is excessively high, the outside edges and top of the cake cook and set much faster than the interior. This rapid setting creates a crust that eventually cracks as the uncooked center continues to rise and expand. To prevent this, try adjusting your oven temperature slightly lower (e.g., by 25°F or about 15°C) and extending the baking time if needed. Additionally, avoid opening the oven door too frequently while the cake is baking, especially during the first two-thirds of the bake time. Even a quick peek can cause a significant drop and fluctuation in temperature, which may lead to uneven baking and undesirable cracks. Ensure your oven thermometer is accurate, as oven temperatures can sometimes differ from their dial settings.

Can Cake Be Made Without Eggs?

Absolutely, cakes can certainly be made without eggs! Eggs play several important roles in baking, including providing structure, moisture, and leavening. However, you can effectively replicate a similar spongy and delightful texture using various egg substitutes, depending on the specific recipe requirements. Common egg alternatives include mashed bananas (about 1/4 cup per egg), applesauce (also about 1/4 cup per egg), a mixture of vinegar and baking soda (often 1 teaspoon baking soda with 1 tablespoon vinegar per egg), plain yogurt, or silken tofu. Each substitute offers unique properties, so choosing the right one depends on the flavor profile and desired consistency of your cake. For instance, mashed bananas or applesauce add natural sweetness and moisture, while the vinegar and baking soda combination provides excellent lift.

Homemade Funfetti Cake

By Sweet Basil

Prep

20 mins

Cook

30 mins

Total

50 mins

Servings
16

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Ingredients

For the Cake

• 3/4 Cup Unsalted butter, 1 1/2 sticks, softened to room temperature
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract
• 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
• 1 Large Egg White, room temperature
• 1 1/2 Cups Cake Flour
• 1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Sea Salt
• 3/4 Cup Buttermilk, plus 2 Tablespoons, room temperature
• 1/2 Cup Rainbow Jimmy Sprinkles

For the Frosting:

• 1 Cup Butter, 2 sticks, room temperature
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• Pinch Salt
• 3 1/2- 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
• 3 Tablespoons Heavy Cream
• Sprinkles , for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Lightly butter and flour (or generously spray with baking spray) a 9×13-inch pan.
• Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is light and creamy, typically for about 3-4 minutes.
• With the mixer speed on low, gradually add the two large eggs and the additional egg white, beating well after each addition until just combined. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
• In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher sea salt. Sifting these dry ingredients can help prevent lumps.
• With the mixer speed still on low, alternate adding the dry ingredients mixture with the room temperature buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
• Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the rainbow jimmy sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Overmixing here can cause the colors to bleed.
• Pour the funfetti cake batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading it into an even, smooth layer.
• Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a cake tester (like a toothpick) inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to frost it. A cooled cake prevents the frosting from melting.

To Prepare the Frosting

• In a large bowl, using a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the room temperature butter until it is light and creamy, which should take approximately 2 minutes.
• Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the powdered sugar to the beaten butter. Mix on low speed until large crumbs form. Then, slowly pour in the heavy cream.
• Gradually increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue to beat the frosting for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes wonderfully fluffy and smooth.
• Once the cake is completely cool, scoop the prepared frosting into the center of the cake. Using an offset spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the entire top of the cake.
• Garnish generously with extra sprinkles if desired, adding another layer of fun and color.
• Slice and serve your delightful homemade funfetti cake. Enjoy it for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

This delicious funfetti cake can be frozen for up to 3 months, ensuring you always have a joyful treat on hand!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g,
Calories: 344kcal,
Carbohydrates: 80g,
Protein: 3g,
Fat: 2g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 24mg,
Sodium: 45mg,
Potassium: 36mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 68g,
Vitamin A: 71IU,
Calcium: 12mg,
Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tips for Baking the Best Homemade Funfetti Cake

Achieving a bakery-quality homemade funfetti cake is easier than you might think with a few key tips. Firstly, always ensure your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and buttermilk, are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a smooth, cohesive batter and a wonderfully tender cake. Secondly, don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a tough, dry cake. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in those vibrant sprinkles by hand to prevent their colors from bleeding.

When it comes to sprinkles, opt for classic jimmie sprinkles. Nonpareils, while pretty, can sometimes dissolve or bleed more easily into the batter. For the best flavor, use a high-quality vanilla extract and don’t skimp on it. A touch of almond extract can also elevate the overall taste, adding a subtle depth that makes this funfetti cake truly special. Finally, trust your oven thermometer over the dial – discrepancies can cause uneven baking. And remember, the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating a perfectly baked interior without being overdone.

Storing Your Homemade Funfetti Cake

Proper storage is essential to keep your homemade funfetti cake fresh and delicious. Once cooled and frosted, the cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight cake container to prevent it from drying out. If you prefer to extend its freshness, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, the cake can be refrigerated for up to a week. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. The frosting will firm up in the fridge, so allowing it to soften slightly before eating makes for a more enjoyable experience.

For longer-term storage, funfetti cake freezes beautifully. You can freeze individual slices or the entire cake (unfrosted or frosted) for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. For a whole cake, chill it first until the frosting is firm, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then bring to room temperature before serving. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead for future celebrations!

Funfetti Cake Variations for Every Occasion

While the classic 9×13-inch sheet cake is fantastic, this versatile funfetti cake recipe can be adapted for various forms and occasions. For instance, you can easily turn this into homemade funfetti cupcakes. Simply divide the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Adjusting the baking time is key, but the joy of individual funfetti servings is undeniable. You could also create a beautiful two-layer round cake by baking the batter in two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans, adjusting baking times accordingly.

Beyond the shape, consider experimenting with frosting. While our vanilla buttercream is divine, a cream cheese frosting could add a tangy contrast, or a vibrant colored buttercream could enhance the celebratory feel even more. You could even add a different flavor extract to the frosting for a unique twist. For those who love experimenting, try adding a small amount of citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the cake batter to brighten the flavor profile. Regardless of how you adapt it, the essence of the funfetti cake – its whimsical sprinkles and delightful vanilla taste – will shine through, making it a perfect centerpiece for any event.

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