There’s something innately joyful about the Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream — it transforms any ordinary day into an instant celebration! This cake is all about soft, tender vanilla crumb studded with rainbow sprinkles and coated in dreamy, cloud-like buttercream. Nothing says party quite like colorful sprinkles, and every buttery, confetti-flecked slice brings out the kid in all of us. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, graduation, or simply craving a splash of happiness, this recipe guarantees there will be no leftovers.

Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward fun — and every single item on this list plays a crucial part. From the rich creaminess of butter to the pop of vibrancy from the sprinkles, each ingredient brings added flavor, texture, or visual excitement to your Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, giving it a tender, moist crumb that supports every sprinkle.
Baking powder: Ensures a lofty rise, which is key for that beautiful bundt shape.
Salt: Enhances sweetness and balances out flavors so nothing is overpowering.
Unsalted butter (for both cake and frosting): Brings rich flavor and luxurious texture; room temperature is best for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender, moist cake.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure while helping the cake rise.
Vanilla extract (for both cake and frosting): Deepens the cake’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Whole milk: Lends moisture and a soft, rich crumb to your cake.
Rainbow sprinkles: The star of the show — choose jimmies (the rod-shaped ones) for best color dispersion and less bleeding.
Powdered sugar: The secret to smooth, creamy, luscious buttercream frosting.
Milk or cream (for frosting): Adjusts the consistency for perfect, pipeable swirls.
Additional sprinkles for topping: Extra fun and crunch, turning your bundt into a showstopper!

How to Make Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies — this cake should slip right out, showing off that perfect bundt shape. Prepping the pan is key for an impressive, party-ready presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening and salt are evenly distributed, promising a consistent rise and flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Patience is crucial here — really creamy butter and sugar give the Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream its gorgeous, delicate crumb, setting the stage for all those joyful sprinkles.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to help the batter emulsify into a smooth blend. Stir in that generous spoonful of vanilla extract, which subtly perfumes the cake and pairs beautifully with the butter.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

With the mixer on low, alternate adding the flour mixture and whole milk to the bowl, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined — over-mixing can make the cake dense instead of tender.

Step 6: Gently Fold in Sprinkles

Carefully fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula, just until they’re evenly distributed. This is where the magic happens — don’t overmix, or the colors might start to swirl into each other!

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and gently smooth the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like pure vanilla happiness. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Vanilla Buttercream

While the cake cools, beat unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and just enough milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency. Aim for a thick, spreadable, but pipeable frosting — perfect for swooping swirls atop the Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once your cake is fully cooled, pipe or spread generous swirls of vanilla buttercream all over the top and sides. Finish with a sprinkle-shower of colorful jimmies for that irresistible, party-in-cake-form look!

How to Serve Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

Garnishes

For maximum impact, top your Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream with an extra handful (or two) of assorted rainbow sprinkles right after you frost. Edible glitter or a dusting of powdered sugar can add even more sparkle if you’re feeling fancy. A few fresh raspberries or strawberries are a lovely touch for added color and a hint of tartness.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own, but it’s wonderful with some easy accompaniments — serve alongside fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a few tart berries. For a kids’ party, tiny glasses of cold milk are a nostalgic (and practical) pairing. For adults, a hot cup of coffee or tea brings out the buttery, vanilla notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your dessert table pop by serving Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream on a white cake stand or vibrant platter. Slice, then serve each piece with a dollop of extra buttercream and a tiny shower of fresh sprinkles just before serving. For birthdays, garnish with mini candles; for showers or brunch, add pastel sprinkles or matching florals to fit your theme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once everyone’s had a slice (or two), store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen’s warm, pop it in the fridge to keep that buttercream firm and irresistibly creamy. The beauty of Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream is that it even tastes fabulous the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bring the fun, let it thaw at room temperature and whip up a fresh batch of buttercream. If you’ve already frosted and decorated, freeze slices individually on a baking tray, then transfer to an airtight container — this lets you enjoy party vibes any day!

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you’d like to revive its fresh-from-the-oven magic, briefly microwave individual slices (10-15 seconds) until just warm. Avoid reheating with buttercream unless you’re after a gooey, melting treat — in that case, go for it!

FAQs

Why do you recommend jimmies over other types of sprinkles?

Jimmies (the elongated, rod-shaped sprinkles) hold their color and shape better when baked, whereas nonpareils or confetti sprinkles can bleed and disappear into the batter, leaving behind rainbow streaks rather than distinct dots of joy.

Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a bundt?

Absolutely! A standard 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round cake pans work well. Just reduce the bake time to around 30-35 minutes and check for doneness early.

How do I make sure my bundt cake comes out cleanly?

Really coat your bundt pan with butter (or nonstick spray) and flour, ensuring you reach every crevice. Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before turning out — if it sticks, gently run a thin knife around the edges to loosen it.

Can I add other flavors or extracts?

Definitely! Almond extract or a touch of lemon zest can add a new twist to Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream. Just remember: a little goes a long way, so start with 1/2 teaspoon if you’re experimenting.

Is this recipe kid-friendly for baking together?

It’s perfect for baking with kids! Little hands can mix the batter, fold in sprinkles, or help decorate with buttercream and extra sprinkles. Baking together guarantees extra fun — and plenty of memories.

Final Thoughts

There’s simply no resisting the charm of a homemade Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream — from its easy preparation to its showstopping look and sweet, nostalgic flavor, it’s the ultimate celebration cake. Whip one up for your next gathering and watch those colorful slices disappear with laughter and joy!

Funfetti Bundt Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe