Patriotic Funfetti Cake

Patriotic Funfetti Cake is the perfect dessert for celebrations! This colorful cake combines the classic flavors of vanilla with the excitement of sprinkles, making it ideal for parties, holidays, and family gatherings. Its vibrant red, white, and blue colors not only appeal to the eyes but also taste delicious. Whether it’s a birthday party or a festive gathering, this cake will surely steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake is simple to prepare from scratch, perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Colorful Celebration: The vibrant sprinkles add a fun touch that makes any occasion feel special.
• Delicious Flavor: With a moist texture and creamy frosting, every bite bursts with flavor.
• Versatile Design: Customize the sprinkles for different holidays or personal preferences.
• Feeds a Crowd: The recipe yields 18 servings, making it great for larger gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Patriotic Funfetti Cake, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Baking spray
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar for a fluffy texture.
• Baking spray: Ensures that your cake releases easily from the pan without sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.

Ingredients

Patriotic Funfetti Cake is a from-scratch white cake loaded with red, white, and blue sprinkles topped with homemade vanilla buttercream.

For the Cake

• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temp)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large egg whites (room temp)
• 3/4 cup whole milk (room temp)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temp)
• 3/4 cup patriotic sprinkles

For the Frosting

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• Pinch of sea salt
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• More sprinkles for garnish (optional)

How to Make Patriotic Funfetti Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together:
1. Flour
2. Baking powder
3. Sea salt
4. Baking soda

Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream the butter with granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides as needed.
2. Add egg whites in three separate batches, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding more. Scrape down the sides again.
3. Slowly stir in milk and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of your dry flour mixture to the wet mixture:
1. Mix until just combined.
2. Add half of the sour cream and mix again.
3. Repeat this process with the remaining flour mixture and sour cream.
4. Scrape down the sides of your bowl one last time, then gently fold in patriotic sprinkles.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish:
1. Smooth out the top with a rubber spatula.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 35-42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Once done, place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make Frosting While Cooling

While your cake cools:
1. In a large bowl, add softened butter using an electric hand mixer; whip until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time until well incorporated.
3. Add pinch of sea salt, milk, and vanilla; stir until combined then whip on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until fluffy.

Step 7: Frost Your Cake

Once cooled:
1. Use your frosting to cover the top of your cake evenly.
2. Garnish with additional sprinkles if desired.

Step 8: Cut and Serve!

Slice your beautiful Patriotic Funfetti Cake into squares and serve at your next celebration! Enjoy!

How to Serve Patriotic Funfetti Cake

Serving your Patriotic Funfetti Cake can be as fun and festive as the cake itself. Here are some creative ways to present this delightful dessert for gatherings or celebrations.

Individual Slices

• Serve individual slices on colorful plates for a cheerful presentation. This makes it easy for guests to grab a piece and enjoy.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into cake pops by crumbling the cake, mixing it with frosting, and shaping into balls. Dip them in chocolate and sprinkle with more patriotic sprinkles.

Parfaits

• Layer pieces of cake with whipped cream and fresh berries in clear cups for an eye-catching dessert parfait. This adds a light and refreshing touch.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use slices of the funfetti cake to create ice cream sandwiches. Simply add a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two slices and enjoy!

Picnic Style

• Cut the cake into squares and pack them in a picnic basket for outdoor gatherings. Pair with fresh fruit for a delightful treat in nature.

How to Perfect Patriotic Funfetti Cake

To ensure your Patriotic Funfetti Cake comes out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and milk to sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter that rises well.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined when incorporating flour and sour cream. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake texture.
• Check oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. An incorrect temperature can affect baking time and texture.
• Cool completely before frosting: Let the cake cool fully on a wire rack before applying frosting. This prevents melting and ensures that the frosting stays fluffy.
• Add extra sprinkles: For added visual appeal, top the frosted cake with extra patriotic sprinkles just before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Patriotic Funfetti Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Patriotic Funfetti Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness that complements the sweetness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream serves as a perfect topping or side that balances the richness of the cake.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each slice creates a classic dessert combination loved by everyone.
4. Lemonade – A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade offers a zesty contrast that pairs wonderfully with the sweet flavors of the cake.
5. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory contrast to balance out the sweetness of your dessert.
6. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These elegant treats add a touch of luxury and pair beautifully with both flavor profiles and aesthetics of the funfetti cake.
7. Nut Mix – A simple bowl of lightly salted nuts provides crunchiness that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the cake.
8. Mini Cupcakes – Offer mini versions of vanilla or chocolate cupcakes as additional sweet bites that guests can enjoy along with their slices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking a Patriotic Funfetti Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to keep in mind.

• Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Using cold eggs or butter can result in a dense cake. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until combined, especially when adding flour and sour cream.
• Ignoring Oven Calibration: Not all ovens heat evenly. Consider using an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.
• Not Checking for Doneness: Relying solely on baking times can be misleading. Always insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
• Forgetting to Cool Completely: Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Make sure your cake is completely cool before applying the frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing Patriotic Funfetti Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Patriotic Funfetti Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Patriotic Funfetti Cake.

What makes Patriotic Funfetti Cake special?

Patriotic Funfetti Cake stands out with its vibrant red, white, and blue sprinkles, making it perfect for celebrations and holidays.

Can I use different colors of sprinkles?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cake with different colored sprinkles to match any occasion or theme.

How do I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I replace butter with oil?

While you can use oil instead of butter, it might change the texture slightly. Butter provides richness and flavor that oil cannot fully replicate.

Final Thoughts

The Patriotic Funfetti Cake is not only visually stunning but also versatile enough for any celebration. With simple adjustments, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a festive dessert, this cake is sure to impress!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Patriotic Funfetti Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves about 18 people 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful Patriotic Funfetti Cake, a vibrant and festive dessert perfect for any celebration! This colorful cake features a moist vanilla base loaded with cheerful red, white, and blue sprinkles, topped with creamy homemade vanilla buttercream. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or family gatherings, this cake not only looks stunning but also tastes incredible. Easy to prepare from scratch, it’s a guaranteed showstopper that will impress your guests and sweeten any occasion!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temp)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 6 large egg whites (room temp)
• 3/4 cup whole milk (room temp)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temp)
• 3/4 cup patriotic sprinkles
• For Frosting: 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 cups powdered sugar, pinch of sea salt, 2 tablespoons whole milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with baking spray.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sea salt, and baking soda; set aside.
3. In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Slowly add egg whites in batches. Mix in milk and vanilla.
4. Gradually incorporate half of the dry ingredients followed by half of the sour cream; repeat.
5. Gently fold in sprinkles and pour batter into prepared dish.
6. Bake for 35-42 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
7. For frosting, beat softened butter until smooth; gradually add powdered sugar followed by salt, milk, and vanilla until fluffy.
8. Frost cooled cake and garnish with additional sprinkles if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 75mg