Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake

Name: Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 1 cup whole milk; 1 cup rainbow sprinkles; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Pink food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I love baking special cakes for my loved ones, and nothing brings a smile quite like this Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake! The vibrant sprinkles and heart shape make it perfect for celebrations, whether it be a birthday or an anniversary. With its buttery vanilla flavor and soft, moist texture, every slice is a delightful treat. I find that adding the sprinkles into the batter just before baking helps them retain their color and ensures they don't sink to the bottom. It's a fun and festive way to show someone you care!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-18T16:06:28.355Z

When I baked this Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake for the first time, I was amazed at how vibrant and cheerful it turned out. The combination of soft vanilla cake and bright sprinkles brought warmth to our table. I used a heart-shaped cake pan to add some flair, which made it even more special!

One tip I’ve discovered is to carefully fold in the sprinkles at the end of mixing to keep them from breaking apart. This way, you'll have beautiful bursts of color in every slice, making your cake not just delicious but visually delightful as well!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Festive colors that brighten any celebration
Soft and moist vanilla cake that melts in your mouth
Easily customizable flavors and decorations for any occasion

      

Creating the Perfect Cake Texture

The key to achieving a soft and moist Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake lies in the creaming process. When you beat the butter and sugar together, aim for a light and fluffy consistency—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes using a stand mixer. This incorporation of air is crucial because it adds volume, which helps the cake rise beautifully in the oven. Make sure to scrape down the bowl regularly to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Incorporating the eggs one by one allows for better emulsification, which enhances the cake's overall texture. Mix well after each addition until the mixture looks smooth and cohesive. If you happen to see separation or curdling, that’s a sign to keep beating until it comes together—this can take an extra minute or two. This step is particularly important, as it helps in stabilizing the batter.

Sprinkles: Why Timing Matters

Sprinkles add a fun visual element, but their timing is crucial for maintaining their vibrant colors. When folding them into the batter, do so gently and just before pouring the batter into the pan. This helps prevent them from sinking or bleeding into the cake, which can happen if they sit in the batter too long. A gentle folding motion will ensure they're evenly distributed without breaking apart.

If you're looking for more control over the sprinkle distribution, consider using nonpareils or larger sugar crystals. These tend to hold their shape and color better during baking compared to regular jimmies, which can lose their vibrancy. Plus, save a handful of sprinkles to decorate the top of the frosted cake for an extra layer of color—it adds to the festive look!

Storing and Serving Your Cake

To ensure your cake stays fresh and moist, store it covered at room temperature, and it can last for about 3 days. If you're planning to enjoy it later, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then foil; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it.

Serving this cake is as fun as baking it! For a festive display, try pairing it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess of the ice cream alongside the buttery cake can be a wonderful combination. Additionally, you can elevate the decoration with edible glitter or themed decorations depending on the occasion—it's perfect for birthday parties, anniversaries, or any celebration!

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
Pink food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.

Fold in Sprinkles

Carefully fold in the rainbow sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Frosting

While the cake cools, make the frosting by beating the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream until smooth.

Decorate the Cake

Once the cake is cool, spread the frosting on top and decorate with additional sprinkles if desired.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. You can also substitute the rainbow sprinkles with themed colors for different occasions!

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your cake comes out dense, it might be due to overmixing after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, as overworking the batter can develop gluten and lead to a less tender crumb. Alternatively, check your leavening agents—baking powder can lose its potency over time. Make sure it's fresh for the best rise.

In case the cake domes excessively while baking, you might have an oven temperature that is too high. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy, as each oven can differ significantly. Lowering the temperature by 25°F (about 14°C) and extending the baking time could help achieve an even bake.

Flavor Variations to Try

While the classic vanilla flavor shines in this cake, you can easily play with extracts to create different flavor profiles. For instance, swap half the vanilla extract for almond extract for a lovely hint of nuttiness. You can also add lemon zest for a refreshing citrus undertone, which complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

If you prefer chocolate, consider replacing a portion of the flour with cocoa powder for a rich chocolate funfetti cake. Pair it with a chocolate buttercream frosting for a satisfying contrast to the sprinkles, making it a decadent treat suitable for any celebration!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it just before serving.

→ Can I use gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Just ensure to use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

→ What kind of sprinkles should I use?

I recommend using jimmies (the long ones) as they hold their shape better during baking.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.