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 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Additional sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking this Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake for any occasion, especially for birthdays and anniversaries. The vibrant sprinkles not only create a festive look but also add a delightful crunch in every slice. The fluffy, moist vanilla cake contrasts beautifully with a rich buttercream frosting. Every bite brings a sense of joy and nostalgia, making it impossible to resist. Whether served at a party or just to brighten up a weekday, this cake is my go-to for spreading happiness and sweet indulgence.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-18T13:28:28.272Z

When I first made this Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake, I was surprised at how simple yet delightful it turned out. The method of incorporating colorful sprinkles into the batter not only enhances the visual appeal but adds a playful texture that kids and adults alike adore. I remember the first bite; the combination of soft cake and crunchy sprinkles was simply unforgettable.

One helpful tip I discovered is to use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and butter, as it helps create a smoother batter and finer crumb structure. This small detail can make a big difference in achieving that light and fluffy texture we all want in a cake. Trust me, it’s worth it!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Colorful sprinkles that create a festive look and delicious crunch
Fluffy and moist cake texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrating those special moments with loved ones

      

Mastering the Cake Technique

Achieving the perfect heart-shaped cake relies heavily on precise mixing techniques. Start by creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly until it's pale and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. When you add the eggs, make sure to mix each one in well before the next addition. This helps with the overall structure of the cake.

When combining dry and wet ingredients, remember to mix them just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which is the opposite of what you want for a funfetti cake. A good visual cue is to stop mixing when you no longer see dry flour in the batter, which generally takes about 30 seconds after adding the last of the dry ingredients.

Buttercream Frosting Secrets

The secret to a silky buttercream lies in the butter's temperature. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; it should be around 65°F (18°C) for optimal creaminess. Beat the butter alone for about 2 minutes to get it fluffy before adding the powdered sugar. This pre-beating process creates a smooth base, minimizing the sugar's gritty texture in the final frosting.

For a little extra flavor, try adding a tablespoon of heavy cream to the frosting. This not only gives it a smoother consistency but also cuts some of the sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully. If your frosting appears too thick, adding milk, one teaspoon at a time, until reaching your desired spreadable consistency is an effective fix.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake, gather the following ingredients:

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup rainbow sprinkles

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Additional sprinkles for decoration

These ingredients will create a delightful cake that is perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch heart-shaped cake pans.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.

Add Sprinkles

Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles to the batter, being careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting

While the cakes are cooling, make the buttercream frosting by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top, then add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Decorate

Finish by decorating the top with additional rainbow sprinkles.

Your Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For an extra special touch, consider adding a layer of fruit preserves between the cake layers before frosting. This adds a delightful surprise and flavor boost to each slice.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

You can make the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to two days at room temperature. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you plan to make the cake further ahead, consider freezing the layers. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight before frosting.

The buttercream frosting can also be prepped ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, simply let it come back to room temperature and re-whip it to restore the fluffy texture. This is an excellent method for ensuring fresh frosting while saving precious baking time on the day of your celebration.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an extra special touch, pair your heart-shaped funfetti cake with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream. This adds a delightful temperature contrast and enhances the celebratory feel of the cake. You could also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or raspberry sauce for additional flair and flavor complexity.

If you're looking to switch things up, consider alternating the sprinkles in the batter. Seasonal-themed sprinkles can transform this cake to suit any occasion. For a fall celebration, swap in orange, yellow, and brown sprinkles, or use red and green for a festive holiday cake. This simple substitution keeps the cake fresh and exciting for every event.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cakes a day ahead, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the fridge until you're ready to frost and serve.

→ Can I use a different type of frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can be great alternatives if you prefer something different.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

→ Can I substitute the all-purpose flour?

You can use gluten-free flour as a substitute; just make sure to use a gluten-free blend designed for baking for the best results.