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Lighter Funfetti Birthday Layer Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

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A lighter, from-scratch funfetti cake with a tender crumb and creamy vanilla buttercream, perfect for birthdays and celebrations. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and smart swaps for a moist, delicious cake that’s ready in about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/4 cups (270g) cake flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (80g) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style)
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups (420g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and grease parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined (a few lumps are fine).
  5. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles until evenly distributed.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack, remove parchment, and cool completely.
  8. For the buttercream: In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy.
  9. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar on low speed, then add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt.
  10. Beat on medium-high for 3-4 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth.
  11. Place one cake layer on serving plate, spread about 1 cup of buttercream on top. Place second layer on top.
  12. Spread a thin crumb coat over entire cake, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.
  13. Spread remaining frosting over cake, creating swirls or smooth finish. Top with extra sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix the batter. Use jimmies-style sprinkles to prevent color bleeding. Chill cake layers before frosting for easier handling. Cake can be made a day ahead; flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: funfetti cake, birthday cake, vanilla buttercream, lighter cake, layer cake, sprinkles, celebration cake

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/lighter-funfetti-birthday-layer-cake-with-vanilla-buttercream/