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: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Highlighted under: Sweet Treats

I’m excited to share my Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake recipe with you! This cake not only looks adorable but also bursts with delightful flavors and textures. The colorful sprinkles add a playful touch, making it perfect for celebrations or just a sweet pick-me-up. I love how the heart shape elevates its charm, and I can't resist a slice with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Trust me, this cake will leave everyone with smiles on their faces and a craving for more!

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2026-01-18T12:52:27.613Z

When I first baked this Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake, I was amazed at how simple yet impressive it turned out. The vibrant sprinkles not only made the cake visually stunning but also added a subtle crunch that perfectly compliments the light, fluffy texture of the sponge. I found that the key to success is creaming the butter and sugar until super airy, which gives the cake its delightful rise.

Another important tip is to bake using room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and butter. This helps create a uniform batter that ensures even baking. With the heart shape, it’s perfect for any celebration, and I've used it for birthdays and anniversaries alike, always getting rave reviews!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Colorful sprinkles create a joyful experience in every slice
Soft and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect centerpiece for your celebration with its charming heart shape

      

The Importance of Ingredients

Using high-quality ingredients is essential for achieving the best results in your Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake. For instance, unsalted butter adds a richer flavor without the risk of overpowering the sweetness. I recommend using fresh eggs, as their yolks help create a moist and tender crumb. Additionally, using whole milk instead of a lighter alternative yields a cake that is both fluffy and creamy. Remember, the flavor of the milk can influence the overall taste, so choose a variety you enjoy drinking.

Rainbow sprinkles are a key feature of this recipe, adding both visual appeal and a fun texture. It’s important to use sprinkles that won’t bleed into the batter during mixing or baking. Look for high-quality, non-melting sprinkles specifically designed for baking. This ensures that vibrant pops of color remain intact and provide that playful crunch in every bite.

Techniques for Cake Perfection

Creaming the butter and sugar is a crucial step to achieve a light and airy texture. I like to use an electric mixer at medium speed for about 5 minutes; you'll know it's ready when the mixture is pale and fluffy. This aeration process is key to helping your cake rise properly and gives it that melt-in-your-mouth quality. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, do this gradually. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and ending with the dry mix. This method helps to incorporate everything without overmixing, which can result in a dense cake. The batter should be thick but pourable, and don't worry if there are a few small lumps; overmixing these two mixtures can cause the cake to become tough.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before starting to make the process smoother.

Cake Ingredients

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

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Make sure to have everything measured out for convenience!

Instructions

Follow these steps closely for the best results.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a heart-shaped cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a larger bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined. Gently fold in the sprinkles.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

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

Prepare the Frosting

In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cream, then beat until fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the prepared icing and sprinkle more rainbow sprinkles on top.

Serve

Slice and serve your delightful heart-shaped funfetti cake. Enjoy!

Dive into your beautifully decorated cake and share with friends!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding lemon or almond extract to the batter.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re planning ahead, this Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake can be baked a day in advance. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor. If you need to store it for longer, consider freezing the un-frosted cake. Wrap it well in cling film and aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to three months.

For the frosting, you can prepare it ahead of time as well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, just give it a quick re-whip to restore its fluffy texture. This saves you time on the day of your celebration, allowing you to focus on the fun aspects of your event.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serve your Heart-Shaped Funfetti Cake with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy. Fresh whipped cream adds an airy contrast to the cake’s texture and complements the sweetness perfectly. A sprinkle of additional rainbow sprinkles on top before serving can enhance its festive appearance.

For a twist on the classic flavor, consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the cake batter. This adds a refreshing brightness to the cake, balancing the sweetness from the sugar and sprinkles. You can also experiment with flavored extracts; almond extract is a great alternative to vanilla and adds a lovely, unexpected depth of flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake and frost the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

→ Can I use other types of sprinkles?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of sprinkles you love, but non-pareils work best for this recipe.

→ Is there a gluten-free version of this cake?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

→ What can I do if my frosting is too thick?

If your frosting is too thick, simply add a little more cream, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.