Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

Birthdays are meant to be fun, and there’s no better way to make a birthday celebration unforgettable than with a Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake. Whether you’re hosting a child’s party or just love celebrating in style, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also bursting with vibrant sprinkles, making it a delightful treat for everyone, regardless of dietary preferences.

The Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake combines the rich, buttery flavor of vanilla cake with the playful pop of colorful sprinkles. Topped with creamy, dairy-free vanilla buttercream, it’s an irresistible dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

This Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake checks all the boxes for a perfect birthday cake:

• Gluten-Free: No gluten, no problem! This cake is entirely free of gluten, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

• Fun and Colorful: The sprinkles in this cake make it fun, colorful, and festive, which is a huge win for any birthday party.

• Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples, you can make this cake in no time, and it doesn’t require any advanced baking skills.

• Dairy-Free Options: Need a dairy-free version? No problem. This cake can easily be made dairy-free by substituting the butter and milk.

 

What Makes This Cake Special?

A funfetti cake is a celebration in every bite. Here’s what makes this Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake stand out:

1. Fluffy Vanilla Cake

The base of the cake is a light and fluffy vanilla cake that’s tender and soft, with a buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and slightly tangy frosting.

2. Vibrant Sprinkles

The colorful sprinkles are folded right into the batter, so you get bursts of color with every slice. It’s the perfect way to elevate an already classic birthday cake.

3. Easy to Make

No need for complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. This cake requires minimal effort and will be a hit at any birthday party.

4. Customizable

Want to make it more decadent? Add more layers, or use a different frosting flavor! This recipe is adaptable to fit any birthday celebration theme.

Ingredients for Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

To make this cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Let’s break them down:

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour

The gluten-free flour is the foundation of this cake. Make sure to use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose blend. These blends are specifically designed to mimic the texture of regular flour in baking, ensuring the cake turns out tender and moist.

Butter or Dairy-Free Butter Substitute

For a rich and buttery flavor, this recipe uses softened butter. If you need to make it dairy-free, you can substitute with a dairy-free butter or even coconut oil.

Sugar

Sugar sweetens the cake and helps give it structure. Regular granulated sugar works fine, but feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.

Eggs

Eggs provide structure and moisture. They’re crucial for the texture of this cake, helping it rise and giving it that fluffy quality.

Milk (Dairy-Free Option)

The milk helps to make the batter smooth and adds moisture to the cake. You can use any non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk, for a dairy-free version.

Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness to the cake, making it extra tender. It also helps bind the ingredients together. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap this out with a plant-based yogurt.

Baking Powder & Salt

These are your leavening agents, which help the cake rise and become fluffy. The salt balances out the sweetness, making the flavor richer and more balanced.

Sprinkles

The signature funfetti touch! Use colorful, high-quality sprinkles that will hold up well in the batter.

How to Make Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

Making a Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake is simpler than you think. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious birthday masterpiece.

1. Prepare Your Cake Pans
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (or three 6-inch pans) with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 1-2 minutes of mixing.

3. Add Wet Ingredients
   Add in the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is combined. It’s important to ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature—this helps the batter come together better.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Make sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid adding too much.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

6. Add the Sprinkles
   Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles into the batter. This step is what gives your cake that signature funfetti look!

7. Bake the Cake
   Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 38-42 minutes for 8-inch cakes or 45-52 minutes for 6-inch cakes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.

8. Cool and Frost
   Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your choice of vanilla buttercream, and decorate with extra sprinkles.

Frosting Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake: The Perfect Finish

The frosting is the final touch that brings everything together. A Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake wouldn’t be complete without a creamy, dreamy layer of frosting to enhance the vanilla flavor and balance the sweetness of the sprinkles. The classic choice here is vanilla buttercream, but feel free to experiment with other frostings that suit your taste. Below is a step-by-step guide to making the best buttercream frosting, plus some additional frosting ideas.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting for the Perfect Finish

A smooth and silky vanilla buttercream frosting is the perfect complement to the light and fluffy texture of your cake. This frosting is rich without being overly sweet, and it’s easy to spread.

Ingredients for Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup (226g) softened butter (or dairy-free butter substitute)

• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• Pinch of salt

How to Make Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

1. Beat the Butter: Start by beating the softened butter in a large mixing bowl for about 1 minute until it becomes light and creamy.

2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fluffy.

3. Add Vanilla and Milk: Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk to the frosting. Mix until fully combined. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Finish with Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and mix again until smooth.

Frosting Tips:

• Consistency: If the frosting is too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk.

• Crumb Coat: Before frosting the cake completely, apply a thin layer of frosting to seal in any crumbs. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat, then apply the final layer of frosting.

Other Frosting Options for Your Cake

While vanilla buttercream is a classic choice, you can easily switch things up to make this Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake even more exciting. Here are a few alternatives:

• Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: A rich, decadent chocolate frosting adds a nice contrast to the light and fluffy vanilla cake. This is a great option if you want a more indulgent birthday cake.

• Cream Cheese Frosting: If you love the tanginess of cream cheese, this frosting is a perfect pairing. It cuts through the sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful balance of flavors.

• Whipped Coconut Cream Frosting: For a dairy-free and lighter alternative, coconut whipped cream frosting is a great option. It’s less sweet and adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs beautifully with the vanilla cake.

Decorating Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

Now that your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake is frosted, it’s time to make it look as fun and festive as it tastes! Decorating is one of the most fun parts of cake-making. Here are some creative ideas to make your cake stand out:

1. Add More Sprinkles

You can never have too many sprinkles! Sprinkle a generous amount of colorful sprinkles on top of the frosting to make the cake even more eye-catching. Consider adding some sprinkles to the sides of the cake for an extra burst of color.

2. Fresh Fruit Garnishes

For a fresh and vibrant look, add fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. You can place them on top of the cake or around the base for a colorful, natural touch.

3. Piped Borders

If you have piping bags and tips, use them to create decorative borders along the edge of the cake. You can pipe a simple shell border, rosettes, or even a fun design to personalize the cake for the birthday person.

4. Edible Glitter or Gold Leaf

For a touch of luxury, add a sprinkle of edible glitter or gold leaf on top of the cake. This works especially well for special celebrations like milestone birthdays or anniversaries.

5. Fun Cake Toppers

Another way to make your cake extra special is by adding cake toppers. You can use birthday candles, a custom name topper, or even fun figurines that reflect the theme of the celebration.

Tips for Perfecting Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

If you’re new to gluten-free baking, or if you’ve struggled with gluten-free cakes in the past, don’t worry! Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake turns out perfectly every time:

1. Measure Your Flour Correctly

Properly measuring gluten-free flour is essential for achieving the right texture. For the most accurate measurement, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Don’t scoop flour directly from the bag, as this can lead to using too much flour, resulting in a dry cake.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

For the best texture, make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up, affecting the cake’s fluffiness.

3. Don’t Overmix the Batter

When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, so be sure to fold gently and stop mixing as soon as the batter is smooth.

4. Check for Doneness Early

Ovens vary, so it’s always a good idea to start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s wet, give it a little more time.

Storing Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

If you happen to have leftovers (unlikely, but it could happen!), here’s how to store your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake to keep it fresh:

• Room Temperature: If you plan on eating the cake within 2-3 days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The cake should remain fresh and moist.

• Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

• Freezing: This cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. To thaw, simply let the cake sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Making Ahead and Substitutions for Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

Preparing your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake ahead of time can make your life much easier on the day of the celebration. Whether you need to save time or just want to ensure your cake is perfectly fresh, here are some tips for making it in advance.

Making the Cake Ahead of Time

If you’re planning to make the cake the day before the party, here’s how to do it:

1. Bake the Cake Layers: Follow the recipe to bake the cake, then allow the layers to cool completely.

2. Wrap and Store: Once cooled, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap. You can refrigerate the layers for up to 2 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

3. Frost the Cake: When you’re ready to serve, frost the cake as instructed. If the cake has been frozen, allow it to thaw at room temperature before frosting.

Making Frosting Ahead of Time

You can also make the frosting ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Frosting: Make the frosting as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

2. Re-whip Before Use: Before frosting the cake, let the frosting come to room temperature and re-whip it for a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Substitutions and Variations for Your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

This Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake is incredibly versatile. While it’s delicious as written, there are a few substitutions and variations you can make to suit different dietary preferences or to simply change things up. Here are some ideas:

1. Flour Substitutes

Although this recipe calls for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can try different blends if necessary. Just be sure to use one that contains xanthan gum, as this helps provide structure to the cake. Some great gluten-free flour options include:

• Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Flour (as mentioned earlier)

• King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour Blend

If you want to experiment with other flours, you can try a combination of rice flour and potato starch, but these may alter the texture, and the results are not guaranteed.

2. Dairy-Free Adjustments

To make the cake completely dairy-free, use the following substitutions:

• Butter: Use a dairy-free butter substitute like Earth Balance or coconut oil.

• Milk: Substitute with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other non-dairy milk.

• Greek Yogurt: Opt for a dairy-free yogurt, such as almond or coconut-based varieties.

3. Egg-Free or Vegan Options

If you need an egg-free or vegan Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake, here are a few substitutions:

• Eggs: Replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or chia seeds. You can also try a store-bought egg replacer.

4. Flavor Variations

While vanilla is a classic, you can switch things up with different flavor profiles:

• Lemon Funfetti Cake: Add some fresh lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.

• Chocolate Funfetti Cake: Replace some of the gluten-free flour with cocoa powder to make a rich chocolate funfetti cake.

• Almond Funfetti Cake: Add almond extract instead of vanilla for a lovely almond flavor.

Tips for a Successful Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake

Even with the best recipe, some key baking tips can make the difference between a good cake and an amazing one. Here are some expert tips to ensure your Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake turns out perfectly every time:

1. Sifting Dry Ingredients

Sifting the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) is essential to avoid lumps and ensure everything is evenly mixed. This also helps to aerate the dry ingredients, which results in a lighter, fluffier cake.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

It’s important to mix the batter just until everything is combined. Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to be dense, especially in gluten-free cakes. Fold in the sprinkles gently to avoid deflating the batter.

3. Oven Temperature

Ovens vary in temperature, so make sure to keep an eye on your cake. Start checking for doneness 5 minutes before the suggested baking time. This will prevent overbaking and help you achieve the perfect texture.

4. Make Sure the Cake Layers Are Even

When dividing the batter between cake pans, try to ensure the layers are as even as possible. This will ensure that the cake bakes evenly and doesn’t result in one layer being too thick and another too thin.

5. Frosting Tips

For the smoothest frosting, apply a crumb coat first. This is a thin layer of frosting that traps all the crumbs in place. Chill the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat, then apply a final layer of frosting for a polished finish.

Gluten Free Funfetti Birthday Cake Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• Wet Ingredients:

  • ½ cup butter (softened, or dairy-free butter substitute)

  • ¼ cup oil

  • 1 ⅔ cups sugar

  • 4 large eggs (at room temperature)

  • 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract

  • 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy milk)

  • ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)

• Dry Ingredients:

  • 3 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup sprinkles (gluten-free)

• Frosting:

  • 1 batch vanilla buttercream frosting (see recipe in the article)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (or three 6-inch pans) with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 1-2 minutes).

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature for better mixing.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt. Be sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid using too much.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the sprinkles.

6. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 38-42 minutes for 8-inch cakes or 45-52 minutes for 6-inch cakes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool the Cake: Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Frost and Decorate: Once cooled, frost with vanilla buttercream frosting. Add extra sprinkles or any other decorations as desired.

Notes:

• Flour: Use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. I recommend Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour Blend for the best results.

• Dairy-Free Option: To make the cake dairy-free, replace butter with dairy-free butter substitute and use plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and dairy-free Greek yogurt.

• Measuring Flour: Spoon and level your flour for the most accurate measurement. Avoid scooping directly from the bag as this can lead to adding too much flour.

• Storage: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 346 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 3g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 28g

• Sodium: 190mg

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 38-52 minutes

Total Time: 50-60 minutes

Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12

Calories: 346 kcal per slice

Yield: 1 cake (12 slices)