Indulge in the delightful world of Funfetti with this easy and scrumptious Funfetti Butter Cake. A harmonious blend of a Funfetti cake base, rich buttery goodness, and a creamy cream cheese topping, this dessert is a celebration in every bite. Perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any day you crave a sweet treat that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Cooking time:
Cooking Time for Funfetti Butter Cake:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: Approximately 35 minutes
Total Time: About 50 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 Funfetti cake mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
Additional Topping:
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Prepare Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the Funfetti cake mix, 2 eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Mix everything together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Spread Cake Batter:
- Pour the cake mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Topping:
- In another bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add 2 eggs and continue to mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer Cream Cheese Topping:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of the cake batter in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Rainbow Sprinkles:
- Top the cream cheese layer with rainbow sprinkles for a colorful and festive touch.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until the cake looks golden and is set. It should have a slight jiggle but be mostly set up.
- Cool:
- Allow the Funfetti Butter Cake to cool for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving. This ensures that the cream cheese topping sets properly.
- Refrigerate Leftovers:
- Keep any leftovers refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Tips for Funfetti Butter Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth and lump-free cream cheese topping.
- Even Batter Spread: When spreading the cake batter in the baking dish, use a spatula to ensure an even and level surface. This contributes to uniform baking.
- Customizable Sprinkles: Experiment with different types of sprinkles or jimmies to customize the appearance of your Funfetti Butter Cake. Use seasonal colors or themed sprinkles for special occasions.
- Prevent Overmixing: When combining the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cream cheese topping and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less powdered sugar. This allows you to customize the overall sweetness of the dessert.
- Test for Doneness: The cake is done when it looks golden and is mostly set with a slight jiggle. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool for the recommended 2 hours before cutting. This ensures that the cream cheese topping sets properly.
Variations for Funfetti Butter Cake:
- Chocolate Funfetti Cake:
- Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the cake batter for a chocolatey twist. Top with chocolate sprinkles for an extra layer of flavor.
- Citrus Zest Infusion:
- Add zest from an orange or lemon to the cream cheese topping for a citrusy kick. This adds a refreshing element to the rich cake.
- Almond Extract Elegance:
- Replace the vanilla extract in the cake batter with almond extract for a delightful almond flavor. Consider adding sliced almonds on top for added crunch.
- Fruity Surprise:
- Fold in freeze-dried fruit pieces or fresh fruit chunks, such as berries, into the cake batter. This brings a burst of fruity goodness to each bite.
- Nutty Crunch:
- Mix chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cream cheese topping or sprinkle them on top for a nutty crunch.
- Double Layer Cake:
- Double the recipe to make a two-layer cake. Add a layer of cream cheese topping between the cake layers for an extra decadent treat.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Use a gluten-free Funfetti cake mix to make the recipe gluten-free. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- Dairy-Free Twist:
- Substitute dairy-free butter and dairy-free cream cheese to make the recipe dairy-free. Check the cake mix ingredients for any dairy content.
- Mini Funfetti Cupcakes:
- Turn the recipe into mini cupcakes for bite-sized treats. Adjust the baking time accordingly, reducing it for smaller cupcakes.
- Layered Parfait Dessert:
- Cut the cake into cubes and layer it in parfait glasses with alternating layers of whipped cream or fruit for a visually appealing dessert presentation.
Why You’ll Love Funfetti Butter Cake:
- Irresistible Funfetti Flavor: The classic Funfetti flavor brings a nostalgic and irresistible taste to every bite, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.
- Rich and Buttery Texture: The addition of melted butter creates a rich and buttery texture in the cake, enhancing its indulgent and satisfying qualities.
- Creamy Cream Cheese Topping: The velvety cream cheese topping adds a luscious and slightly tangy layer that complements the sweetness of the Funfetti cake, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Colorful and Festive Appearance: The rainbow sprinkles not only add a burst of color but also create a festive and celebratory appearance, making this cake visually appealing for special occasions.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With the convenience of using a Funfetti cake mix, combined with simple ingredients, the preparation is quick and easy, making it accessible for busy schedules or last-minute celebrations.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, or a sweet treat for yourself, this Funfetti Butter Cake is versatile and suitable for various occasions.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The ability to refrigerate leftovers means you can make it ahead of time, allowing you to plan for events and celebrations without last-minute stress.
- Great for Parties: The cheerful and festive nature of the Funfetti cake, coupled with the cream cheese topping, makes it an excellent choice for parties and gatherings, pleasing a crowd with its delightful taste.
- Comforting and Sweetly Nostalgic: The combination of familiar Funfetti flavors and the comforting texture of butter cake provides a sweetly nostalgic experience, evoking fond memories of childhood celebrations.
- Perfect Balance of Sweetness: The careful combination of cake mix, cream cheese, and powdered sugar results in a dessert that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness without being overwhelming.
- Adaptable Topping: The cream cheese topping is not only creamy but also versatile. Its neutral base allows for customization with additional flavors, making it adaptable to personal preferences.
- Easy Cleanup: With only a few bowls and baking dishes involved, the cleanup for this Funfetti Butter Cake is minimal, making it a hassle-free and enjoyable baking experience.
How to store it :
- Room Temperature (Short Term):
- If you plan to consume the Funfetti Butter Cake within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the cake from drying out.
- Refrigeration (Extended Storage):
- For longer storage, especially if you have leftovers, it’s recommended to refrigerate the Funfetti Butter Cake. Place the covered baking dish in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
- Freezing (Long-Term Storage):
- If you want to store the cake for an extended period, consider freezing it:
- Cut the cake into individual servings or desired portions.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- If you want to store the cake for an extended period, consider freezing it:
Thawing and Reheating:
- To thaw frozen Funfetti Butter Cake, transfer the wrapped pieces from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight.
- If you prefer a quicker thaw, you can use the microwave at a low setting for short intervals.
- To reheat, warm the cake in the microwave for a brief period or in a preheated oven until it reaches your desired temperature.
Tips for Storage:
- Airtight Container:
- Whether storing at room temperature or in the refrigerator, use an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly to prevent the cake from absorbing odors and maintain its moisture.
- Separate Layers:
- If stacking pieces of cake, place a sheet of parchment paper or plastic wrap between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
- Avoid Moisture:
- Ensure that the cake is fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can lead to a soggy texture.
- Individual Portions:
- If freezing, portion the cake into individual servings for easy thawing and less waste.
Maintaining Freshness:
- While refrigerated or frozen cake may not be as soft as freshly baked, it can still be delicious. For the best texture, consider reheating briefly or allowing it to come to room temperature before serving.
Popular Questions and Answers:
- Q1: Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe? A1: Absolutely! While Funfetti cake mix adds a festive touch, you can experiment with various flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or even lemon to create unique variations of this butter cake.
- Q2: Can I use low-fat cream cheese in the topping? A2: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer a lighter option. Keep in mind that it might affect the texture and richness slightly, but it’s a viable alternative.
- Q3: Can I omit the cream cheese topping? A3: Certainly! The cream cheese topping adds a creamy layer, but if you prefer a simpler cake, feel free to omit it. The Funfetti cake itself is delicious on its own.
- Q4: How can I prevent the rainbow sprinkles from bleeding into the cream cheese topping? A4: To minimize bleeding, add the rainbow sprinkles just before baking. This helps retain their vibrant colors. Additionally, use high-quality sprinkles, as some may bleed more than others.
- Q5: Can I make this cake in advance for a party? A5: Yes, you can make the Funfetti Butter Cake in advance. Refrigerate it in an airtight container, and for longer storage, freeze individual portions. Decorate with sprinkles just before serving.
- Q6: Can I use margarine instead of butter in the cake batter? A6: While butter contributes to the rich flavor, you can use margarine as a substitute. Ensure it’s suitable for baking, and be aware that it may affect the taste slightly.
- Q7: How do I store leftover cream cheese-topped cake? A7: Leftover cake with cream cheese topping should be stored in the refrigerator due to the dairy content. Cover it well to prevent drying and absorbing odors.
- Q8: Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer for the cake batter? A8: Certainly! A hand mixer works perfectly for combining the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Mix until well incorporated for a smooth batter.
- Q9: Can I add additional flavor extracts to the cake batter? A9: Yes, feel free to experiment with flavor extracts. Almond or coconut extract can add interesting nuances. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
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Q10: Can I use a different size baking dish for this recipe? A10: While a 9×13-inch dish is recommended for even baking, you can use a different size. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and keep an eye on the cake’s doneness.
