Gluten-Free Funfetti Birthday Cake (Print Version)
Moist vanilla cake loaded with rainbow sprinkles and creamy buttercream frosting
# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon fine salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - ½ cup vegetable oil
08 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
10 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Add-ins
11 - ½ cup gluten-free rainbow sprinkles
→ Frosting
12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2–3 tablespoons whole milk or dairy-free milk
15 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
16 - Pinch of salt
17 - Extra gluten-free sprinkles for decorating
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together gluten-free flour blend, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - Beat sugar, butter, and oil in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk to wet ingredients, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
06 - Gently fold ½ cup rainbow sprinkles into batter using a spatula.
07 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops with spatula.
08 - Bake for 28–32 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
09 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Mix in vanilla, salt, and 2 tablespoons milk. Add more milk if needed for spreading consistency.
11 - Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting layer on top. Position second layer and frost top and sides of cake completely.
12 - Press extra sprinkles onto sides and top as desired. Slice and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everyone at the party can enjoy cake together without feeling left out
- The moist, tender texture proves gluten-free desserts can be absolutely spectacular
02 -
- Overmixing gluten-free batter makes it tough and gummy, so the second the flour disappears, put down your mixer
- Cooling the cake completely before frosting is non-negotiable, otherwise your beautiful buttercream will melt right off
03 -
- Weigh your gluten-free flour instead of using measuring cups for consistent results every time
- Sift your powdered sugar before making frosting to avoid any lumpy surprises