Funafuti Cake from Scratch: A Colorful Celebration in Every Bite
Few desserts bring as much joy as Funafuti cake. Its soft, fluffy texture and bursts of colorful sprinkles make it the perfect treat for birthdays, celebrations, or just a fun weekend bake. While store-bought mixes exist, nothing beats the flavor and freshness of a homemade Funafuti cake from scratch.
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In this article, we’ll walk you through the best Funafuti cake recipe, helpful baking tips, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure you achieve the most delicious and visually stunning cake.
Why Make Funafuti Cake from Scratch?
Baking Funafuti cake from scratch allows you to control the quality of ingredients, adjust the flavor to your liking, and avoid artificial preservatives found in boxed mixes. Plus, the process is rewarding and surprisingly simple! You’ll be able to enjoy a moist, tender vanilla cake bursting with colorful sprinkles that melt in your mouth.
Homemade Funafuti Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
½ cup (120ml) sour cream
¾ cup (120g) rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the Frosting:
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
Extra sprinkles for decoration
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Stir in the sour cream for extra moisture.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the sprinkles, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
Beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low. Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt. Increase speed to high and beat until fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Step 9: Assemble and Decorate
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake. Decorate with additional sprinkles.
Expert Tips for the Best Funafuti Cake
Use High-Quality Sprinkles: Stick to jimmies instead of nonpareils, which tend to bleed color into the batter.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to achieve the best texture.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature to help the batter mix evenly.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
Sour Cream for Moisture: The addition of sour cream enhances the cake’s softness and prevents dryness.
FAQs About Funafuti Cake
Q1: Can I Use Milk Instead of Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Q2: How Do I Store Funafuti Cake?
Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Q3: Can I Freeze Funfetti Cake?
Yes! Wrap unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting.
Q4: Can I Make This as Cupcakes?
Absolutely! Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes.
Q5: What’s the Best Way to Get a Smooth Frosting?
After frosting the cake, run a spatula under warm water and gently smooth the surface for a professional finish.
Q6: Why Did My Sprinkles Sink to the Bottom?
If your sprinkles sink, lightly coat them with a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter.
Q7: Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
Conclusion
Making Funafuti cake from scratch is a rewarding and delicious experience. With its soft, moist crumb, vibrant sprinkles, and creamy vanilla frosting, this homemade version outshines any store-bought mix. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a special event, or just craving something sweet, this Funafuti cake is guaranteed to bring smiles. Happy baking!