Funfetti Ice Cream Cake Recipe with Colorful Sprinkles and Creamy Layers

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Marie Delacroix
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Why You’ll Love This Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines nostalgia, whimsy, and rich indulgence, this Funfetti Ice Cream Cake is your answer. Perfect for birthdays, summer parties, or anytime you want to treat yourself like a kid again, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation without requiring professional baking skills.

With just 7 hours and 13 minutes from start to finish including prep, baking, and chilling time you’ll end up with a showstopping dessert that serves 10 to 12 people. It’s surprisingly easy to make, especially once you master a few key tricks (like freezing the cake before frosting!). Even better, it’s packed with colorful sprinkles and features luxuriously creamy layers that melt in your mouth.

And if you’re someone who loves balancing fun and flavor with a bit of nutrition, this cake uses sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep the cake moist and tender plus, you can even sneak in healthier swaps like plant-based milk or low-sugar ice cream if you’re watching your intake. Speaking of Greek yogurt, if you’re a fan of creamy, protein-rich treats, you might also enjoy our Funfetti Greek Yogurt Muffins a lighter, breakfast-friendly take on the same festive flavor.

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Essential Ingredients for Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

Getting the right ingredients is half the battle when it comes to baking success. Below is the complete, precise ingredient list based on the actual recipe you’ll need everything for both the cake and the whipped cream frosting.

For the Cake:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 and 1/3 cups buttermilk or milk
  • 1/2 cup sprinkles

For the Filling and Topping:

  • 1 and 1/2 quarts ice cream (about 48 ounces) of choice
  • 1 and 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup sprinkles
Pro tip: Always use jimmies-type sprinkles (the cylindrical kind) instead of nonpareils or round sprinkles they won’t bleed color into your cake batter or whipped cream, keeping your layers bright and clean-looking.

How to Prepare the Perfect Funfetti Ice Cream Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create a flawless Funfetti Ice Cream Cake with Creamy Layers. Timing is everything especially when working with ice cream so read through the entire process before you begin.

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans, dust with flour, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla until light and well mixed. Blend in the sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add half of the dry mixture and half of the buttermilk (or milk) to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the sprinkles by hand to avoid crushing them.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream Layers

Soften your ice cream for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature it should be spreadable but not melted. Level the cake layers by slicing off the domed tops to create flat surfaces. Line an 8-inch springform pan with plastic wrap and place a cake board at the bottom for easy removal.

Place one cake layer in the pan, spread the softened ice cream evenly over it, then top with the second cake layer inverted so the flat side faces up. This creates a smooth, level top for frosting.

Step 5: Freeze and Frost

Wrap the assembled cake twice with plastic wrap and freeze for 2 to 4 hours, or until solid. Meanwhile, chill your mixing bowl and beaters. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add powdered sugar and sprinkles. Continue whipping until stiff peaks develop. Transfer to a piping bag.

Remove the cake from the pan, unwrap it, and frost the edges and top smoothly with the whipped cream. Decorate with extra sprinkles and any remaining frosting. Refreeze for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.

Funfetti Ice Cream Cake Recipe With Colorful Sprinkles And Creamy Layers 9

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-sensitive, or watching your sugar intake, you can still enjoy this festive dessert.

  • Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water), use plant-based milk, and choose vegan ice cream and dairy-free heavy cream alternatives.
  • Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 tsp to the dry mix.
  • Lower sugar: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol in the cake, and opt for “no-sugar-added” or light ice cream. Reduce powdered sugar in the whipped cream or use a powdered monk fruit blend.

For more creative, diet-friendly twists on classic treats, check out our Greek Yogurt Bowls a great way to enjoy creamy, customizable desserts with added protein and fewer calories.

Mastering Funfetti Ice Cream Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Ready to take your cake to the next level? These pro tips will help you achieve bakery-quality results every time.

Flavor Variations

While classic vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with Funfetti cake, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try:

  • Birthday cake ice cream for double the fun
  • Strawberry or cookies & cream for a flavor twist
  • A splash of almond extract in the cake batter for extra depth

Presentation & Assembly Hacks

For a clean, professional finish:

  • Use a hot, sharp knife to trim excess ice cream around the cake edges before frosting this helps the whipped cream adhere better.
  • Freeze the cake completely before frosting and work quickly once it’s out of the freezer.
  • Repurpose leftover cake scraps by mixing them into softened ice cream for a “cake batter” ripple effect.

How to Store Funfetti Ice Cream Cake: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your cake fresh and ready to serve:

Storage MethodDurationInstructions
Freezer (recommended)Up to 1 monthWrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw in fridge for 30 minutes before serving.
Refrigerator1 2 daysLoosely cover with plastic wrap. Best for short-term storage only.
Individual slicesUp to 2 weeksFreeze slices in airtight containers for grab-and-go dessert portions.
Never reheat this cake it will melt! Instead, let it sit at room temperature for 10 15 minutes before slicing for perfect, clean cuts.
Funfetti Ice Cream Cake
Funfetti Ice Cream Cake Recipe With Colorful Sprinkles And Creamy Layers 10

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

What ingredients do I need to make a Funfetti Ice Cream Cake?

To make a Funfetti Ice Cream Cake, you’ll need melted butter and vegetable oil for a moist texture, sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep the cake tender, buttermilk for slight tanginess (or regular milk as a substitute), sprinkles—preferably jimmies to avoid color bleeding—heavy cream for the whipped cream frosting, sugar for sweetness, and your choice of ice cream flavor. These ingredients work together to create a soft cake with a creamy ice cream layer.

How do I properly assemble a Funfetti Ice Cream Cake?

Begin by baking and cooling your Funfetti cake layers, then level the tops for a flat surface. Soften your ice cream slightly and line your cake pan with plastic wrap. Place one cake layer at the bottom, spread a thick layer of softened ice cream evenly on top, then invert the second cake layer to create a flat top. Wrap the assembled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it completely before frosting.

Why is leveling the cake layers important for an ice cream cake?

Leveling your cake layers removes the domed top, ensuring that the layers stack evenly without gaps. This creates a stable structure with enough room in the center for the ice cream filling. Without leveling, uneven layers can cause the ice cream to squeeze out or create unstable stacking, which affects the cake’s appearance and texture.

What’s the best way to frost a Funfetti Ice Cream Cake?

For frosting, whip chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar to stiff peaks, creating a thick whipped cream frosting. Once the cake is fully frozen, unwrap it and pipe or spread the whipped cream evenly over the surface. Smooth edges gently, add decorations as desired, then refreeze the cake for at least an hour to set the frosting firmly before serving.

How can I prevent my ice cream cake from melting while decorating?

Keep the cake fully frozen before frosting and decorate quickly after unwrapping. Use a hot, sharp knife to trim excess ice cream around the edges to help the frosting stick better. Prepare your whipped cream and piping bags ahead of time and avoid overhandling the frosting. Refreeze the cake immediately after decorating to maintain its shape and prevent melting.

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Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

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🎉 This Funfetti Ice Cream Cake is a delightful celebration treat that combines colorful sprinkles with creamy, dreamy ice cream layers.
🍦 Perfect for parties and special occasions, it offers a fun and delicious way to enjoy a classic cake with an ice-cold twist.

  • Total Time: 7 hours and 13 minutes
  • Yield: 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

– 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar

– 1/2 cup vegetable oil

– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

– 2 large eggs

– 2 egg yolks

– 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

– 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

– 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

– 2 teaspoons baking powder

– 1 teaspoon baking soda

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1 and 1/3 cups buttermilk or milk

– 1/2 cup sprinkles

– 1 and 1/2 quarts ice cream (about 48 ounces) of choice

– 1 and 3/4 cups heavy whipping cream

– 1 cup powdered sugar

– 1/2 cup sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans, dust with flour, and line the bottoms with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla until light and well mixed. Blend in the sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add half of the dry mixture and half of the buttermilk (or milk) to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Stir in the sprinkles by hand to avoid crushing them.

Step 3: Bake and Cool Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream Layers Soften your ice cream for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature it should be spreadable but not melted. Level the cake layers by slicing off the domed tops to create flat surfaces. Line an 8-inch springform pan with plastic wrap and place a cake board at the bottom for easy removal.
Place one cake layer in the pan, spread the softened ice cream evenly over it, then top with the second cake layer inverted so the flat side faces up. This creates a smooth, level top for frosting.

Step 5: Freeze and Frost Wrap the assembled cake twice with plastic wrap and freeze for 2 to 4 hours, or until solid. Meanwhile, chill your mixing bowl and beaters. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gradually add powdered sugar and sprinkles. Continue whipping until stiff peaks develop. Transfer to a piping bag.
Remove the cake from the pan, unwrap it, and frost the edges and top smoothly with the whipped cream. Decorate with extra sprinkles and any remaining frosting. Refreeze for 30 to 60 minutes before serving.

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Notes

🎨 Use jimmies-type sprinkles to prevent color bleeding.
📏 Level cake layers to maintain a flat surface for the ice cream layer.
🔪 Remove excess ice cream around edges with a hot knife before frosting to help whipped cream adhere.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill and freezing time: 6 hours and 43 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 696
  • Sugar: 58.3 grams
  • Sodium: 463.1 mg
  • Fat: 40.1 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 23 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 86.7 grams
  • Fiber: 1.2 grams
  • Protein: 9.5 grams
  • Cholesterol: 152.3 mg

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