Gluten-Free Funfetti Birthday Cake (Print version)

Moist vanilla cake with rainbow sprinkles, naturally gluten-free for celebrations.

# Ingredient List:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

→ Wet Ingredients

05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
07 - 1/2 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 - 1/2 cup gluten-free rainbow sprinkles

→ Frosting

12 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
13 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2 to 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 Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans 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, softened butter, and vegetable oil in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 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 in 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles using a spatula.
07 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops with spatula.
08 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
09 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto 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 generous layer of frosting on top. Position second layer and frost top and sides of cake.
12 - Decorate with extra sprinkles as desired. Slice and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • People will never guess this is gluten-free until you tell them
  • The rainbow sprinkles folded into the batter make every slice feel like opening a present
02 -
  • Overmixing gluten-free batter makes the texture tough, so stop as soon as ingredients combine
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent curdling and help everything emulsify properly
03 -
  • Weigh your gluten-free flour instead of using cup measurements for consistent results
  • Let the frosting layers set for 15 minutes before adding more sprinkles so they stick where you want them