Funfetti Pound Cake Recipe

If you’re a fan of cheerful desserts that turn any day into a celebration, the Funfetti Pound Cake is about to become your new go-to treat. This loaf brings all the nostalgic magic of rainbow sprinkles swirled into a buttery, dense crumb, then finishes with a luscious glaze. It’s easy enough for a weeknight bake, but delightful enough to serve at birthdays and brunches alike. Every slice is fun, festive, and downright delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how everyday pantry staples come together to make something magical. Each ingredient has a vital job: some lend creaminess, others bring lift or tenderness, and of course, the rainbow sprinkles infuse that signature Funfetti spirit.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): Makes the pound cake rich and moist — be sure it’s soft but not melted for the perfect creamy texture.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Offers structure and ensures the cake holds together with just the right density.
• Cake flour (3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp): Lends a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth, making the pound cake extra tender.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Provides sweetness and helps with the lovely golden edges as the cake bakes.
• Eggs (2 large) and egg yolks (4): Bind everything together, give the cake richness, and enhance the vibrant yellow color.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives the cake just enough lift for a light yet satisfyingly dense texture.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and deepens all the flavors.
• Vanilla (1 tsp): Elevates the classic taste and perfectly complements the sprinkles.
• Whole milk (1/4 cup, room temperature): Adds moisture for a tender crumb.
• Full fat Greek yogurt (1/4 cup, room temperature): Brings extra tang and moisture, making the loaf irresistibly soft.
• Rainbow sprinkles (1 cup): The star of the show, creating bursts of color and whimsy in every bite.
• Confectioner’s sugar (2 cups, for glaze): Lets you easily whip up a glossy, pourable topping.
• Whole milk or heavy cream (4 tbsp, for glaze): Softens the glaze for a dreamy finish.
• Full fat Greek yogurt (1 tbsp, for glaze): Enhances the glaze with extra creaminess and a subtle tangy note.

How to Make Funfetti Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom and short sides with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang so you can easily lift out the cake later. A bit of attention to this step means your Perfect Funfetti Pound Cake won’t stick and will keep its gorgeous shape.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Combining your dry ingredients now helps prevent lumps and ensures even distribution, so your loaf is perfectly mixed with no surprises.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Place your room-temperature butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream them together on medium speed for about four minutes, until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step traps air, which gives your pound cake its signature moist texture.

Step 4: Add the Eggs, Yolks, and Vanilla

With the mixer running, add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, letting each incorporate fully before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl as needed to keep everything mixing evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract and beat until the mixture is even lighter and fluffier.

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Now, alternate adding your flour mixture and the combined milk and Greek yogurt to the egg mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix on low speed just until everything is combined, so your pound cake stays soft instead of dense.

Step 6: Swirl in the Rainbow Sprinkles

Take the bowl off the mixer and gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula or wooden spoon. This keeps the sprinkles whole and stops their color from bleeding before baking, leaving glorious confetti streaks through every slice.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes. Begin checking at 50 minutes: if the top is browning quickly, loosely cover with foil to protect that golden crust. The Funfetti Pound Cake is done when it springs back to the touch and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment “handles” to lift it onto a cooling rack. Wait until completely cooled before glazing — patience pays off for the prettiest final result!

Step 9: Make and Pour the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk or cream, and Greek yogurt until you have a smooth, thick but pourable glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled cake and let it drip down the sides in sweet, shiny ribbons. Give the glaze 10 to 15 minutes to set before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Funfetti Pound Cake

Garnishes

For a truly festive look, sprinkle a few extra rainbow sprinkles over the wet glaze so they stick and shine. You can also add a dusting of edible glitter or a scattering of pastel sanding sugars for birthdays or parties. Even a twist of citrus zest over the top will brighten every bite and make your Funfetti Pound Cake pop!

Side Dishes

Funfetti Pound Cake is delightful on its own, but you can make it feel extra special by pairing it with a scoop of vanilla or birthday cake ice cream, a billowy cloud of whipped cream, or a bowl of fresh, in-season berries. For brunch, serve alongside iced coffee or a refreshing fruit salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf thickly and stack the pieces in a criss-crossed pattern on a pretty platter for a bake-sale effect, or cut it into cubes to make a colorful dessert trifle with layers of berries and whipped cream. For parties, consider slicing the cake into “fingers” and threading them onto skewers with strawberries for a grab-and-go treat. No matter how you serve it, Funfetti Pound Cake always feels like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Funfetti Pound Cake moist and fresh, store it tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is quite warm, move it to the refrigerator, but let it come to room temp before enjoying for the best texture.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the unglazed pound cake securely in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before adding the glaze. Freezing after glazing is possible, but you might lose a bit of that beautiful shiny finish.

Reheating

If you love a warm slice, pop individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds on low — just enough to soften the crumb and release that buttery aroma. Take care not to overheat or the glaze may melt. For a slight crisp on the outside, give slices a gentle toast in a skillet over medium-low heat.

FAQs

Can I use nonpareil sprinkles for Funfetti Pound Cake?

It’s best to stick with classic jimmies (the longer, softer sprinkles) for Funfetti Pound Cake. Nonpareils often bleed their colors or dissolve, which can unexpectedly tint your batter rather than create those distinctive confetti bursts.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Try swapping the butter with your favorite plant-based alternative, and use plant-based milk and yogurt. Choose a dairy-free brand that’s rich and creamy, so you still get that classic pound cake texture.

Why does my pound cake sometimes come out dense?

Overmixing the batter after adding flour or using too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Be sure to alternate dry and wet ingredients as directed, and stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans, or bake in a bundt pan for a show-stopping centerpiece. Remember to adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Is it possible to add other flavors to Funfetti Pound Cake?

Definitely! A touch of almond extract or a bit of citrus zest stirred into the batter can add another layer of flavor while letting the classic Funfetti joy shine through.

Final Thoughts

If you want to bring pure happiness to your kitchen, this Funfetti Pound Cake always does the trick. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just want to make an ordinary day feel extraordinary, baking this cake is as joyful as sharing it. Give it a try and let those rainbow sprinkles brighten things up — one delicious, colorful slice at a time!

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