Strawberry Funfetti Celebration Cake

delightful fusion of vibrant colors and luscious flavors, the Strawberry Funfetti Celebration Cake is perfect for any festive occasion. This cake combines tender strawberry-infused layers speckled with colorful sprinkles, enveloped in a rich strawberry buttercream, offering a visually stunning and palate-pleasing dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a harmonious blend of moist strawberry cake and the playful crunch of rainbow sprinkles, creating a fun and flavorful experience. The homemade strawberry buttercream, crafted from real strawberries, adds a natural sweetness and a beautiful pink hue without the need for artificial coloring. It’s an ideal centerpiece for birthdays, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for a special treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh strawberries

• Lemon juice

• Granulated sugar

• Cake flour

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Unsalted butter

• Egg whites

• Vanilla extract

• Buttermilk

• Rainbow sprinkles

• Freeze-dried strawberries

• Powdered sugar

• Heavy cream

Directions

1. Prepare the strawberry reduction: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped fresh strawberries, a splash of lemon juice, and sugar. Simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces. Let it cool completely.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg whites one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and the cooled strawberry reduction.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

5. Add sprinkles: Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix.

6. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between greased and lined cake pans. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.

7. Make the strawberry buttercream: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries into a powder. In a separate bowl, beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, the strawberry powder, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

8. Assemble the cake: Layer the cakes with strawberry buttercream between each layer. Apply a thin crumb coat and chill. Finish with a final smooth layer of buttercream.

9. Decorate: Garnish the top with extra sprinkles and fresh strawberries if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Preparation Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours

Variations

• Alternative Fillings: Add strawberry jam or sliced strawberries between layers for extra flavor.

• Different Frostings: Swap the strawberry buttercream for vanilla or cream cheese frosting for a different taste.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

• Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with aquafaba, dairy with plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Wrap slices or whole layers tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Bring slices to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

How can I keep the sprinkles from sinking in the batter?

Lightly coat the sprinkles in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps keep them suspended evenly.

Can I use frozen strawberries for the reduction?

Yes, thaw and drain them before using to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?

You can use strawberry jam for flavor, but it may affect the frosting texture. Freeze-dried strawberries offer intense flavor without added moisture.

Can I make the cake layers ahead of time?

Yes, bake and cool the layers, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap. They can be stored at room temperature for 1–2 days or frozen for up to a month.

How do I get smooth frosting on the cake?

Apply a crumb coat first, chill the cake, then spread the final layer using an offset spatula and a bench scraper for a clean finish.

Which type of sprinkles work best?

Rainbow jimmies are ideal as they hold their shape and color during baking. Avoid nonpareils as they tend to bleed.

Can this recipe be used for cupcakes?

Absolutely. Fill cupcake liners ⅔ full and bake at the same temperature for 18–20 minutes.

How do I store leftover buttercream?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using again.

Can I enhance the cake’s pink color?

Yes, a few drops of pink food coloring can be added to the batter or frosting if a deeper color is desired.

What’s the best way to transport the finished cake?

Use a cake carrier and keep it cool, especially in warm weather, to prevent the frosting from melting or shifting.

Conclusion

The Strawberry Funfetti Celebration Cake is the perfect combination of whimsy and elegance. Its moist, flavorful layers paired with a naturally fruity buttercream make it a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any event worth celebrating. Easy to customize and sure to please, this cake is as joyful to make as it is to eat.