Funfetti Cheesecake Cake: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the joyous burst of sprinkles from a classic Funfetti cake, now perfectly fused with the creamy, decadent richness of a New York-style cheesecake. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate, a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that will have everyone begging for seconds.
While the exact origins of Funfetti are debated, its association with childhood birthdays and pure, unadulterated joy is undeniable. The addition of cheesecake elevates this playful treat to a sophisticated indulgence, creating a harmonious blend of nostalgia and elegance. The combination is a relatively modern invention, born from the desire to create the ultimate dessert experience.
People adore this Funfetti Cheesecake Cake for its sheer deliciousness and visual appeal. The moist, tender Funfetti cake layers provide a delightful contrast to the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling. The sprinkles add a playful crunch and a vibrant pop of color, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Plus, who can resist the allure of a dessert that combines two beloved classics into one unforgettable creation?
Ingredients:
- For the Funfetti Cake Layers:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles, plus more for decorating
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparing the Funfetti Cake Layers:
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, let’s get our ovens ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it – it makes life so much easier! You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds for extra insurance against sticking.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, which is key for a light and fluffy cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s important for incorporating air into the batter.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the egg whites. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. So, add about a third of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk, then another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Fold in Sprinkles: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles. We want them to be evenly distributed throughout the batter, but we don’t want to deflate the batter by overmixing.
- Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure they are completely cool before frosting!
Preparing the Cheesecake Layer:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch springform pan. Wrap the bottom of the pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.
- Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps!
- Add Eggs and Yolks: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the egg yolks. Again, make sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add Flour and Vanilla: Beat in the flour and vanilla extract until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Water Bath: Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared springform pan. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. This water bath helps the cheesecake bake evenly and prevents it from cracking.
- Bake: Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
- Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the water bath and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preparing the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Start on low speed to prevent a powdered sugar cloud!
- Add Liquid and Flavor: Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Assembling the Funfetti Cheesecake Cake:
- Level the Cakes: If your cake layers are domed, use a serrated knife to level them. This will ensure that your cake is even and stable.
- Place First Cake Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Frosting Layer 1: Spread a generous layer of vanilla buttercream frosting over the first cake layer.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on top of the frosting.
- Frosting Layer 2: Spread another generous layer of vanilla buttercream frosting over the cheesecake layer.
- Place Second Cake Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.
- Frosting Layer 3: Spread another generous layer of vanilla buttercream frosting over the second cake layer.
- Place Third Cake Layer: Place the third cake layer on top of the frosting.
- Frost the Entire Cake: Frost the entire cake with the remaining vanilla buttercream frosting. You can create a smooth finish or add swirls and texture with a spatula or piping bag.
- Decorate: Decorate the cake with extra rainbow sprinkles. I like to press them gently into the frosting so they stay put. You can also add other decorations, such as edible glitter or fondant decorations.
- Chill: Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will help the frosting set and make the cake easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy!: Slice and serve! This Funfetti Cheesecake Cake is best enjoyed with friends and family.
Conclusion:
This Funfetti Cheesecake Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! From the moist, tender cake layers bursting with colorful sprinkles to the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling, every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a little extra joy. Trust me, the combination of classic cake and cheesecake is a match made in dessert heaven, and the funfetti element just elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
But why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s surprisingly easy to make! While it looks impressive, the steps are straightforward, and I’ve included plenty of tips and tricks to ensure your success. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different cake flavors – vanilla, chocolate, or even lemon would work beautifully. You could also add a layer of fruit filling, like raspberry or strawberry, for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* Classic Slice: Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra funfetti.
* Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla bean or birthday cake ice cream complements the cake perfectly.
* Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.
* Fruit Topping: Top with fresh berries or a homemade fruit compote for a lighter, more refreshing dessert.
* Mini Cheesecakes: Bake the cheesecake filling in muffin tins for individual mini cheesecakes.
* Funfetti Cake Pops: Crumble the cake and mix it with the cheesecake filling to make funfetti cake pops. Dip them in melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles.
* Seasonal Sprinkles: Change up the sprinkles to match the season or holiday. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter, or orange and black sprinkles for Halloween.
I’ve personally made this Funfetti Cheesecake Cake countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors are guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. It’s the kind of dessert that people will be talking about long after the last slice is gone.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable dessert. I promise you won’t regret it! And don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on the recipe. After all, baking is all about having fun and experimenting with flavors.
Once you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using the hashtag #FunfettiCheesecakeCake. Let me know what variations you tried and how they turned out. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Happy baking! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed hit!
Funfetti Cheesecake Cake: The Ultimate Party Dessert
Moist funfetti cake layers meet creamy cheesecake, all enveloped in vanilla buttercream and rainbow sprinkles. A festive, show-stopping dessert!
Ingredients
Instructions
Recipe Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients.
- Don’t overmix the cake batter or cheesecake batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- The water bath is crucial for preventing the cheesecake from cracking.
- Chilling the cheesecake and cake before frosting makes assembly easier.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sprinkles to your liking.
- You can substitute different extracts in the frosting for a different flavor.