Name: Irresistible Funfetti Birthday Cake Donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar); 1 large egg; 2 tbsp melted butter (or neutral oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional); 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies-style); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp milk; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Extra sprinkles, for topping

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Table of Contents

What Are Funfetti Birthday Cake Donuts?

Funfetti Birthday Cake Donuts are baked cake-style donuts infused with colorful sprinkles and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Inspired by the iconic Funfetti cake mix that first gained popularity in the ’90s, these donuts are the modern, handheld version of everyone’s favorite childhood treat.

The term “Funfetti” was originally coined by Pillsbury and has since become synonymous with desserts that contain rainbow sprinkles baked into vanilla cake batter. According to Cobbler Cheesecake Stuffed Doughnuts, this style of cake is sometimes referred to as confetti cake or sprinkle cake and remains a nostalgic favorite for many.

Funfetti treats are more than just dessert — they’re a celebration in edible form. From birthdays to bridal showers, these donuts make a stunning addition to any event.

Key Ingredients & Variations

To create the perfect Funfetti donut, you’ll need to strike a balance between soft cake texture, vibrant colors, and sweet vanilla glaze. Here’s what you need to get started:

Base Ingredients:

All-purpose flour or cake flour for tenderness
Baking powder for rise
Sugar (granulated)
Salt to balance sweetness
Eggs for structure
Greek yogurt or sour cream for moisture
Milk (any kind)
Unsalted butter (melted)
Vanilla extract and a dash of almond extract
Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies preferred — avoid nonpareils which bleed color)

Flavor Variations:

Almond glaze: swap vanilla for almond extract in the glaze
Chocolate-dipped: dip in white or milk chocolate before decorating
Gluten-free: use a 1-to-1 GF flour blend
Mini donuts: same batter, just use a mini pan and reduce baking time

Colorful Funfetti Birthday Cake Donuts with vanilla glaze and rainbow sprinkles

Step-by-Step: How to Make Funfetti Donuts

This section will walk you through every step of the donut-making process — from mixing the batter to dipping in glaze. If you’ve never made baked donuts before, don’t worry! This is easier than it looks.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Use a non-stick donut pan
Spray lightly with oil or butter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup sugar
Stir in 2–3 tbsp rainbow sprinkles (jimmies)

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk:

1 egg
½ cup milk
¼ cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla + ¼ tsp almond extract
2 tbsp melted butter

Fold wet into dry ingredients gently. Do not overmix!

Step 4: Pipe the Batter

Spoon mixture into a ziplock bag, cut the tip, and pipe evenly into the donut molds
Fill each mold about ¾ full to prevent overflow
Tap pan gently to settle the batter

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until tops spring back
Insert a toothpick — it should come out clean
Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack

Glazing and Decorating Your Donuts

The glaze is where your donuts become party-ready! Here’s how to get that glossy finish.

Basic Vanilla Glaze

Mix until smooth:

1 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Glazing Tips

Dip each donut into the glaze while slightly warm
Let excess drip off
Place back on the rack over parchment
Top with more rainbow sprinkles while glaze is wet

Double-dip for a thicker coating — just wait 5–10 minutes before the second dip!

Creative Variations to Try

Have fun experimenting with color and flavor:

Add gel food coloring to glaze for pink, blue, or ombré donuts
Use holiday sprinkles for Christmas, Halloween, or Valentine’s
Make mini stacked donut towers for birthdays
Pipe whipped cream in the center for a surprise filling

Storing & Freezing Donuts

Storage

Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days
To avoid sogginess, store unglazed and dip before serving

Freezing

Freeze unglazed donuts in zip bags for up to 2 months
Thaw and glaze when ready

Serving & Party Presentation Ideas

Get inspired by these fun ways to serve your Funfetti Birthday Cake Donuts:

Arrange in a donut cake tower with candles
Pair with mini milk bottles for kids’ parties
Use donut stands or pegboards for brunch setups
Package in cellophane with bows for favors

FAQs About Funfetti Donuts

Can I make Funfetti donuts without a donut pan?

Yes! Use a muffin tin and aluminum foil rings to mimic donut holes.

What kind of sprinkles should I use?

Jimmies are best because they won’t bleed or melt in the batter.

Can I make these donuts with cake mix?

Absolutely. Combine 1 box of Funfetti mix with ¾ cup Greek yogurt and ⅓ cup milk for a shortcut version.

Can I freeze glazed donuts?

It’s best to freeze them unglazed and decorate fresh after thawing.

Why are my donuts dry?

Overbaking or using too much flour can result in dryness.

Conclusion:

Funfetti Birthday Cake Donuts are more than just baked goods—they’re edible celebrations. With their soft, cake-like texture, vibrant sprinkles, and glossy glaze, these donuts are perfect for birthdays, brunches, and festive mornings. Whether you use a scratch-made batter or the cake mix shortcut, the results are guaranteed to bring smiles. Now that you know how easy and customizable they are, it’s time to grab your donut pan, unleash your inner baker, and turn every day into a sprinkle-filled celebration. Let the donut party begin!