Ultimate Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake: A Burst of Joy in Every Bite

Prepare to experience a dessert that’s anything but ordinary: the Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake. Imagine the cheerful essence of a funfetti cake, reimagined and elevated with a lusciously spiced, impossibly gooey cream cheese filling, all finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. This isn’t just another birthday cake; it’s a guaranteed showstopper that will ignite smiles and become the star of any celebration or gathering.

While the concept of a gooey butter cake with sprinkles might not be entirely new, this Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake iteration is certainly an exciting discovery for many! It’s a playful and delicious twist on a cherished classic Midwestern dessert, originating from the culinary heart of St. Louis. I absolutely adore including this particular recipe in my collection because it marries the familiar comfort of gooey butter cake with an unexpected burst of festive color and flavor, making it truly unique and undeniably delicious.

Every bite of this extraordinary cake offers a symphony of textures and tastes that you are bound to fall in love with. The initial crunch of the slightly crisp top layer gives way to an exquisitely gooey, rich center, which then meets a wonderfully soft and buttery cake base. The very best part, in my humble opinion, is that delightful cross-over point where the creamy, dreamy top layer blends seamlessly with the vanilla cake bottom, creating a perfect balance of gooeyness and cakey goodness. It’s a 10/10 recommendation from me – so let’s get ready to bake this incredible Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake!

Happy Baking! 😊

If you’re as passionate about gooey butter cakes as I am, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes from my collection:

• The Best Cinnamon Roll Gooey Butter Cake Recipe
• Best Gooey Butter Cake Without Cake Mix
• Gooey Cinnamon Roll Caramel Cake

Dessert Breakdown: Layers of Deliciousness

This Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake is a masterpiece of textures, artfully constructed with two distinct layers that deliver three incredible sensory experiences. Don’t worry, I’ll explain how this magical combination comes together!

• The foundation of this dessert is a rich, buttery cake layer, generously studded with an abundance of vibrant rainbow sprinkles. These colorful additions aren’t just for show; they infuse every slice with a joyful visual appeal and a delicate textural pop. If you find yourself adding a little extra, consider it a “happy accident” – because in the world of funfetti, more sprinkles simply mean more fun! This base provides the comforting, moist crumb that perfectly anchors the entire cake.
• Crowning this delightful base is the signature cream cheese filling, featuring a hint of aromatic almond extract. This is where the “gooey butter” magic truly happens. As the cake bakes, this top layer transforms. While the interior remains incredibly soft and unctuous, the very top surface develops a beautiful, slightly crunchy or flaky crust. This delicate contrast between the crispy top, the ultra-gooey middle, and the tender cakey bottom creates a truly dynamic and unforgettable dessert experience. It’s a small detail that contributes immensely to the overall charm and deliciousness of this full recipe, making every bite a delightful exploration of texture.

Why You’ll Adore This Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake

There are countless reasons to fall head over heels for this particular Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Here’s why I, and so many others, absolutely love it:

1. A St. Louis Gem: The Gooey Butter Cake Experience: This isn’t just any cake; it’s a beloved St. Louis tradition. While perhaps less globally renowned than some other desserts, the gooey butter cake holds a special place in the hearts of those who know it. This recipe introduces many to its unique charm, acting as a certified crowd-pleaser that consistently surprises and delights. Its rich history and comforting flavors make it an instant favorite, embodying a taste of authentic Midwestern hospitality.
2. A Symphony of Textures: Texture Heaven in Every Bite: If you consider yourself a “texture snob,” then this cake is your ultimate paradise. It masterfully combines a delicate, slightly crunchy crust that forms on top during baking, an irresistibly gooey, almost pudding-like center, and a wonderfully moist, tender cake base. The interplay of these distinct textures creates an incredible sensory journey with every forkful – truly, you couldn’t ask for a better combination of soft, chewy, and tender.
3. A Modern Twist on a Beloved Classic: While staying true to the spirit of the traditional gooey butter cake, this recipe introduces an exciting and festive twist. By incorporating vibrant rainbow sprinkles into the cake layer and a subtle hint of almond extract into the gooey topping, we elevate the classic to a new level. The result is a more festive, visually appealing, and complex dessert that is guaranteed to be the focal point of conversation and the talk of any party.
4. The Irresistible Cream Cheese Core: The heart of this cake’s gooey perfection lies in its rich cream cheese mixture. This decadent layer ensures that the cake remains incredibly moist and intensely gooey right down to its very center. The almond extract, a delightful addition, not only enhances the overall sweetness but also beautifully complements and emphasizes the slight tanginess of the cream cheese, adding a sophisticated depth of flavor.
5. Sprinkle Mania for Maximum Fun: You know me – I believe there’s no such thing as too many sprinkles! This cake fully embraces the joy of an abundance of rainbow sprinkles, mixing them directly into the buttery cake base. These colorful flecks are essential for the “funfetti” aesthetic, making the cake look as joyful and celebratory as it tastes. They add a whimsical charm that instantly signals a good time, transforming a simple slice of cake into a festive event.

Pastry Essentials: Stocking Your Baker’s Pantry

Before diving into the full recipe (which you’ll find in the recipe card at the bottom of the page!), it’s helpful to consider these foundational ingredients. This isn’t a complete list for the cake, but rather a guide to the high-quality items I believe every well-stocked baking pantry should have to ensure delicious results every time.

• Cream Cheese: The backbone of our gooey topping! For the creamiest, most reliable results, my absolute favorite brand is Philadelphia cream cheese. However, in a pinch, a good quality store brand like Great Value can certainly work, just make sure it’s full-fat for the best texture.
• Colorful Sprinkles: What’s a funfetti cake without an explosion of color? Every celebratory cake demands plenty of vibrant rainbow sprinkles. One common “bakery mistake” (and I’m only half-kidding!) is not adding enough sprinkles, so don’t be shy! They add both visual appeal and a delightful, subtle crunch.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter is key for richness and flavor. I prefer to keep my unsalted butter at room temperature in a butter bell. This ensures it’s always soft and ready to use, which is crucial for creaming properly and achieving a smooth batter.
• Large Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture. While it’s generally safer to store eggs in the refrigerator, it’s vital to pull them out well in advance of your baking session to bring them to room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify much better with other ingredients, leading to a more consistent and perfectly textured cake.
• Almond Extract: This ingredient adds a wonderful depth and unique aromatic note to the gooey layer. For superior flavor, my go-to brand for all extracts is Nielsen-Massey. A little goes a long way in enhancing the cream cheese tang.
• Vanilla Extract: A staple in almost any dessert recipe! Just like with almond extract, for the purest and most potent vanilla flavor, I consistently recommend and use Nielsen-Massey. It truly makes a difference in the overall taste profile.

Expert Tips for Crafting the Perfect Funfetti Cake Base

Creating a moist, fluffy, and sprinkle-filled cake layer is crucial for this Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake. Follow these expert tips for a flawless base:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Non-Negotiable: Always start with room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a golden rule in baking. Ingredients at room temperature emulsify better, meaning they blend together more smoothly and evenly, creating a uniform batter and a finer crumb in your finished cake.
• Cream Until Light and Fluffy: When combining butter, oil, and granulated sugar, don’t rush this step. Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture becomes visibly light in color and fluffy in texture. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a tender, airy cake crumb.
• Scrape Down the Bowl Religiously: Throughout the mixing process, frequently stop and scrape down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl with a rubber spatula. This ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and prevents unmixed pockets of butter or sugar from affecting the cake’s texture.
• Add Eggs One at a Time: Introduce your large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This allows each egg to fully emulsify into the batter, preventing it from curdling and contributing to a stable, homogeneous mixture.
• Combine Dry Ingredients Separately: Before adding them to the wet mixture, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) in a separate bowl. This ensures that leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of uneven rising or flavor in the final cake.
• Alternate Dry and Wet Gently: When incorporating the dry mix and buttermilk, add them in stages, alternating between the two. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough cake.
• Fold in Sprinkles with Care: Once your batter is ready, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a rubber spatula. Avoid vigorous mixing, which can cause the sprinkles to break apart or sink to the bottom of the pan. Gentle folding ensures they remain vibrant and evenly distributed throughout the cake.
• Spread Evenly for Consistent Baking: Before popping your pan into the oven, take a moment to spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. This simple step ensures that the cake bakes uniformly, resulting in a consistent texture and rise.

Mastering the Gooey Layer: Tips for a Perfect Cream Cheese Topping

The signature gooey layer is what makes this cake truly exceptional. Achieving its characteristic texture and flavor requires a few specific techniques:

• The Right Cream Cheese Temperature is Key: It is crucial for your cream cheese to be soft, but not warm or melted. If your cream cheese is too cold, it will be lumpy. If it’s too warm or melted, it will be too runny and will likely melt into the cake batter during baking, preventing that distinct gooey layer from forming. Aim for soft enough to easily beat, but still cool to the touch.
• Whip Until Silky Smooth: Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is incredibly smooth and creamy, with no lumps whatsoever. This might take a few minutes, but investing this time ensures a luxurious, even texture for your gooey topping.
• Gradual Addition is Essential: When incorporating the large egg, almond extract, and powdered sugar, do so gradually. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. This slow and steady approach ensures all ingredients are thoroughly blended without creating clumps, resulting in a perfectly smooth and cohesive mixture.
• Don’t Forget to Scrape Down the Bowl: Just like with the cake batter, consistently scrape down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowl with a spatula. This guarantees every bit of cream cheese and sugar is incorporated, preventing any unmixed pockets and ensuring a uniform consistency.
• Achieving the Ideal Consistency: Your cream cheese layer should be thick enough to be spreadable, yet not overly stiff. It should have a slightly viscous, pudding-like texture. If it appears a bit too runny after adding all ingredients, you can carefully add a touch more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired thickness is achieved.
• Spread it Evenly for Balanced Bites: Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, gently pour and spread it evenly over the prepared cake batter in the pan. An offset spatula is particularly useful for creating a smooth, even layer. This ensures that every single slice of your Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake will have that perfect balance of cake and gooey topping.
• Understanding Bake Doneness: Don’t be alarmed if the center of your cream cheese layer still appears a little wobbly when the cake is done baking. This is perfectly normal and contributes to its signature gooeyness. The key indicators are golden-brown edges and a middle that looks mostly set, often with characteristic cracks on the surface.
• Chill for Optimal Gooeyness: After baking, let your cake cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chilling for at least 2 hours is crucial; it allows the cream cheese layer to fully firm up and set, intensifying that beloved gooey texture.
• The Final Flourish: Dust with Powdered Sugar: When you’re ready to serve your perfectly chilled Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake, generously dust the top with powdered sugar. This adds a beautiful, elegant finish and a subtle touch of sweetness that completes the experience.

Essential Tools for Baking Your Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. Here’s a list of the essential equipment you’ll need to successfully create this Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll definitely need at least two – a large bowl for your cake batter and a medium bowl for preparing the cream cheese filling. This keeps your mise en place organized and prevents cross-contamination of ingredients.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: While a sturdy whisk and arm strength can work, a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a reliable hand mixer will significantly streamline the process. It makes creaming butter and sugar much easier, quicker, and ensures a consistently fluffy result for your cake base and a smooth cream cheese topping.
• Rubber Spatula: This versatile tool will be your best friend in the kitchen. It’s perfect for scraping down the sides and bottom of your mixing bowls, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly combined, and for gently folding in those delicate sprinkles without crushing them.
• Whisk: A good whisk is essential for combining your dry ingredients evenly (like flour, baking powder, and salt) before adding them to the wet mixture. This prevents lumps and ensures consistent leavening throughout the cake.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are paramount for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Make sure you have both dry measuring cups (for flour, sugar) and liquid measuring cups (for buttermilk, oil), as well as a set of accurate measuring spoons for extracts and leavening agents.
• Cake Pan: A 9-inch square cake pan is ideal for this recipe, though a springform pan of similar size can also work beautifully for easy removal. Remember to prepare your pan properly by greasing it thoroughly and lining the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure a clean release.
• Parchment Paper: An invaluable baking aid, parchment paper is used to line the bottom of your cake pan. It creates a non-stick surface, guaranteeing that your cake lifts out effortlessly without any part sticking to the pan.
• Offset Spatula: This specialized tool features a thin, flexible blade set at an angle to the handle, making it incredibly effective for spreading the thick cream cheese filling smoothly and evenly over your cake batter. It helps create that professional, uniform top layer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake

Here are some common questions bakers have when making this delightful Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake, along with helpful answers to ensure your success:

• Can I omit the almond extract? Yes, absolutely! If you have an almond allergy, simply dislike the flavor, or don’t have it on hand, you can omit the almond extract. To compensate for the flavor, you can increase the amount of vanilla extract slightly, or experiment with another extract like lemon or butter extract for a different twist.
• How do I know when the cake is done baking? The Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake has a unique doneness. The edges of the cake should be beautifully golden brown, and the center may still appear slightly jiggly when gently shaken. When a toothpick is inserted into the center, it should come out mostly clean, perhaps with a few moist crumbs attached. The top layer will also develop visible cracks. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out the cake and reduce its gooey quality.
• Do I have to refrigerate the cake after baking? Yes, refrigeration is highly recommended and truly essential for this recipe! After the cake has cooled down at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the cream cheese layer to fully firm up and set, enhancing its signature gooey texture and ensuring clean slices.
• My cream cheese layer sunk into my cake layer, why? This is a common issue, and the most likely culprit is that your cream cheese was too warm. While you want your cream cheese to be softened for easy mixing, it should still be cool to the touch, not warm or melted. If it’s too warm, its consistency becomes too fluid, causing it to meld into the softer cake batter below rather than forming a distinct layer during baking. Ensure your cream cheese is at a cool room temperature – soft but not oily.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert! Because it benefits from chilling, you can bake it a day or two in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator, and it will be perfectly ready to serve when you need it.
• How should I serve Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake? This cake is best served chilled, directly from the refrigerator, to maintain its delightful gooey texture. However, some prefer to let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving for a slightly softer consistency. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch.

Storing and Freezing Your Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake

Proper storage is key to maintaining the incredible texture and freshness of your Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake. Here’s how to ensure it stays delicious for days (or even months!):

Storing: To store your funfetti gooey butter cake, first allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation, which can make the cake soggy. Once fully cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can either cover the entire pan or, for individual slices, wrap each piece separately. Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will maintain its optimal freshness and that signature gooey texture.

Freezing – Extend the Life of Your Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake

Freezing: If you want to enjoy this delicious cake even longer, it freezes beautifully! Ensure the cake has cooled completely at room temperature first. For best results and to prevent freezer burn and moisture loss, wrap the entire cake (or individual slices) tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the well-wrapped cake in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the frozen cake to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve.

Remember to LEAVE A 5-STAR REVIEW AND A COMMENT if you love the recipe or have any questions. Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. I post so many fun things on all platforms!

FOR MORE DELICIOUS CAKE RECIPES, YOU MUST TRY!

• Blueberry Coffee Cake With Sour Cream Recipe
• The Very Best Gingerbread Coffee Cake Cookies
• Simply The Best Coffee Cake Cookies

Recipe

Funfetti Gooey Butter Cake

By Molly Murphy

Experience the joyful taste of a Funfetti cake topped with a spiced, incredibly gooey cream cheese filling, dusted with powdered sugar. This is far from your average birthday cake and is guaranteed to be a total hit at any birthday party or celebration!

⭐
⭐
⭐
⭐
⭐

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

🎂

🍽️

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

🧑‍🍳

Servings 12 slices

Ingredients

For The Cake

• ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons whole-fat sour cream room temperature
• ½ cup buttermilk room temperature
• ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature (but not warm)
• 1 large egg at room temperature
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square cake pan or springform pan generously with baking spray (like Pam’s Baking Spray). Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray the sides again. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand-held mixer, cream together the room temperature unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3 minutes.
  ½ cup unsalted butter room temperature, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl thoroughly to ensure even mixing. With the mixer on medium speed, add the large eggs one at a time, beating for 30 seconds after each addition and scraping the bowl again after each egg. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and whole-fat sour cream, mixing on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.
  3 large eggs room temperature, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons whole-fat sour cream room temperature
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Once partially combined, slowly pour in the buttermilk while continuing to mix on low. Mix just until combined and no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
  1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup buttermilk
• With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to overmix, which can cause the sprinkles to lose their color or sink.
  ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles
• Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased and parchment-lined cake pan. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread the batter evenly across the bottom of the pan. Set aside.

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• In a medium-sized bowl, use a hand mixer on medium-high speed to beat the room temperature cream cheese until it is completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. This should take a few minutes.
  8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
• Add the large egg and mix on high speed for about 30 seconds, using a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
  1 large egg at room temperature
• Add the almond extract. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing for about 30 seconds after each addition until fully incorporated and smooth. This process should take a little over 1 and a half minutes in total.
  3 cups powdered sugar, ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth and fully combined, carefully pour it on top of the cake batter in the prepared pan. Use a small offset spatula to gently spread it into an even layer, reaching all edges of the pan.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are golden brown and cracked, and the middle may still appear slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the cake part (not just the gooey layer) should come out with moist crumbs.
• When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. After this initial cooling, transfer the cake to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This crucial step allows the cream cheese layer to fully firm up and set, achieving its characteristic gooey texture.
• To garnish and add the final touch, generously dust the cooled and set cake with powdered sugar just before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!

🔍

Keyword gooey butter, birthday, sprinkle, funfetti, dessert, celebration

❤️ Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!