Imagine the excitement on everyone’s faces as you reveal a stunning, colorful dessert that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at. A festive funfetti cheesecake layer cake is the ultimate treat for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. With its rich layers of creamy cheesecake, moist funfetti cake, and fluffy sprinkle-studded frosting, this cake is a celebration in every bite.
In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to create this spectacular dessert from scratch. Whether you’re baking for your family or hosting a party, this recipe will help you craft a centerpiece that’s as joyful as the event itself.
What is a Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake?
A festive funfetti cheesecake layer cake combines two incredible desserts into one unforgettable creation. Imagine a velvety cheesecake layer sandwiched between two fluffy funfetti cake layers, all wrapped in a rich cream cheese frosting. The addition of rainbow sprinkles makes it irresistibly playful, perfect for kids and adults alike.
This dessert isn’t just a cake; it’s a showstopper that combines texture, flavor, and fun into one amazing treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two desserts in one: Cheesecake and funfetti cake come together for the ultimate flavor and texture experience.
- Perfect for any celebration: Bright, colorful sprinkles make this cake ideal for birthdays, holidays, and parties.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors, colors, and decorations to fit your event.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves the surprise of creamy cheesecake hidden inside a classic layer cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a detailed table of ingredients broken down by layers for easy preparation:
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
| Cheesecake Layer | Cream cheese, room temperature | 16 oz |
| Granulated sugar | ⅔ cup | |
| All-purpose flour | 1½ Tbsp | |
| Whole eggs | 2 large | |
| Egg yolk | 1 large | |
| Sour cream | 2 Tbsp | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | |
| Cake Layers | All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 Tbsp | |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | |
| Unsalted butter, room temperature | 10 Tbsp | |
| Granulated sugar | 1⅓ cups | |
| Whole egg | 1 large | |
| Egg whites | 3 large | |
| Whole milk | ⅔ cup | |
| Sour cream | ⅓ cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1½ tsp | |
| Almond extract | ½ tsp | |
| Rainbow sprinkles | ⅔ cup | |
| Frosting | Cream cheese, room temperature | 16 oz |
| Unsalted butter, room temperature | 1 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 Tbsp | |
| Powdered sugar | 3–3½ cups | |
| Rainbow sprinkles | ½ cup, plus more for topping |
Step-by-Step Recipe Guide for Festive Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake
1. Make the Cheesecake Layer
Prepare the Batter
- Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the sugar and flour, and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the egg yolk.
- Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
Bake the Cheesecake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pour the cheesecake batter into a 9-inch springform pan lined with parchment paper.
- Place the pan in a water bath to prevent cracking and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then freeze overnight to make assembly easier.
2. Make the Funfetti Cake Layers
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Extracts
- Mix in the whole egg and egg whites one at a time.
- Add the vanilla extract and almond extract, blending until combined.
Alternate the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
Fold in the Sprinkles
- Gently fold the rainbow sprinkles into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake Layers
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch cake pans greased and lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.
4. Assemble the Cake
Layer the Components
- Place one funfetti cake layer on a cake board or plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Carefully add the frozen cheesecake layer on top of the frosting. Spread another thin layer of frosting over the cheesecake.
- Add the second funfetti cake layer on top.
Frost the Cake
- Spread a crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake to lock in crumbs. Chill the cake for 20 minutes.
- Apply a second layer of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Decorate
- Sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles on top and along the sides for a festive finish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | ~650 |
| Protein | ~7g |
| Carbohydrates | ~85g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Saturated Fat | ~15g |
| Sugar | ~65g |
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients: This ensures smooth batters and frostings without lumps.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make your cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Chill the cheesecake: Freezing the cheesecake makes it easier to handle and assemble.
- Use high-quality sprinkles: Nonpareils tend to bleed color, so opt for jimmies or confetti sprinkles for vibrant results.
Creative Variations
1. Chocolate Funfetti Cheesecake Cake
- Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate twist. Use chocolate sprinkles instead of rainbow sprinkles.
2. Holiday-Themed Cake
- Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel sprinkles for Easter.
3. Gluten-Free Version
- Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
4. Fruit-Infused Layers
- Add fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries between the layers for a fruity twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cheesecake and cake layers up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble.
2. Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely. Once assembled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
3. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream in both the cake and cheesecake layers.
4. Can I use box cake mix?
If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed funfetti cake mix for the cake layers. However, homemade gives the best flavor and texture.
5. What’s the best way to slice the cake?
Use a long, sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for a neat presentation.
6. How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Final Thoughts: Celebrate with a Slice of Joy
A festive funfetti cheesecake layer cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Its colorful sprinkles and creamy layers make every bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, anniversary, or just because, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ready to bake your masterpiece? Gather your ingredients and start creating a cake that’s as fun as it is delicious!
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Festive Funfetti Cheesecake Layer Cake: A Showstopping Celebration Treat
- Total Time: ~10 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
This funfetti cheesecake layer cake is a dazzling dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, fluffy sprinkle-filled cake layers, and luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any festive occasion, it’s a treat guaranteed to make any celebration extra special.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large whole eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cake Layers:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large whole egg
- 3 large egg whites
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2/3 cup rainbow sprinkles
For the Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 3–3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Layer
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and flour, and mix until fully combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by the egg yolk. Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Place the pan in a water bath and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool to room temperature, then freeze overnight for easier assembly.
- Make the Funfetti Cake Layers
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add the whole egg and egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk and sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Make the Frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is thick and spreadable. Stir in rainbow sprinkles.
- Assemble the Cake
- Place one funfetti cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Add the frozen cheesecake layer, then spread another thin layer of frosting over the cheesecake.
- Place the second funfetti cake layer on top. Spread a crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake and chill for 20 minutes.
- Apply a final layer of frosting, smoothing it with a spatula. Decorate with additional sprinkles.
Notes
- Use jimmies or confetti sprinkles to avoid color bleeding in the batter.
- For clean cake slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
- The cheesecake layer is easier to handle when frozen or well-chilled.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 8+ hours (overnight for cheesecake)
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
