Funfetti Crumb Cake Recipe: A Colorful, Crumbly Celebration in Every Bite

Thank you so much for stopping by. Whether you’re here for a special occasion or just seeking something joyful to brighten your day, I’m incredibly grateful to be part of your kitchen adventures. This Funfetti Crumb Cake recipe is everything a cake should be: moist, tender, bursting with color, and finished with a buttery cinnamon crumb that’s rich and comforting. It’s cheerful, nostalgic, and simple enough for a weekday treat, yet special enough for birthday brunches, school celebrations, or cozy weekend mornings.

Why This Funfetti Crumb Cake Is a Must-Try

There’s something magical about Funfetti. Maybe it’s the sprinkles that make everything feel festive, or the soft vanilla cake that brings back memories of birthdays and boxed cake mixes (in the best way). But this cake takes that classic feeling and elevates it with a thick, golden crumb topping and the richness of sour cream. It’s not overly sweet, and the texture is perfectly balanced: moist, fluffy crumb with a subtle crunch on top. Whether you’re baking for kids or your own inner child, this one is guaranteed to bring smiles.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• It’s nostalgic yet elevated, combining the magic of sprinkles with a grown-up crumb topping.
• Great for gatherings—whether you’re hosting brunch, celebrating a birthday, or bringing something cheerful to the office.
• The cake base is incredibly soft and moist, thanks to sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• The crumb topping is buttery and warmly spiced, offering a satisfying contrast to the tender cake.
• You can customize the sprinkle colors for holidays or themed events.
• The glaze option adds extra sweetness and that bakery-style finish—perfect for presentation.

What It Tastes Like

This cake has the kind of flavor that keeps you coming back for “just one more bite.” The vanilla cake base is rich and buttery without being heavy, with subtle tanginess from the sour cream that rounds out the sweetness. The crumb topping brings in a deep, buttery flavor accented with cinnamon, and the sprinkles add little pops of texture. It’s comforting and familiar, yet fun and exciting all at once. If you’ve ever loved a bakery crumb cake and a Funfetti birthday cake, this is your perfect in-between.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake Base

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup milk
• ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies preferred for best color retention)

For the Crumb Topping

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles (optional)

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• Splash of vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 8×8-inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

This cake is wonderfully flexible. Depending on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs, you can easily make a few substitutions without losing the spirit of the dish.

Substitutions

• Greek Yogurt: Works beautifully in place of sour cream for a tangy lift and added protein.
• Non-Dairy Milk: Almond, oat, or soy milk can replace regular milk if you’re dairy-free.
• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: A 1:1 gluten-free baking mix can substitute for all-purpose flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Butter Alternatives: Use a high-quality vegan butter substitute if needed.

Additions

• Stir in mini white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the crumb topping for a warm, spicy undertone.
• Use holiday-themed or pastel-colored sprinkles to customize the cake for specific celebrations.
• Drizzle with melted white chocolate instead of glaze for a decadent finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray. This helps the cake lift out cleanly after baking.

2. Make the Crumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and stir gently with a fork until the mixture forms large, moist crumbs. If using, stir in 2 tablespoons of sprinkles. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Cake Batter

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Add the sour cream and milk, mixing just until combined.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix. Gently stir in the sprinkles.

4. Assemble and Bake

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. The batter will be thick—use a spatula to smooth the top.

Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter, gently pressing it in just slightly so it adheres during baking.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The crumb should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

5. Optional Glaze

If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake and top with more sprinkles for an extra-festive finish.

What to Serve with Funfetti Crumb Cake

This cake pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks and sides, making it a versatile option for multiple occasions.

• Coffee or espresso for a classic breakfast pairing
• A frothy chai or London Fog latte for an aromatic twist
• Fresh berries or fruit salad for a refreshing balance
• A scoop of vanilla or birthday cake ice cream for dessert hour
• Mimosas at brunch for a celebratory touch

Expert Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture. This ensures the batter mixes evenly and bakes consistently.
• Don’t skip the crumb topping step—it adds contrast and keeps the cake from being too sweet.
• If using nonpareils sprinkles, be aware they may bleed color into the batter. Jimmies are ideal.
• For the cleanest slices, allow the cake to cool completely before cutting.
• You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 pan. Just add about 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for 5–6 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boxed cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?
Yes, you can use a vanilla or yellow cake mix as a shortcut. Prepare the mix as directed on the box, then top with the homemade crumb topping before baking.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend in both the cake and crumb topping. Also ensure your sprinkles are certified gluten-free.

Can I bake this in a round cake pan?
Yes, a 9-inch round pan will work. Keep an eye on the bake time—it may need a few minutes less depending on your oven.

Why did my crumb topping sink into the batter?
This could happen if the batter is too thin or the crumbs are too small. Make sure your crumb topping is made with large, chunky pieces and gently pressed into the batter before baking.

Can I leave out the glaze?
Yes, the cake is perfectly delicious without it. But if you’re looking for that extra bakery-style finish, the glaze adds a lovely sweetness and polished look.

Conclusion: A Slice of Joy in Every Bite

This Funfetti Crumb Cake isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration baked into a square. It combines childhood joy with adult comfort, offering that perfect blend of soft vanilla cake, buttery cinnamon crumb, and cheerful sprinkles. Whether you’re making it for a birthday breakfast, a brunch spread, or just a cozy weekend moment, it delivers warmth and happiness in every bite.

I truly hope this becomes one of your go-to recipes for making life a little more festive. If you make it, please consider leaving a comment or tagging me on Pinterest. I’d love to see your crumb-topped creations!

More Colorful and Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Recipes

If you loved this Funfetti Crumb Cake, you’ll definitely want to try these next:

• Mini Peach Pies Recipe – Tiny pies packed with peachy goodness and a golden flaky crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or a sweet weekend bake.
• Snickers Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe – A decadent frozen treat combining gooey caramel, peanuts, and rich chocolate in one epic sandwich.
• Lemon Tarts Recipe – Bright, zesty, and topped with the silkiest lemon curd. These tarts are both elegant and refreshingly light.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 9 squares)

• Calories: 325
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Sugars: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg

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