Baking a cake from a boxed cake mix like Pillsbury Funfetti is a quick and easy way to make a fun, colorful treat. The baking time can vary based on the specific instructions for the cake mix you are using, the pan size, and your individual oven. Generally, a Funfetti cake mix takes 30-40 minutes to bake. However, it’s always important to refer to the package instructions and test doneness before removing from the oven.
Steps for Baking Pillsbury Funfetti Cake
Here is an overview of the basic steps for baking a Pillsbury Funfetti cake mix:
1. Prepare the Cake Pan
Start by preparing your cake pan(s). You’ll need an 8-inch or 9-inch round pan, or a 13×9 inch rectangular pan depending on the cake you want to make. Grease the pan well and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. You can also use nonstick cooking spray or line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Make the Cake Batter
Empty the cake mix into a large mixing bowl. Add in the ingredients called for on the package – usually vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix the batter on low speed until just combined, then beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and thickened.
3. Add the Funfetti Sprinkles
Now stir in the Funfetti sprinkles, either from a separate pouch or already included in the cake mix. Be careful not to overmix once these are added.
4. Pour Batter into Prepared Pan(s)
Pour the finished batter into your greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If making a layered cake, divide the batter evenly between two pans.
5. Bake the Cake
Bake the cake on the middle rack of a 350°F preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Refer to the chart below for approximate baking times.
6. Cool and Frost
Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting or decorating. For a layered cake, once cooled, stack the layers with frosting in between. Spread additional frosting over the top and sides. Decorate as desired with more Funfetti sprinkles.
Baking Times for Pillsbury Funfetti Cake
Here are the estimated baking times for Pillsbury Funfetti cake based on pan size:
| Pan Size | Baking Time |
|---|---|
| 8-inch round | 30-35 minutes |
| 9-inch round | 28-32 minutes |
| 13×9-inch rectangle | 35-40 minutes |
Baking times may vary based on your oven and elevation. It’s always important to check for doneness at the minimum recommended time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with no batter stuck to it, the cake is done. If wet batter clings to the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
Overbaking can lead to a dried out cake. Underbaking will result in a gummy center. Following the instructions precisely and testing doneness is key for baking the perfect Funfetti cake.
Tips for Baking Moist, Fluffy Pillsbury Funfetti Cake
Follow these tips to ensure your Funfetti cake turns out light, fluffy, and moist every time:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Always start with eggs, oil, milk, and water at room temperature. Cold liquids can toughen the batter and lead to tunnels or streaks in the baked cake. Let refrigerated ingredients sit out while you prep your pan and preheat the oven.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients just until there are no more visible flour streaks. Overbeating develops excess gluten, resulting in a dense, rubbery cake.
Use the Recommended Pan Size
Bake the cake in the exact pan size stated in the instructions. If you use a pan that is too small or large, it can affect the bake time and cause the cake to be underdone or overdone.
Grease and Flour the Pan Well
Be generous with the pan prep – don’t skimp on the grease and flour. This prevents the cake from sticking and leaving chunks behind when you unmold it.
Rotate the Cake Halfway Through
About halfway through the bake time, rotate the cake pan 180 degrees. This ensures the cake bakes evenly rather than just browning on the back side.
Check for Doneness
Always test the cake for doneness at the minimum recommended bake time by inserting a toothpick into the center. This avoids over or under baking.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack until it is completely cool. Hot cakes are too delicate to frost and can absorb frosting.
Common Baking Problems and Solutions
Here are some common issues that can occur and how to avoid them:
Cake is Dry or Crumbly
This happens from overbaking. Always start checking for doneness at the shortest recommended time. Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this develops too much gluten.
Cake has Tunnels or Streaks
Tunnels are caused by cold liquids in the batter or overmixing. Make sure eggs, milk, and water are at room temperature before mixing. Gently combine just until incorporated.
Cake has a Crack on Top
Cracks occur from the top crust setting before the interior finishes baking. Try a lower oven temperature next time and avoid opening the oven door prematurely.
Cake is Dense and Heavy
Overmixing can cause too much gluten development, resulting in a dense crumb. Check your leavener expiration date and gently mix just until combined.
Cake Sinks in the Middle
This happens when cake is underbaked and the center doesn’t set properly. Bake for the full recommended time and test doneness with a toothpick.
Cake Sticks to the Pan
Ensure your pan is well greased and floured to prevent sticking. Allow the cake to cool completely before inverting onto a rack. Loosen edges gently with a knife.
How to Store and Serve Pillsbury Funfetti Cake
Storing Unfrosted Cake
– Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature up to 4 days.
– For longer storage, overwrap in a freezer bag and freeze up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before decorating.
Storing Frosted Cake
– Keep frosted cake loosely covered at room temperature no more than 2 days.
– For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cake up to 2-3 months, thaw overnight in fridge, and frost just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
– Add an extra fun twist by decorating the cake with candy, sprinkles, frosting flowers or messages.
– For a birthday, stick colorful candles in the frosting and let the guest of honor blow them out.
– Slice frosted cake with a sharp, thin knife for neat slices that hold together.
– Leftover cake can be wrapped individually and enjoyed as on-the-go snacks.
– Funfetti cake matches any occasion – birthdays, holidays, potlucks, backyard barbecues and more!
The History of Funfetti Cake
Funfetti cake has become a beloved American classic, but did you ever wonder how it came to be? Here’s a look back at the history of this colorful confetti-filled cake:
Invention in the 1980s
Funfetti cake was invented by Pillsbury in the late 1980s. The original idea was to create a vanilla cake mix that could be jazzed up for celebrations with vibrant sprinkles baked inside.
Inspired by Homemade Cakes
Adding sprinkles to cake batter was something home bakers often did from scratch. Funfetti made it possible to achieve the same festive look without the effort of hand-mixing a cake recipe.
Instant Hit with Consumers
When Pillsbury launched Funfetti in 1989, it was an immediate success. The colorful specks peeking through white frosting delighted kids and adults alike.
Expanded to More Treats
Given its popularity, Funfetti was adapted into more baked goods like cookies, muffins, cupcakes and breads. More vibrant sprinkle colors and finishes were also introduced.
A Nostalgic Brand
Many who grew up with Funfetti still enjoy it today for the nostalgia. It brings back fond memories of childhood birthday parties and baking with loved ones.
A Mainstay Dessert
Funfetti remains a grocery store staple today – a classic dessert over 30 years strong. Its timeless, whimsical appeal continues to make it one of America’s favorite cake flavors.
Funfetti Cake FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about baking and enjoying this festive cake:
What makes Funfetti cake different than regular cake?
Funfetti cake contains rainbow sprinkles baked directly into the batter before cooking. This gives you specks of color throughout the entire cake.
Can I use any sprinkles in Funfetti cake?
You can use jimmies, quins, nonpareils, or rainbow sprinkles. Avoid larger sprinkles or decorations – go with small sprinkles that bake well and spread evenly.
What does Funfetti cake taste like?
Funfetti has a sweet vanilla cake flavor. The sprinkles add festive color and texture without imparting a specific taste.
Do you have to use Funfetti cake mix?
No – you can make “Funfetti” cake from scratch by adding sprinkles to your favorite white or yellow cake batter. But the boxed mixes ensure perfect results.
What frosting goes best with Funfetti cake?
A light vanilla buttercream pairs well with Funfetti cake so the colorful sprinkles stand out. But you can also use chocolate or cream cheese frosting.
How long does Funfetti cake last?
Unfrosted Funfetti cake keeps 4 days at room temp, or 2-3 months frozen. Frosted cake lasts 2 days at room temp. Freeze unfrosted then thaw and frost just before serving.
Conclusion
Baking a Funfetti cake from a Pillsbury mix is simple. Prepare your pan, mix up the batter with sprinkles, and bake 30-40 minutes based on pan size until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting so the cake has time to set. Store leftover cake wrapped at room temperature or in the freezer. Funfetti is the perfect quick dessert for birthdays, parties or anytime you need a festive, whimsical treat. With its iconic sprinkles and sweet vanilla flavor, Funfetti cake will continue to be a cherished American classic for years to come.