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This Funfetti Birthday Cake with Buttercream brings a playful twist to classic birthday celebrations by incorporating colorful sprinkles right into the cake and then wrapping the cake crumbs with frosting inside soft flour tortillas. It creates a delightful handheld treat that is perfect for parties or any day that needs a little extra celebration. The combination of fluffy cake, creamy buttercream, and the fun texture of sprinkles ensures every bite is as joyful as it looks.
I first made this for my niece’s birthday and was amazed how quickly these wraps disappeared. Now they are a fun tradition whenever there is a gathering with kids.
Ingredients
- One cup all-purpose flour: which forms the light and tender base of the cake
- Half a cup of granulated sugar: to provide sweetness without overpowering
- Quarter cup whole milk: for moisture and richness, choose fresh for best results
- Quarter cup unsalted butter, melted: adds a smooth buttery flavor, make sure it is unsalted to control saltiness
- One large egg: to bind everything together and add structure
- One teaspoon vanilla extract: for that classic warm aroma and depth
- One teaspoon baking powder: helps the cake rise softly
- Quarter teaspoon salt: balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors
- Quarter cup rainbow sprinkles: which bring vibrant color and fun in every bite
- Half a cup softened unsalted butter: for the frosting to create creamy, spreadable texture
- One and a half cups powdered sugar: sweetens and thickens the frosting
- Two tablespoons whole milk: for frosting consistency adjustment
- Half teaspoon vanilla extract: adds flavor to the frosting
- Pinch of salt: in frosting enhances its taste
- Eight soft 8-inch flour tortillas: serve as the vessel for the wrap, choose fresh and pliable
- Half cup rainbow sprinkles: for garnish on the wraps for extra fun
- Half cup crushed crispy rice cereal or wafer cookies: optional for crunch and added texture
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cake removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the whole milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract thoroughly. This blends the wet ingredients properly so they incorporate smoothly with the dry.
- Incorporate Wet into Dry and Add Sprinkles:
- Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a dense cake. Next, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles so they are evenly distributed without breaking.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before proceeding.
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Create the Cake-Frosting Mixture:
- Once the cake is fully cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Add about two-thirds of the prepared frosting and mix gently until the crumbs hold together when pressed. Be careful not to add too much frosting or it will be too wet.
- Assemble the Tortilla Wraps:
- Lay out the flour tortillas flat on your work surface. Spoon a generous amount of the cake-frosting mixture down the center of each tortilla. Sprinkle with extra rainbow sprinkles and the crushed crispy rice cereal or wafer cookies if you are using them.
- Wrap and Chill:
- Drizzle or spread a small amount of the remaining frosting over the filling for added flavor and stickiness. Fold the sides of the tortilla inward then roll tightly from the bottom up to create a neat wrap.
- Slice and Serve:
- Cut each wrap in half diagonally and serve right away. You can also chill the wraps in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to let them set a little for easier handling.
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My favorite part is definitely the crushed crispy rice cereal layer which adds the perfect crunch against the softness of the cake and buttercream. One year my family insisted on doubling that part because they loved the texture contrast so much.
Storage Tips
Store leftover wraps in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are best served chilled but still tender. Wraps can become a bit soft if stored longer so consuming them fresh is ideal. For longer storage, keep the cake crumbs and frosting mixture separate and assemble fresh when ready.
Ingredient Substitutions
Whole milk can be swapped for any milk of choice such as almond or oat milk to make it dairy free, but this may slightly alter the texture. Butter can be replaced with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free version. Tortillas could be swapped for large crepes or thin pancakes for a similar effect. Use any colorful sprinkles you like, just watch out for ones that bleed color.
Serving Suggestions
These wraps are delightful on their own with a cold glass of milk or a fruity punch. For an extra festive touch, pair with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. They make a great finger food for casual celebrations or packed lunches.
Cultural and Historical Context
Confetti or Funfetti cakes became popular in the late 20th century as playful versions of classic birthday cakes, with sprinkles baked directly inside for a colorful surprise. Wrapping cake into tortillas is a less traditional approach but adds fun portability and textural contrast which fits well with modern party foods and fusion snacks.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of flour is best to use?
All-purpose flour works well, offering the right balance for a tender crumb without heaviness.
- → Can I substitute the sprinkles?
Absolutely, use any colorful sprinkle variety to keep the cheerful look and add a fun texture.
- → How do I achieve a smooth buttercream?
Beat softened butter until creamy before slowly adding powdered sugar and milk to ensure a fluffy, smooth consistency.
- → Are the wraps best served fresh or chilled?
They can be enjoyed immediately for softness or chilled for about 15 minutes to let the filling set more firmly.
- → Can crispy rice cereal be replaced?
Yes, crushed wafer cookies make a lovely alternative adding a delicate crunch and complementary flavor.