The Silly Bento Cake with Funfetti Frosting is a colorful and cheerful treat that feels like a party in every bite. Imagine fluffy layers of cake dotted with bright sprinkles, topped generously with creamy frosting filled with more funfetti. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly brightens up anyone’s day with its playful look and sweet taste.
I love making this cake when I want to bring a little joy to an ordinary afternoon or celebrate something small but special. The funfetti frosting is my favorite part because it adds a burst of color and a bit of whimsy without being too sweet. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare and decorate, even if you don’t usually bake. Trust me, this cake always brings out my inner child and gets everyone smiling.
One great way to enjoy the Silly Bento Cake is by sharing it with friends or family during a casual get-together or picnic. I find that pairing it with a simple cup of tea or cold milk makes the colors pop even more and the flavors truly shine. It’s the perfect little cake to lift spirits and remind us that dessert can be as fun as it is delicious.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Cake Mix: This gives you a soft, fluffy base with classic vanilla flavor. If you prefer homemade, use your favorite yellow cake recipe. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free mix.
Rainbow Sprinkles: These add fun color to both the cake and frosting. I recommend jimmies because they hold up well when baked. Avoid nonpareils as colors may bleed.
Heavy Whipping Cream: The key for making light, fluffy frosting. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try canned coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar.
Powdered Sugar & Vanilla Extract: These give the frosting a smooth sweetness and warm vanilla flavor. Maple or almond extract can be fun substitutes if you want a twist.
How Can I Keep Sprinkles from Bleeding in the Cake?
Sprinkles can lose their color when mixed into wet batter. To prevent this:
- Fold sprinkles into the batter gently and last, so you don’t overmix.
- Use jimmies sprinkles rather than tiny nonpareils, as jimmies hold their color better.
- Bake right after mixing sprinkles in, so they don’t sit and dissolve the color.
Taking these steps keeps your cake bright and fun!
What’s the Best Way to Slice the Cake for Even Layers?
For neat, even layers:
- Use a long serrated knife, and gently saw through the cake rather than pressing down hard.
- Mark the cake’s sides lightly with a toothpick to guide your cut.
- Rotate the cake as you cut for an even slice all around.
Patience here helps your cake look great and stack well with frosting.
Tips for Whipping Perfect Funfetti Frosting
To get light, fluffy whipped cream frosting:
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand; cold tools help cream whip faster.
- Whip on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, then gently fold in sprinkles to keep the texture light.
- Avoid overwhipping, which can turn cream grainy or too stiff.
These tips will make your frosting smooth and dreamy with bursts of color!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch square baking pan – I like it because it’s perfect for a cake you can slice easily into layers.
- Mixing bowls – handy for whipping cream and mixing ingredients.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes whipping the cream quick and smooth.
- Spatula and spoon – for folding sprinkles into the batter and frosting.
- Long serrated knife – best for slicing the cake evenly into layers.
- Cooling rack – to let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips or chunks in the batter add chocolaty fun and extra texture.
- Mix in crushed cookies or candies for different crunch and flavors.
- Use flavored extracts, like almond or lemon, to give the frosting a special twist.
- Decorate with fresh fruit or mini candies on top for a colorful, fruity touch.
How to Make Silly Bento Cake with Funfetti Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade yellow cake batter)
- 1 cup water (or as directed by cake mix)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)
For the Funfetti Frosting:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles (to mix into the frosting)
- Extra rainbow sprinkles for decorating on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, 25-30 minutes to bake, plus time to cool the cake completely (about 1 hour). Finally, chilling the frosted cake for 30 minutes helps the frosting set, so plan for roughly 2 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix. Pour the batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Funfetti Frosting
While the cake cools, chill your mixing bowl and beaters. Then whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Fold in 1/4 cup of rainbow sprinkles gently.
3. Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, use a long serrated knife to carefully slice it horizontally into two layers. Spread a generous layer of funfetti frosting on the bottom layer. Place the top layer back on, then frost the top of the cake with the remaining frosting. Finally, sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles on top for decoration.
4. Chill and Serve
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting set. Slice into squares and enjoy your cheerful Silly Bento Cake with Funfetti Frosting!
Can I Use Frozen Cake Layers for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the cake layers are fully thawed in the fridge and at room temperature before frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
How Long Will the Cake Stay Fresh?
Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, enjoy it within the first 2 days.
Can I Substitute a Different Frosting?
Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream can work well if you prefer something richer. Just fold in sprinkles to keep that funfetti flair.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Sprinkles from Bleeding?
Use jimmies sprinkles instead of nonpareils, fold them gently into the batter last, and bake immediately to keep colors bright and avoid bleeding.