Name: Funfetti Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Funfetti cake mix; Ingredients listed on the box (eggs, oil, water); 1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened; 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles; 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (Cool Whip); Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

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If there ever was a celebration dessert guaranteed to spark joy, it’s the Funfetti Ice Cream Cake. This masterpiece brings together two of everyone’s most beloved party treats—dreamy Funfetti cake and creamy vanilla ice cream—layered into a showstopping, technicolor creation. Studded and finished with a cascade of rainbow sprinkles and crowned with pillowy whipped topping, it’s as fun to make as it is to share. Whether you’re marking a birthday, a summer get-together, or simply giving your week a sprinkle-studded boost, this Funfetti Ice Cream Cake is pure happiness on a plate.

Funfetti Ice Cream Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is a celebration of simple, accessible ingredients, each one chosen to deliver that signature party vibe and fabulous flavor. Just a little mixing and layering brings this stunning treat to life.

Funfetti cake mix: The classic base, packed with vibrant sprinkles, makes every bite festive and moist.
Eggs, oil, and water: Essential for preparing the cake mix and adding richness and structure—just follow the box for exact amounts!
Vanilla ice cream: Softened vanilla ice cream forms the creamy, dreamy layer in the middle—use your favorite brand.
Rainbow sprinkles: Mixed into the ice cream and sprinkled on top for extra color and crunch.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Billowy and sweet, this finishes the cake with a cloud-like layer.
Maraschino cherries (optional): A traditional finishing touch that adds a pop of color and a hint of retro fun.

How to Make Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the Funfetti cake batter according to the directions on the box. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper—this little step ensures your layers release easily. Divide the batter evenly and bake for 20–25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick in the center. Once baked, let the cakes rest in their pans for about 10 minutes before gently turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely. This is key: the cakes must be totally cool before assembly!

Step 2: Make the Ice Cream Layer

While your cakes cool, line another 9-inch round cake pan with plastic wrap, leaving plenty of overhang. Scoop the softened vanilla ice cream into the pan and smooth it evenly to the edges with a spatula. Sprinkle a generous handful of rainbow sprinkles across the top, pressing them in ever so lightly. Pop the pan into the freezer for 2 to 3 hours, or until the ice cream is nice and firm. This step ensures that brilliant, tidy layer in your finished Funfetti Ice Cream Cake.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Time for the fun part! Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Lift the firm ice cream layer out of the pan using the plastic wrap and gently peel it away. Place the ice cream disk right on top of the cake layer, then top with the second cake round. If any edges are uneven, you can gently nudge them into place. The thrill of seeing the stacked cake and ice cream layers makes all that chilling time totally worth it!

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Spread the whipped topping over the top and sides of your cake, creating waves and swirls as you go for bakery-style flair. Generously shower the cake with extra sprinkles and add maraschino cherries for that picture-perfect, retro finish. Return your completed Funfetti Ice Cream Cake to the freezer for at least 2 more hours, so the layers meld and the cake is easy to slice when ready to serve.

How to Serve Funfetti Ice Cream Cake

Garnishes

This dessert just begs for a little extra sparkle. Besides the classic rainbow sprinkles, you can add edible glitter, white chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. A maraschino cherry perched on each slice truly makes every serving feel special—think classic sundae vibes with cake!

Side Dishes

Funfetti Ice Cream Cake is a party all on its own, but you can serve it with fresh berries or a fruit salad to cut through the sweetness. A mug of coffee or a frosty glass of milk is always a welcome pairing, especially if you’re serving this at a birthday brunch or afternoon get-together.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! You can slice the cake into wedges and stick festive mini flags or candles in each slice. For individual servings, cut cubes and serve in colorful cupcake liners. Or, turn the Funfetti Ice Cream Cake into a pop-tail by skewering cubes on sticks—kids and adults alike won’t be able to resist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep every slice as perfect as the first, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer. The cake will keep well for up to a week, though it’s so irresistible it usually disappears much faster!

Freezing

If you’d like to make your Funfetti Ice Cream Cake ahead, assemble and decorate as directed, then wrap the entire cake in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil to protect against freezer burn. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two weeks; just make sure to add fresh sprinkles or cherries right before serving for the brightest look.

Reheating

No reheating needed—just the opposite! Give the cake 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before slicing, so the layers soften slightly and you get those perfect, clean slices with both cake and ice cream showing off their colors.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake and ice cream instead of boxed mix and store-bought?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite homemade Funfetti cake recipe or churn your own ice cream. The method stays the same, and you’ll get a truly customizable twist on the classic Funfetti Ice Cream Cake.

What’s the best way to evenly layer the ice cream?

The secret is spreading softened ice cream in a plastic-wrap-lined pan that’s the exact size as your cake pans. Freeze until firm—this trick ensures your ice cream layer is uniform and stacks neatly between the cake layers.

Can I use a different flavor of ice cream?

Definitely! While vanilla is a classic pairing with Funfetti, you could try strawberry, birthday cake, or even chocolate chip ice cream for a fun change. Play around with flavors to create your perfect Funfetti Ice Cream Cake mashup.

How do I transport the cake to a party or picnic?

Freeze the cake until very firm, then wrap it securely and place it in a cooler with lots of ice packs. Keep it as cold as possible until you’re ready to serve, and slice when slightly softened for the best texture and appearance.

Is this recipe kid-friendly for making together?

Yes! Kids will love stirring the batter, adding sprinkles, and especially helping decorate the final masterpiece. Just handle the oven and assembly steps, and let little hands unleash their creativity with the toppings.

Final Thoughts

Get ready to turn any occasion into an unforgettable party with homemade Funfetti Ice Cream Cake. With its cheery colors, creamy layers, and pure nostalgic flavor, it’s a treat everyone will love—so grab your sprinkles and dig in!

Funfetti Ice Cream Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus freezing time)
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Funfetti Ice Cream Cake. Layers of moist Funfetti cake, creamy vanilla ice cream, and colorful sprinkles are topped with whipped cream for a treat that’s perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box Funfetti cake mix
Ingredients listed on the box (eggs, oil, water)

Ice Cream Layer:

1/2 gallon vanilla ice cream, softened
1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Additional:

1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
Maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat and Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare Funfetti cake batter as per package instructions. Bake in two 9-inch round cake pans for 20–25 minutes. Cool cakes on wire racks.
Prepare Ice Cream Layer: Line a 9-inch cake pan with plastic wrap. Spread softened ice cream in pan, sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles, and freeze for 2–3 hours.
Assemble: Layer cakes and ice cream, top with whipped topping, sprinkles, and cherries. Freeze for at least 2 hours.