Few things say celebration quite like cake batter funfetti pancakes. With their vibrant rainbow sprinkles, sweet vanilla flavor, and fluffy, cake-like texture, these pancakes turn any morning into a party. Whether you’re surprising your kid with a birthday breakfast or just craving dessert-for-breakfast indulgence, this recipe has you covered.
But funfetti pancakes are more than just eye candy — they’re a brilliant fusion of cake mix ease and homemade pancake charm.
Before we dive into the steps, here’s everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of funfetti pancakes — including ingredients, pro tips, FAQs, and irresistible variations.
Unlike traditional pancakes, these are packed with cake mix flavor and customizable toppings that make every bite a celebration. And if you’re already a fan of dessert-for-breakfast, you’ll also love exploring creative breakfast ideas like this tater tot breakfast bowl with sausage gravy — another indulgent morning meal.
🎂 What Are Cake Batter Funfetti Pancakes?
These aren’t your typical pancakes. Cake batter funfetti pancakes are made using a cake mix base (usually funfetti or vanilla) combined with pancake essentials like milk, eggs, and oil.
What sets them apart?
- Sprinkles baked into the batter
- A texture that’s fluffy like a pancake, but with the sweetness of cake
- Optional frosting or glaze drizzle for that extra dessert kick
For more creative takes on this pancake trend, check out Food Network’s 50 Pancake Recipes — it’s a goldmine of inspiration.
And if you’re the kind of baker who loves geeking out on kitchen science, you’ll love reading about The Science Behind the Perfect Pancake from Serious Eats. It explains why certain techniques matter.
Not to mention, they go wonderfully with something like lemon ricotta pancakes if you’re building a celebratory pancake brunch board.
🧁 What Makes These Pancakes So Special?
- Combines the best of cake and pancakes
- Visually appealing — perfect for social media or themed brunches
- Highly customizable (flavors, add-ins, toppings)
- Easy to make with boxed mix or from scratch
📝 Part 1: Making the Best Cake Batter Funfetti Pancakes
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect stack of cake batter funfetti pancakes starts with the right blend of ingredients. Whether you’re going with a boxed cake mix shortcut or prefer making your own from scratch, the magic lies in the balance between pancake fluffiness and that sweet, cake batter flavor. Here’s everything you need for a batch that tastes like it came straight from a birthday party.
🎂 Core Dry Ingredients
These are the building blocks of your pancake structure. Even when using a cake mix, you’ll want to reinforce it with pancake staples to get that ideal texture.
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
Adds structure and helps balance the moisture from the cake mix. - 2 teaspoons baking powder
Gives the pancakes their lift and fluffiness. - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Optional — the cake mix is already sweet, so adjust based on taste. - ½ teaspoon salt
Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness. - 1 box Funfetti cake mix (15.25 oz)
The star of the show. This brings in the iconic birthday cake flavor and color flecks. Pillsbury is the most popular brand, but any rainbow sprinkle cake mix will work.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re using yellow or vanilla cake mix instead of Funfetti, just add your own rainbow sprinkles.
🥛 Wet Ingredients
These bring the batter together and influence richness, texture, and rise.
- ⅓ cup canola oil
A neutral oil that adds moisture without affecting flavor. - 3 large eggs
Provide structure and bind everything together. - 2⅓ cups milk (2% or buttermilk)
Regular milk works great, but if you want an ultra-rich and tangy flavor, swap in buttermilk. It also enhances the softness.
🌈 Mix-Ins and Additions
This is where you add your creativity! Mix-ins and toppings are what make funfetti pancakes truly special.
- ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles
Use Jimmies (the long rod-like sprinkles), not nonpareils (tiny round ones). Nonpareils tend to bleed color into the batter and can create a gray mess. - Optional: mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, fresh berries
Add these to the batter if you want more texture or flavor bursts.
🍰 Frosting or Glaze (Optional, but Highly Recommended)
A drizzle of sweet glaze turns your pancake stack into a breakfast dessert masterpiece.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
The base of the frosting. - 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
Adds creamy richness. - 2 tablespoons half-and-half or whole milk
Adjust for consistency — less for spreadable, more for drizzling. - ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
Vanilla is classic, but almond gives that bakery cake flavor.
🔁 Want a vegan version? Use plant-based milk, egg replacers, and vegan butter!
Want something with a richer cake flavor? You might enjoy pairing it with pistachio coffee cake or apple fritter cake for the ultimate dessert brunch.
🥄 Tools You’ll Need (Quick Checklist)
Not ingredients, but just as essential for smooth cooking:
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for flipping
- Small bowl and spoon for glaze prep
- Serve with a side of pink macarons or strawberry crunch cheesecake for a colorful brunch table.
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s walk through the process of making the perfect batch of cake batter funfetti pancakes. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a picture-perfect stack ready in no time — complete with colorful rainbow sprinkles and a melt-in-your-mouth glaze.
✅ 1. Prep Your Workspace
Before diving in, get your tools and ingredients set up.
You’ll need:
- Two large mixing bowls
- A whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A non-stick skillet or electric griddle
- Spatula for flipping
- A small bowl for the glaze
Pro Tip: Preheat your griddle or pan to 250–275°F while prepping the batter. Low heat is key to prevent burning the sugary batter.
✅ 2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix (15.25 oz)
This blend gives you the best of both pancake and cake textures — soft, fluffy, but sturdy enough to flip.
⚠️ Avoid sifting the cake mix. It’s already processed and doesn’t need it.
✅ 3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk until smooth:
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2⅓ cups milk (buttermilk optional for richer flavor)
Mix until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture looks silky.
✅ 4. Bring It All Together
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, whisking gently until just combined.
- Don’t overmix! A few small lumps are okay.
- The batter will be thick, similar to brownie batter.
✅ 5. Fold in the Sprinkles
Add ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles (preferably Jimmies), and gently fold them into the batter.
- Add sprinkles at the very end to avoid bleeding.
- You can also mix in extras like white chocolate chips, berries, or crushed Oreos for more flavor.
✅ 6. Cook the Pancakes
Using a lightly greased griddle or skillet:
- Scoop ¼ cup batter for each pancake.
- Cook on low heat for 1–2 minutes, or until bubbles form on top.
- Flip carefully and cook an additional 1–2 minutes until golden.
Pro Tip: These cook slower than regular pancakes due to the sugar content. Don’t rush — low and slow wins here!
✅ 7. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, mix:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- 2 tbsp half-and-half or milk
- ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
Microwave the glaze for 10–15 seconds if you want a pourable consistency. Otherwise, keep it spreadable like frosting.
✅ 8. Assemble and Serve
Stack the pancakes high and drizzle (or spread) the glaze over the top. Add extra sprinkles, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a birthday candle for extra flair!
For more party-inspired ideas, try these cheesy parmesan mozzarella bites as a side to your brunch spread.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the wrong sprinkles (nonpareils can bleed)
- High heat (leads to raw centers)
- Overmixing = tough texture
- Adding too much sugar (cake mix is sweet enough!)
❄️ Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
- Freeze leftovers between parchment paper
- Store in airtight zip-top bag for up to 6 weeks
- Reheat in the toaster or microwave (no soggy pancakes!)
🎉 When to Serve Funfetti Pancakes
Perfect for:
- Birthday breakfasts (add a candle on top!)
- Sleepovers
- Weekend brunches
- Baby showers
- Holidays like Easter or New Year’s Day
📝 Part 2: Customizations, Variations & Pro Tips
🪄 Pancake Customization Ideas
Want to take things up a notch?
- Add-ins:
- Mini chocolate chips
- White chocolate chunks
- Raspberries or strawberries
- Flavor swaps:
- Almond or coconut extract
- Lemon zest
- Crushed Oreo topping
🍓 Topping Inspiration
Ditch the boring syrup and try these:
- Vanilla buttercream glaze
- Strawberry compote or raspberry drizzle
- Nutella or hazelnut spread
- Fresh fruit and whipped cream
- Powdered sugar dusting
Combine toppings for a birthday cake pancake tower!
🧁 How to Make Funfetti Pancakes Without Cake Mix
Prefer a from-scratch version? Try this mix:
DIY “Funfetti” Dry Mix:
- 1½ cups flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
Fold in:
- ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles
Same cooking method as the original version.
🧇 Other Creative Forms
Don’t limit yourself to pancakes!
- Funfetti waffles — Just use a waffle iron!
- Sheet pan pancakes — Bake and slice into squares
- Mini pancake muffins — Use a muffin tin
- Pancake stack cake — Layer with frosting
💬 Real User Tips (From Online Reviews)
Here’s what other home cooks say:
- “Use low heat — they cook slow!”
- “Jimmies over nonpareils, always.”
- “Reduce sugar if you’re sensitive to sweetness.”
- “Freeze extras and pop them in the toaster later.”
❓FAQs About Cake Batter Funfetti Pancakes
👉 Can I use yellow cake mix instead of Funfetti?
Yes! Just add your own sprinkles to get the same effect.
👉 Can I make these without eggs?
You can substitute:
- ¼ cup applesauce per egg
- Or use mashed banana for a slight flavor twist
👉 Are Funfetti pancakes the same as confetti pancakes?
Mostly! Funfetti is a branded version; confetti just means sprinkles.
👉 Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely. Freeze them between parchment layers and reheat as needed.
👉 Can I cook these in a waffle maker?
Yes — just watch the moisture level. The batter may need a touch more milk to avoid sticking.
🎉 Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate birthday breakfast, cake batter funfetti pancakes are it. Whether you’re going full frosting or keeping it light with syrup and whipped cream, these are sure to wow guests of any age.