This funfetti crumb cake is soft, moist, and packed with colorful sprinkles, all topped with a thick, buttery crumb layer. It’s the perfect balance between a classic crumb cake and a fun celebration-style dessert, making it great for birthdays, brunch, or anytime you want something cheerful and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, tender cake with a rich crumb topping
• Loaded with rainbow sprinkles for a fun, festive look
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or special occasions
• Customizable with flavors, glaze, or extra crumbs

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crumb Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies work best)

Cake

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles

Optional Glaze

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
• Splash of vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.
2. To make the crumb topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until chunky crumbs form. Fold in the sprinkles and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake batter.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
8. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter without pressing it down.
9. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake layer comes out clean.
10. If using the glaze, whisk all glaze ingredients together and drizzle over the cake once it has slightly cooled.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 9 generous squares
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 40–45 minutes
• Cooling time: 15 minutes
• Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Extra Crumb Version: Double the crumb topping for a thicker, bakery-style layer.
• Almond Funfetti: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the batter for a classic bakery flavor.
• No Cinnamon: Replace cinnamon with cake batter flavoring for a true funfetti taste.
• Shortcut Version: Use a white cake mix as the base and prepare the crumb topping as written.

Storage/Reheating

Store the crumb cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This cake can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt works perfectly and keeps the cake moist.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Jimmies are best because they hold their color and do not bleed into the batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes great the next day and can be baked up to one day in advance.

Why is my crumb topping melting?

If the butter is too hot, the crumbs may melt. Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce the added salt slightly in both the cake and crumb topping.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the cake layer (not just the crumbs) should come out clean.

Can I bake this in a different pan?

Yes, a 9×9-inch pan works, but the cake will be slightly thinner and may bake faster.

Is the glaze necessary?

No, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds extra sweetness.

Can I freeze individual slices?

Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for easy grab-and-go treats.

Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?

Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and tender.

Conclusion

This funfetti crumb cake brings together the comfort of a classic crumb cake with the joy of colorful sprinkles. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and guaranteed to brighten any table. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as a celebration dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

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