This Funfetti Frosting is a homemade vanilla frosting that is creamy, sweet and loaded with rainbow sprinkles! This frosting recipe takes 5 minutes to make and only requires 5 ingredients; it has zero milk of any kind! You can easily make this frosting recipe dairy free by using vegan butter and, as always, it is gluten free, eggless and nut free! Perfect for a funfetti cookie cake, funfetti cake and funfetti cupcakes, this homemade frosting recipe is a must try!
Funfetti Frosting adds a layer of fun to anything you're eating! This recipe is so simple to whip up and because it's full of colorful sprinkles, it instantly adds joy to your baked goods! The smooth frosting with the crunch of the funfetti sprinkles creates a party in every bite!
For more funfetti recipes, try my Sprinkle Sugar Cookies, my Birthday Muffins, my Sprinkles Ice Cream or my Happy Birthday Cupcakes!
Reasons to Love This Homemade Frosting
- Allergy Friendly- This frosting is gluten free, nut free, egg free and can easily be dairy free (vegan)!
- Creamy & Crunchy- The frosting itself is so smooth yet has a nice crunch from all the rainbow sprinkles!
- Easy to Make- It whips up in one bowl in 5 minutes with only 5 ingredients!
- Loads of Sprinkles- The rainbow sprinkles bring joy to every bite like in my Chocolate Sprinkle Cookies!
Ingredient Notes
Unsalted Butter or Vegan Baking Sticks- Only use room temperature. Do not use melted or softened. Doing so will cause the frosting to be super runny; it won’t be fixed by putting it in the fridge. If using vegan butter, make sure to use only vegan baking sticks (not vegan butter in a tub) and make sure it's more on the cold side versus room temperature.
Confectioners' Sugar- Essential in frosting recipes, this gives the frosting its fluffy texture!
Vanilla- Make sure to only use pure vanilla extract that is gluten free and vegan. If you use one that is not pure, the frosting will have a chemical taste.
Rainbow Sprinkles- The brand I use is gluten free, nut free and egg free. You can also use a brand that is plant-based and/or dye free. Make sure to use sprinkles and not nonpareils. The nonpariels will turn your frosting into muddy colors. If you want to use nonpareils, use them after you frost you cakes and cupcakes as decoration on top.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
How to Make this into Vegan Frosting
- Make sure the brand of sugar you use is vegan.
- Use vegan baking sticks instead of butter.
- Only use pure vanilla extract from a gluten free/vegan facility.
- Read the label on your sprinkles to ensure they're gluten free and vegan.
Customize for the Holidays
- Use specific holiday colored sprinkles to make dessert festive!
This recipe may not have been tested with all of these substitutions and/or variations due to celiac disease and food allergies. If you change any of the ingredients, please let us know how the recipe turned out in the comments below!
How to Make Funfetti Frosting
Here are the step by step instructions to make this colorful homemade frosting recipe!
Step 1: Beat the Butter
In the large bowl of an electric mixer or using a hand held mixer, beat the butter or vegan baking stick until smooth and creamy. About 2 minutes.
Step 2: Add in the Sugar and Vanilla
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until thickening and crumbly.
Step 3: Add in the Water a Little at a Time
With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the water a little at a time until you get the desired consistency. You may not need to use all the water.
The frosting should be creamy but thick enough to not slide all over your cakes and cupcakes.
Step 4: Fold in the Sprinkles
Using a spatula, fold in the rainbow sprinkles so they are mixed throughout.
Expert Tips
- Use Room Temperature Butter- Do not use softened or melted butter, it will cause your frosting to be a runny mess. If you're using vegan butter, make sure it is on the colder side and only use vegan baking sticks (not vegan butter from a tub).
- Cream the Butter First- Beat the butter before adding in the confectioner's sugar. If you add them both at the same time, it may leave chunks of butter in your frosting.
- Add the Water a Little at a Time- You may not need to add all the water. If your butter was fairly cold when making the frosting, you will probably need more water than if your butter was actually room temperature.
- Getting the Right Consistency- If the frosting is too liquidy, add more confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. The frosting should be thick enough to stay put on cupcakes and not run off. If the frosting appears too thick, add water ¼ teaspoon at a time.
Recipe FAQs
I prefer to make the frosting without adding in the sprinkles. Store it in a bowl covered with plastic wrap in the fridge.
When ready to use, bring the frosting to room temperature and rewhip it to regain creaminess. Then fold in the rainbow sprinkles in with a spatula.
If you add the sprinkles ahead of time and then try to rewhip it, the sprinkles may break apart.
This recipe makes about 3 cups of frosting.
That should be enough for a 2 layer cake, 16 cupcakes, 12 large cookies or 6 dozen small cookies.
For a loaf cake or a one layer cake, divide the recipe in half.
Yes! Use my recipe for Cream Cheese Frosting and fold 1 cup of rainbow sprinkles in at the end!
Refrigerate any extra frosting in a bowl covered in plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature prior to using.
Other Frosting Recipes You'll Love
Did you try this recipe? Please leave me a ⭐ review below!
Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @laneandgreyfare and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube! Enjoy!!!
📖 Recipe
Funfetti Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter or vegan baking stick, room temperature
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup water room temperature (you may not need all of it)
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- In the large bowl of an electric mixer or using a hand held mixer, beat the butter or vegan baking stick until smooth and creamy. About 2 minutes.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add in the water a little at a time until you get the desired consistency. You may not need to use all the water.The frosting should be creamy but thick enough to not slide all over your cakes and cupcakes.
- Using a spatula, fold in the rainbow sprinkles so they are mixed throughout.
John
Such an easy and fun frosting to make! Two spoons up!