Homemade Funfetti Pancakes (Birthday Cake Pancakes)

You need these homemade funfetti pancakes in your life! They’re light and fluffy, perfectly sweet, and the almond extract makes them taste just like birthday cake.

Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and even more sprinkles, these are an instant mood booster. 

Each bite is a delightful mix of soft, cake-like texture and sweet, buttery flavor. And while they’re totally from scratch, they’re a cinch to whip up at home!

Why You’ll Love These Funfetti Pancakes

Kid-Friendly: The fun and playful nature of birthday cake pancakes makes them a hit with kids. But be warned, they’re so good, the kids might want them every day!

Insta-Worthy Presentation: The vibrant colors and fun sprinkles make these pancakes an eye-catching and Instagram-worthy breakfast treat.

Customizable Creativity: With a simple batter as the base, these pancakes allow for endless creativity. So feel free to jazz it up with fun mix-ins and different colored sprinkles!

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a tender base for the pancakes.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the pancakes.

• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Help the pancakes rise and become fluffy.

• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.

• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps activate the baking soda for maximum fluffiness.

• Butter: Adds richness and a tender texture. It’s also used to make the glaze luxuriously smooth.

• Vanilla and Almond Extracts: Add flavor, depth, and aroma.

• Rainbow Sprinkles: It’s not funfetti without them!

• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and makes it nice and thick.

• Milk: Helps the glaze achieve the desired pourable consistency.

How to Make Funfetti Pancakes

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to add some fun to your breakfast, these confetti pancakes are sure to bring smiles to the table. 

And believe it or not, you can have the batter ready in a matter of minutes.

1. MIX (dry): Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

2. WHISK (wet): Mix the eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla, and almond extract in a separate bowl until smooth.

3. COMBINE: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until no large lumps remain. Rest the batter for 5-10 minutes.

4. GLAZE: Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the milk for consistency. Set aside.

5. HEAT: Warm a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and grease lightly.

6. COOK: Gently fold the sprinkles into the rested batter. Then, scoop/pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form and edges look dry. Flip and cook until golden brown.

7. WARM: Place the cooked pancakes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven until all the batter is cooked.

8 SERVE: Drizzle pancakes with the vanilla glaze, top with extra sprinkles and whipped cream. Enjoy!

Tips For the Best Funfetti Pancakes

Pancakes that taste like birthday cake are always a good idea in my book – especially when they’re this easy.

But if you’ve never made pancakes without a box before, check out these tips before you start!

• Avoid overmixing. Mix the batter by hand, just until no large lumps remain. A few small lumps are okay.

• Let the batter rest. This helps to relax the gluten that develops during mixing, resulting in tender, fluffy pancakes. It also gives time for any air bubbles to dissipate, which helps prevent the pancakes from being too dense or tough.

• Jimmies sprinkles. For best results, use “jimmies” style rainbow sprinkles, which are small rod shapes. Or you could use quins confetti sprinkles, which I think are adorable! Avoid nonpareils (the tiny round balls) which tend to bleed color.

• Add the sprinkles last – as in, right before you cook the pancakes. If you add them before the resting time, the color will bleed into the batter. 

• Optional mix-ins. Stir in mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. Or swirl some peanut butter or caramel into the batter. 

• Keep the heat steady. If you use an electric griddle, set it to 375°F (190°C). Otherwise, warm the griddle/skillet over medium heat. Don’t crank it any higher, or the pancakes will burn before they’re cooked through.

• Keep them warm. As you cook the pancakes, keep the finished ones warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve. Arrange them in a single layer so they don’t steam and go soggy.

• Topping ideas. In addition to the vanilla glaze, try topping your funfetti pancakes with whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or chocolate glaze for extra indulgence.

How to Store

These pancakes are super easy to whip up and such a fun treat to make for a birthday breakfast – or really any day you need a little extra joy on your plate. 

Trust me, both kids and adults go crazy for these! 

And luckily, they even store well! So you can make a double or triple batch and save some for later.

To Store: Refrigerate leftover funfetti pancakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best quality, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.

To Freeze: Freeze cooled funfetti pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. 

To Reheat: Warm refrigerated pancakes in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Reheat frozen pancakes in a 350°F (175°C) oven on a baking tray covered with foil for 6-8 minutes.

More Funfetti Recipes You’ll Love

Funfetti Cake Dip
Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes
Funfetti Cake Mix Cookies
Homemade Funfetti Cookies