Sheet Pan Christmas Funfetti Cake Feed A Crowd

When the holiday season hits, the last thing you want is to spend hours individually decorating dozens of cupcakes or fussing over complex layer cakes. This Sheet Pan Christmas Funfetti Cake is the ultimate holiday hack for busy hosts. It brings all the nostalgic joy of a classic funfetti cake but scales it up to feed a massive crowd with minimal effort. Imagine a moist, buttery vanilla sponge loaded with festive red and green sprinkles, topped with a cloud-like layer of vanilla buttercream. It is colorful, cheerful, and guaranteed to be the star of your next Christmas potluck or office party. Best of all, you bake it all in one pan, making cleanup a total breeze.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 24 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Nutrition values

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 42g

Why Make This Sheet Pan Christmas Funfetti Cake Feed A Crowd

This recipe is a lifesaver for holiday entertaining. Unlike traditional round cakes, a sheet pan cake provides a huge surface area for frosting, ensuring every single guest gets a perfect ratio of cake to icing. It is incredibly sturdy, making it easy to transport to parties without worrying about layers sliding apart. The “funfetti” element adds an instant festive flair without requiring advanced decorating skills. Plus, the high moisture content of this specific batter ensures the cake stays soft and delicious even if you make it a day in advance.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup red and green festive sprinkles (jimmies work best)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Extra festive sprinkles for topping

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 18×13 inch rimmed baking sheet (half-sheet pan) thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. For even easier removal, line the bottom with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the long sides.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking the dry ingredients first ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which prevents large holes or uneven rising in your sheet cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Cream

In a separate stand mixer bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and milk. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled at this stage; it will come together once the dry ingredients are added.

Step 4: Form the Batter and Fold in Sprinkles

Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overwork the batter, or the cake will become tough. Use a spatula to gently fold in the red and green sprinkles by hand so they don’t bleed color into the batter.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter onto the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly to the edges using an offset spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before frosting.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Whip the softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake in an even layer. Immediately top with a generous handful of extra Christmas sprinkles. Slice into 24 squares and serve directly from the pan.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sheet Pan Christmas Funfetti Cake Feed A Crowd

Always use “jimmies” (the long, rod-shaped sprinkles) rather than nonpareils (the tiny round balls). Nonpareils tend to bleed their dye quickly, which can turn your white cake batter a muddy gray color. Additionally, ensure your butter and eggs are at true room temperature. This creates an emulsion that traps air, resulting in a fluffier, more tender cake crumb. If you want a perfectly flat top for easy frosting, tap the sheet pan firmly on the counter a few times before sliding it into the oven to release any large air bubbles.

Delicious Variations

To change things up, try swapping the vanilla extract for almond extract for a professional bakery flavor. You can also make a “Grinch” version by adding a few drops of neon green food coloring to the frosting and topping with a single large red candy heart on each slice. If you prefer a richer flavor, use a cream cheese frosting instead of standard buttercream. For a chocolate twist, use a cocoa-based cake recipe but keep the festive sprinkles for that signature Christmas look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste and appearance.

Can I use a boxed cake mix instead?

While this scratch recipe is superior in flavor, you can use two boxes of standard white cake mix to fill a half-sheet pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as boxed mixes may cook faster.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any remaining slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, you may want to refrigerate it, but bring it to room temperature before eating so the butter in the frosting softens.

Can I freeze this sheet cake?

Absolutely. You can freeze the unfrosted cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

What size pan is best?

This recipe is designed for a 13×18 inch half-sheet pan. If you use a smaller 9×13 pan, the cake will be much thicker and will require a significantly longer baking time (about 35-40 minutes).

Conclusion

This Sheet Pan Christmas Funfetti Cake is the ultimate solution for holiday stress. It is simple to bake, easy to decorate, and provides enough servings for every guest to have seconds. With its moist texture and festive colors, it captures the magic of the season in every bite. Whether you are hosting a large family gathering or bringing a treat to a school event, this cake is sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer to everyone at the table.