Funfetti Pancakes (Birthday Cake Pancakes)

A stack of Funfetti Pancakes on a white plate

Funfetti Pancakes (Birthday Cake Pancakes)

From scratch Funfetti Pancakes are the perfect way to start a celebratory day. Also known as Birthday Cake Pancakes, these easy homemade pancakes feature bright sprinkles and a scrumptious vanilla icing. No cake mix required.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings pancakes

Calories 109kcal

Ingredients

Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour 240g
3 tablespoons granulated sugar 38g
2 teaspoons baking powder 12g
½ teaspoon baking soda 4g
½ teaspoon kosher salt 3g
¾ cup rainbow sprinkles not nonpareils
1 ⅔ cups milk
2 eggs ~100g
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 6g
½ teaspoon pure almond extract 3g
2 tablespoons flavorless oil avocado, vegetable or canola oil all work (30g)

Vanilla Icing

1 cup powdered sugar 114g
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 18g
A pinch of kosher salt

Garnishes

Extra sprinkles
Homemade whipped cream
Vanilla Icing recipe above

Instructions

Make the Pancakes

In a large bowl, measure out the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sprinkles. Whisk together until incorporated.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract and oil. Whisk together with a fork until combined — you want to ensure that the egg is completely incorporated.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will affect the texture and rise of the pancakes.
Set aside the batter, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
While the batter rests, heat a griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat. We want the griddle to be hot, but not scorching hot.
Grease the pan lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Dollop the pancakes onto the preheated skillet when ready. I like to use a cookie scoop to measure my pancakes out into 1.5-tablespoon silver dollar sized ones, but you can use a larger measuring scoop if you’d rather larger pancakes.
When several bubbles have formed on the surface, flip the pancakes, and cook through. Repeat until all batter has been made into pancakes.

Make the glaze

Combine the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla extract in a food processor. Add a pinch of salt, too.
Blend until smooth.
Make a stack of pancakes, and serve with the vanilla glaze, whipped cream and extra sprinkles.

Notes

**Recipe updated 8/30/24 to include measurements in weight. Also updated the amount of flour from 1 ½ cups to 2 cups (because previously, I measured flour inconsistently.) When you measure flour, you should fluff it inside the container before scooping into your measuring cup with a spoon, then level it out.**

This recipe makes 26 (2 tablespoon) pancakes. If you make larger pancakes, you will have less, and if you make smaller, you will have more.

Variations on Funfetti Pancakes

I love these Birthday Cake Pancakes because you can change the colors to whatever you’d like.

Since themed sprinkle mixes are sold in stores and online, it’s fun to make twists on these classic birthday pancakes and transform them into holiday-centric pancakes.

Red, white and blue sprinkles for July 4th
Red and green for Christmas
Pink and red for Valentine’s Day
Orange and black for Halloween
Green and gold for St. Patrick’s Day

What can I make these Birthday Cake Pancakes for?

If you don’t think just because is an answer, here are a few other celebrations you could make these pancakes for…

A birthday
Mother’s Day or Father’s Day if the person being celebrated loves sprinkles
The first day of a vacation (or staycation)
Any holiday that has fun colors… think of adding red and green jimmies to these Funfetti Pancakes to make Christmas Pancakes; red and pink for Valentine’s Day, red, white and blue for July 4th, etc.

Nutrition