The Ultimate Birthday Cake Funfetti Pancakes
Who says you need a birthday as an excuse to eat Birthday Cake Funfetti Pancakes for breakfast? Definitely not me! I’ve always believed that you shouldn’t have to wait for a special occasion to eat something that makes you feel like a kid again.
I’m not exaggerating when I say these are the fluffiest, most joyful pancakes I have ever flipped in my kitchen. We’re talking about that nostalgic, box-mix flavor we all grew up with, but these are cake mix pancakes from scratch leveled up with fresh ingredients so they actually taste like a high-end brunch treat. I tested this viral pancake recipe four times just to get the sprinkle-to-batter ratio perfect—there’s a science to the sparkle, you guys!
The Secret Ingredient for Birthday Cake Funfetti Pancakes
You know that specific, nostalgic flavor of a classic funfetti cake? Most people think it’s just vanilla, but the real secret is a tiny splash of almond extract. It’s the “game changer alert” ingredient that transforms regular buttermilk pancakes into actual birthday cake. If you skip this, they’ll still be good, but with it? They are obsess-worthy.
The Art of the Fluff: An Easy Funfetti Breakfast
If you’ve ever had pancakes turn out like rubbery frisbees, I’ve been there. The secret is to not overmix. When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, you want to see lumps! Those lumps are little pockets of air that help the pancakes rise high and stay airy.
When you add your sprinkles, use the Gentle Fold technique. Think of it like you’re gently tucking the sprinkles into bed. A few swipes with a spatula is all you need. If you stir aggressively, you’ll end up with muddy, gray batter, and we want bright, rainbow perfection!
The Viral Marshmallow Fluff Syrup
Let’s be real: the best part of this recipe (besides the sprinkles) is the marshmallow fluff syrup. Forget regular maple syrup for a second. This two-ingredient glaze is thick, gooey, and looks like a dream on camera. It flows down the sides of the stack like sweet lava.
If you’re looking for the best birthday breakfast ideas, I love serving these for a celebratory morning, but they also make an incredible breakfast for dinner treat. If you’re a fan of these nostalgic vibes, you’ll definitely want to check out my Fudgy Brownies for your next party.
Now, grab your sprinkles and let’s get flipping! Your friends and family are going to freak out when they see this stack hit the table.
The Ultimate Birthday Cake Funfetti Pancakes
Ingredients
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until *just* combined. Stop when you still see some lumps! Overmixing will make the pancakes tough.
Gently fold in the rainbow jimmies with 2-3 strokes. Don't overdo it, or the colors will bleed into the batter.
Heat a non-stick griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or cookie scoop to drop batter onto the griddle. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes).
Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Make the drizzle: Place marshmallow fluff and 1 tablespoon of cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and pourable. Add more cream if needed.
Stack the pancakes high, pour the warm marshmallow syrup over the top, and finish with an extra shower of sprinkles!