Funfetti Cake Without an Oven (A Birthday Recipe With My Daughter)
This funfetti cake without an oven is a soft, colorful birthday cake made using a simple stovetop method, perfect for family baking and joyful celebrations. For extra guidance, be sure to watch the full video where I bake this cake together with my daughter.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Spatula
- Cake tin (1Kg cake tin)
- Large heavy pan with lid
- Heat-proof rack, metal tray, or spoons (for elevating the cake)
- Stove or gas cooker
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsps baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda (optional; improves fluffiness when using yogurt. If not using, add an extra teaspoon of baking powder)
- 1 cup sugar (can be slightly reduced)
- ⅓–½ tsp salt
- ½ Funfetti sprinkles (use the long "jimmies" plus have extra to sprinkle on the cake after frosting)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup yogurt (or milk)
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup milk (only if needed for consistency)
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Mix well and set aside.Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, add oil first, followed by yogurt. This helps the yogurt release easily from the cup. Add eggs and vanilla, then mix until combined.Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in two batches. Mix gently until smooth.If the batter feels too thick, add a little milk until you reach a pourable but not runny consistency.Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the sprinkles at the end to prevent them from bleeding or breaking.Prepare the Pan
Grease and dust a cake tin, or line with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and level gently.
No-Oven Baking Method (Salt-in-Pan)
- Place salt in a large heavy pan and preheat:5 minutes on high heat5 minutes on the lowest flame
- Elevate the cake tin using a metal tray, trivet, or heat-proof supports so it doesn’t touch direct heat.
- Place the cake inside, cover tightly, and bake:First 30 minutes on the lowest flameReduce to a very tiny flame for the remaining timeTotal baking time: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on heat control and batter thickness.Transfer the cake from the tin after a few minutes.
Decorating Cake
- Once cooled, you can decorate with:Whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)Buttercream or royal icingExtra sprinkles for celebrationThis cake is soft, fluffy, colorful, and perfect for birthdays — especially when made with children.