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Home > Recipes > Breakfast

Published: Jan 15, 2023 by Meredith · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

Homemade Funfetti Pancakes

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Homemade funfetti pancakes are the perfect way to start a fun day! This quick and easy pancake recipe uses standard pantry ingredients and rainbow sprinkles to make an unforgettable breakfast. 

A big stack of funfetti pancakes with vanilla icing, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles on them. the stack of pancakes sits on a white plate, with another plate of pancakes in the background, and a white linen in front.

Is there anything better than a big stack of homemade pancakes? Or any food more joyful than sprinkles? Mix these two things together to create the happiest and most fun pancake experience.

If you’ve been looking for birthday breakfast ideas, funfetti pancakes from scratch are super easy to do, and sure to bring a smile to a special someone celebrating a birthday!

This easy pancake recipe would also be super fun to make when hosting a sleepover. Or on a Tuesday night for brinner (breakfast for dinner) because adulting is hard sometimes and sprinkles are fun (we did this last week…no judgment!).

If you love this funfetti pancake recipe, you should definitely try these super fluffy oat milk pancakes, and double chocolate protein pancakes too!

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients Needed
  • Recipe Variations and Substitutions
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Pancake Toppings Ideas
  • Possible Dietary Restrictions?
  • Have Leftovers? How to Store Pancakes, How to Reheat Pancakes
  • Expert Tips
  • Helpful Equipment
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Love This Recipe? You May Also Enjoy
  • Homemade Funfetti Pancakes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The most fun birthday pancakes! What better way to kick off a birthday celebration than with confetti pancakes?! Using the optional vanilla icing as a topping really amps up the birthday cake factor. 

Soft and fluffy texture. The texture of these pancakes are awesome! A great classic, fluffy pancake (with sprinkles!).

Quick and easy to make. Making homemade funfetti pancakes is a breeze! Some measuring, mixing, and then time to fry up on the griddle (or in a pan).

Sprinkles make everything better. How can you not smile when you see a big stack of these sprinkle pancakes?! They’re just so cute, fun, and happy.

Ingredients Needed

ingredients needed to make homemade funfetti pancakes from scratch.
  • Sprinkles! Rainbow sprinkles are key to making homemade funfetti pancakes.
    • Type of sprinkles to use: The best type of sprinkles to use for this recipe are the long, cylindrical shaped sprinkles often called jimmies (sometimes called sugar strands). Confetti sprinkles (also known as quins or sequins) can also work for this recipe. Both of these sprinkle types work well in bakes as the colors from the sprinkles will not bleed into the batter. 
    • Types of sprinkles to avoid: Do NOT use nonpareils (the small ball shaped sprinkles). The color will bleed into the batter, making it tye-dye like and splotchy. 
  • Vanilla Extract and Almond Extract. Using both of these extracts in this recipe helps give these pancakes that classic birthday cake flavor

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

  • Use butter instead of oil. If you prefer butter to oil, you can exchange these 1-to-1 in the batter for this funfetti pancake recipe.
  • Use different color sprinkles for different occasions. Using rainbow sprinkles is fun for birthdays or just for fun. But you can use all kinds of combinations for various events:
    • Pink, red, and white sprinkles for Valentines day.
    • Red, white, and blue sprinkles for 4th of July funfetti pancakes.
    • Orange, black, and purple sprinkles for Halloween.
    • Red, green, and white sprinkles for Christmas pancakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. showing milk being poured into a large mixing bowl.

Step 1: Add egg, oil, and milk to a large mixing bowl.

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. showing the wet ingredients being whisked together in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Whisk to combine.

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. showing granulated being poured into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Add granulated sugar and salt.

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. showing vanilla extract being poured into a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Add vanilla extract and almond extract. Whisk again to combine.

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. showing baking powder being poured into a large mixing bowl.

Step 5: Slowly add in baking powder and flour and whisk until nearly combined (a few lumps / streaks of flour are ok!).

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. showing rainbow sprinkles being poured into a large mixing bowl.

Step 6: Add in rainbow sprinkles and gently fold in to distribute throughout the batter.

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. sprinkle pancake batter is being poured onto a hot griddle using a measuring cup.

Step 7: Heat griddle (or pan of choice) over medium heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray if using a pan that requires it. Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop batter onto the griddle.

process shot showing how to make funfetti pancakes from scratch. a pancake is about to be flipped to the second side on a hot griddle.

Step 8: Watch your griddle (or pan) closely, and use a spatula to turn pancakes when they begin to bubble and the edges begin to firm up.

Optional Vanilla Icing Instructions

process shot showing how to make the optional vanilla glaze. milk being poured over powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl.

Step 1: Add powdered sugar, milk of choice, and vanilla extract to a small mixing bowl.

process shot showing how to make the optional vanilla glaze. a fork being lifted out of a small mixing bowl to show the consistency of the icing.

Step 2: Use a fork or whisk to combine the ingredients and create a glaze. Add more liquid to thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken.

Pancake Toppings Ideas

Looking for pancake topping ideas for the fun sprinkle pancakes? Here is a list of some of my favorite toppings (including some healthy pancake toppings) that would be great on these confetti pancakes.

  • Vanilla glaze (recipe outlined in the recipe card below)
  • Vanilla glaze with whipped cream and more sprinkles
  • Butter and pure maple syrup
  • Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, pure maple syrup, and berries
  • Almond butter and pure maple syrup
  • Whipped cream and berries
  • Fresh fruit compotes or syrups
  • Nutella hazelnut spread or chocolate syrup
  • A drizzle of warm peanut butter (on a personal note, I love peanut butter and maple syrup together on pancakes and waffles!)
  • Ice cream – if you’re really leaning into birthday pancakes, a generous scoop of your favorite ice cream can be a fun addition!

Possible Dietary Restrictions?

This homemade funfetti pancake recipe is vegetarian as written. 

Make these into dairy free pancakes by using a non-dairy milk in the batter. Be sure to select dairy-free toppings too. 

To make this into a gluten free pancakes recipe, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking flour or gluten free all-purpose flour.

  • Please note: I have not tested this myself, but have used this 1-to-1 baking flour in other recipes with success. Review the gluten free flour label for substitution ratios.

Have Leftovers? How to Store Pancakes, How to Reheat Pancakes

Leftover pancakes can be enjoyed at a later date for a quick and easy breakfast!

Option 1: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to enjoy your leftover pancakes soon, store remaining pancakes in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3-days. Reheat pancakes in the microwave, starting with 1-minute (adjust the time to heat your pancakes as needed to reheat to your desired temperature).

Option 2: Freeze to enjoy at a later date! The best way to do this takes a few steps, but they are worth it to make a future morning easy! Reheat frozen pancakes (from frozen!) in the microwave for about 1-minute. Option to then pop them into the toaster to crisp them up a little too.

How to Freeze Pancakes

  • Step 1: allow pancakes to cool completely to room-temperature on a cooling rack.
  • Step 2: do an initial freeze of your pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This only needs to be for about 30-minutes, but this will help prevent your frozen pancakes from sticking together.
  • Step 3: transfer pancakes to a ziplock bag labeled with the type of pancake and date made, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Close up of a fork full of spices of pancakes just removed from a big stack of funfetti pancakes with vanilla icing, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles on them. the stack of pancakes sits on a white plate, with another plate of pancakes in the background.

Expert Tips

Do not overmix your batter. Overmixing your batter can lead to tough, rubbery pancakes. You want to mix your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients until just blended in (if you have a few little lumps, or small streaks of flour, that is ok!). 

Keep an eye on the heat of your griddle. It is recommended to cook pancakes over medium heat. However, if your pancakes are coming out darker than desired, turn down the heat. Burned pancakes are no fun! If you’re worried, you can always do one test pancake to see how your heat is and adjust accordingly.

Do not overcrowd your pan when cooking. Make sure to leave room between your pancakes when cooking your batter. This will make sure your pancakes have enough room to puff up and rise, and you’ll have enough room to get your spatula in and flip your birthday pancakes!

Helpful Equipment

It’s easy to make a lot of pancakes at one with the use of a griddle! We personally love and use an electric griddle. There are also griddle pans that sit on top of your stove’s burners that can work too. I will note we did upgrade to the electrical griddle because it was harder to get even cooking with a griddle pan (at least on our electric stove with multiple sized burners). 

Using a ¼ cup measure is helpful to get even sized pancakes. I usually just use a measuring cup that I’ve already used for measuring out ingredients for the recipe to minimize dishes.

Don’t forget a good spatula for flipping your pancakes! If you have non-stick cookware, be sure to use a spatula that won’t damage your griddle or pan.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of sprinkles can you bake?

The best type of sprinkles to use for baking are the long, cylindrical shaped sprinkles often called jimmies (sometimes called sugar strands). Confetti sprinkles (also known as quins or sequins) are the next best option. Both of these sprinkle types work well in bakes as the colors from the sprinkles will not bleed into the batter.

Can you make and freeze pancakes?

Yes! The best way to freeze pancakes takes a few simple steps:

Step 1: allow pancakes to cool completely to room-temperature on a cooling rack.
Step 2: do an initial freeze of your pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. This only needs to be for about 30-minutes, but this will help prevent your frozen pancakes from sticking together.
Step 3: transfer pancakes to a ziplock bag labeled with the type of pancake and date made, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat frozen pancakes (from frozen!) in the microwave for about 1-minute. Option to then pop them into the toaster to crisp them up a little too.

How do you know when to flip a pancake?

Pancakes are ready to flip after they begin to puff up and bubble. Signs that your pancakes are ready to turn include bubbles throughout the batter that are beginning to pop, and edges that have begun to firm up. The bottom of the pancake will be golden brown.

Generally it will take about 2 minutes to cook the first side of a pancake, and about 1 additional minute to cook the second side (however, this will depend on your heat).

What are good toppings for pancakes?

Looking for pancake topping ideas? Here is a list of good toppings for pancakes (regular, whole wheat, or funfetti):
– Vanilla glaze
– Whipped cream
– Whipped cream and fresh berries
– Butter and pure maple syrup
– Plain or vanilla Greek yogurt, pure maple syrup, and berries
– Peanut butter (warm it up in a microwave safe bowl for ~10-15 seconds in the microwave to drizzle it over pancakes if desired)
– Peanut butter and bananas
– Peanut butter and pure maple syrup
– Almond butter and pure maple syrup
– Fresh fruit compotes or syrups (blueberry, strawberry, etc.)
– Nutella hazelnut spread or chocolate syrup
– Bananas and chocolate chips
– Nuts
– Sprinkles
– Ice cream (for dessert or birthday pancakes!)

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A big stack of funfetti pancakes with vanilla icing, whipped cream, and rainbow sprinkles on them. the stack of pancakes sits on a white plate, with another plate of pancakes in the background, and a white linen in front.

Homemade Funfetti Pancakes

Meredith
Homemade funfetti pancakes are the perfect way to start a fun day! This quick and easy pancake recipe uses standard pantry ingredients and rainbow sprinkles to make an unforgettable breakfast.
5 from 12 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Breakfast, Brunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 397 kcal

Ingredients
  

Funfetti Pancakes from Scratch

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil)
  • 1 + ¼ C milk of choice (2% or whole dairy milk, or oat milk recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 + ½ C all-purpose flour
  • .5 C rainbow sprinkles (jimmies or confetti shape)

Optional Vanilla Glaze

  • 1 C powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoon milk of choice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Funfetti Pancakes from Scratch

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until thoroughly combined.
  • Add in the sugar and whisk to combine.
  • Slowly add in the dry ingredients (baking powder, salt, and all-purpose flour) and mix just until a smooth batter has formed (a few small lumps are ok, don’t overmix!).
  • Gently fold in the the rainbow sprinkles until distributed throughout the batter.
  • Preheat a non-stick pan (or griddle) over medium heat.
  • Spray the pan with cooking spray and scoop ¼ cup sized portions of batter into the pan, leaving room between the scoops of batter.
  • Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles start to form on the top of the pancakes and the edges begin to form (they’ll look slightly raised/curved/dry). Then flip with a spatula to cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  • Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Optional Vanilla Glaze

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together all icing ingredients (starting with 2 Tablespoons of milk). If too thick, add slowly add in additional milk and whisk until desired consistency is reached.

Notes

A Note on Sprinkles to Use: Be sure to use jimmies or confetti sprinkles for your pancakes. Do NOT use nonpareils as the colors will bleed into your batter.
 
Expert Tips:
Do not overmix your batter. Overmixing your batter can lead to tough, rubbery pancakes. You want to mix your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients until just blended in (if you have a few little lumps, or small streaks of flour, that is ok!). 
Keep an eye on the heat of your griddle. It is recommended to cook pancakes over medium heat. However, if your pancakes are coming out darker than desired, turn down the heat. Burned pancakes are no fun! If you’re worried, you can always do one test pancake to see how your heat is and adjust accordingly.
Do not overcrowd your pan when cooking. Make sure to leave room between your pancakes when cooking your batter. This will make sure your pancakes have enough room to puff up and rise, and you’ll have enough room to get your spatula in and flip your birthday pancakes!
 
*The nutrition facts for this recipe were calculated using 2% dairy milk and no toppings (as this will vary greatly based on personal preference).

Nutrition

Calories: 397kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 9gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 660mgPotassium: 172mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 278mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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    How many stars would you give this recipe?




  1. Natalie Sasseville-Praska says

    May 18, 2023 at 7:51 pm

    5 stars
    These pancakes were super yummy and incredibly cute. We made them for the kids, but I ate most of them.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      May 18, 2023 at 10:09 pm

      I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed them (and I definitely enjoy them too, even if we make them for the kiddo..ha)

      Reply
  2. M. says

    January 18, 2023 at 5:38 pm

    5 stars
    These sprinkle pancakes are so fun and super delish. My kiddo & their friend LOVED these at a recent sleepover!! Highly recommend.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 18, 2023 at 8:56 pm

      So happy to hear the kids loved these! Thanks for giving the recipe a try.

      Reply
  3. Maren says

    January 15, 2023 at 5:35 pm

    5 stars
    Love these!! They are so fun and, most importantly, very tasty!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 15, 2023 at 9:37 pm

      I’m so happy you loved them too! Thank you, and hope you can enjoy more soon!

      Reply
  4. David says

    January 15, 2023 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    So much fun, and tasty too!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 15, 2023 at 3:56 pm

      Thank you!! Happy you enjoyed this funfetti pancake recipe! ❤

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Meredith!

I am a Midwest-based foodie and mom working full time by day and sharing my passion for all things food by night. Follow along for great recipes to share with your family and friends. I've got you covered for breakfast, dinner, snack-time, parties, desserts, drinks, and more!

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