The Dreamiest Easiest Funfetti Crumb Cake

This is the dreamiest easiest Funfetti Crumb Cake recipe! Made with all healthier ingredients and this cake is gluten-free, dairy-free and has no refined sugar plus it is foolproof to make.

If there’s one treat that brings instant joy with just the sight of it, it’s funfetti cake. Those bright, cheerful sprinkles speckled throughout a fluffy vanilla base are nostalgic, festive, and downright fun. But what if you could combine all that joy with the comforting texture of a classic crumb cake—and do it in a way that skips refined sugars and flours?

Enter: Funfetti Crumb Cake, a better-for-you version of the beloved bake sale and birthday party staple. It’s soft, moist, bursting with color, and topped with a buttery, cinnamon-y crumble that makes each bite irresistible. This recipe doesn’t just deliver on taste—it’s also made with nutrient-dense ingredients like almond flour, avocado oil, and cottage cheese, so you feel as good as it tastes.

Let’s dive into why this cake is a must-bake, how to make it, and tips to make it your new favorite treat—whether it’s a Tuesday morning or a birthday brunch.

Why You’ll Love This Funfetti Crumb Cake

1. It’s nostalgic, with a twist.
We’re taking the classic flavors of funfetti and upgrading them with wholesome, feel-good ingredients. Think of this as your favorite boxed cake mix’s glow-up.

2. It’s made with real ingredients.
This recipe skips refined white flour, white sugar, and artificial flavors. Instead, it uses almond flour for a soft, moist crumb, coconut sugar and maple syrup for natural sweetness, and cottage cheese for moisture and extra protein.

3. It’s versatile and easy.
You can make it for birthdays, brunches, after-school snacks, or just because. It comes together in one bowl for the cake and one for the crumble, and it bakes in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients Breakdown: What Makes This Cake Work

Let’s take a look at what’s inside this funfetti crumb cake and why each ingredient is doing something important.

• Coconut sugar – Adds a deep, almost caramel-like sweetness to the topping. It mimics brown sugar but in a less processed way.
• Almond flour – Acts as the base of the crumble. It gives it a tender, nutty richness and a nice, slightly crunchy bite.
• Maple syrup – Binds the crumble together and adds a rich, earthy sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – A warm spice that pairs beautifully with the sprinkles and vanilla cake base.
• Avocado oil – Moistens the crumble without needing butter. It’s neutral in flavor and full of healthy fats.
• Vanilla extract – Rounds out the warm flavor
• Sprinkles – Because it’s funfetti! Adding sprinkles to the crumble makes each bite a little party.
• Cottage cheese – This may surprise you, but cottage cheese is the secret to keeping the cake moist and fluffy. It adds a subtle tang and amps up the protein, too.

How to Make This Funfetti Crumb Cake

The recipe is super straightforward and perfect for bakers of all levels. Here’s how to bring this beauty to life:

Step 1: Prep the Crumble

Start by mixing all the crumble ingredients in a medium bowl. Use your hands to work everything together until it forms a slightly wet, sandy texture. It should stick together in clumps when squeezed. This gives the topping that irresistible crumb texture once baked.

Set it aside while you move on to the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine all the cake ingredients, except for the cottage cheese. Whisk or stir until smooth and well-combined. Then gently fold in the cottage cheese. You want the batter to be thick but pourable, with the cottage cheese giving little pockets of creaminess.

Stir in the sprinkles gently at the end so the colors don’t bleed into the batter too much.

Step 3: Layer it Up

Pour half of the cake batter into a parchment-lined 9×9″ baking pan. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle half of the crumble mixture over the batter.

Then add the remaining cake batter on top and smooth it out. Finish by topping it with the remaining crumble.

You’ll end up with a gorgeous two-layer cake with a middle and top crumble layer—basically a party in a square pan.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and set. Keep an eye on it toward the end—every oven is different.

Once done, let it cool completely before slicing. This helps the crumb set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Funfetti Crumb Cake

• Don’t overmix the batter. Once everything is incorporated, stop stirring. Overmixing can make almond flour baked goods too dense.

• Let it cool completely. Seriously—don’t rush this step. The crumble needs time to set, and the flavors get even better as it cools.

• Use the right sprinkles. Jimmies (the longer, softer sprinkles) work best here. Nonpareils (the little balls) can bleed too much color and change the texture.

• Make it dairy-free. Swap the cottage cheese with a thick dairy-free yogurt or coconut-based yogurt for a similar texture.

• Store it right. Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5. You can also freeze slices for a fun treat later on.

Serving Ideas

This funfetti crumb cake doesn’t need much—it’s sweet, soft, and colorful all on its own. But here are some ways to take it to the next level:

• Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for brunch.

• Add a drizzle of glaze or powdered sugar on top if you’re feeling extra.

• Bring it to a birthday breakfast in place of traditional cake. (Trust us: it’s a hit with both kids and grown-ups!)

Why This Recipe Works

So many “healthy” versions of baked goods can feel like a compromise—but this cake is truly the best of both worlds. You get:

• The nostalgic flavor of vanilla funfetti cake.

• The rich, sweet crunch of a cinnamon crumble topping.

• Wholesome ingredients that keep things light, satisfying, and better for your body.

You don’t need boxed cake mixes or refined ingredients to enjoy dessert. This funfetti crumb cake is proof that real, nourishing ingredients can still bring all the flavor, joy, and celebration you want in a sweet treat.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a family brunch, or just want to bring some colorful cheer into your week, this funfetti crumb cake delivers. It’s simple to make, feels festive, and offers that perfect balance of soft cake and crumbly topping.

Sprinkles may be tiny, but they bring big energy—and this cake is all about embracing that joy, one bite at a time.

A Few Other Cakes to Try:

Velvety Rich Chocolate Carrot Cake (gluten-free)

The BEST Easy Coconut Sheet Cake

Velvety Rich Chocolate Carrot Cake (gluten-free)

Brown Butter Birthday Cake Banana Blondies (gluten-free)