These Funfetti Cupcakes are a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Fluffy, moist, and bursting with colorful sprinkles, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, parties, or just whenever you want a bit of joy in your day. Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, these cupcakes are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are soft and airy with a slight sweetness and rich butter flavor. The bright rainbow sprinkles are mixed into the batter, ensuring every bite is a pop of color and fun. The combination of cake flour and buttermilk gives them a tender crumb, while the vanilla frosting makes the perfect creamy finish. This easy-to-follow recipe results in cupcakes that are perfect for any celebration or whenever you need a treat to bring some cheer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cupcakes:

4 large eggs
3 cups cake flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
3 tbsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the frosting:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
4 tbsp whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Make the Cupcake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Bake the Cupcakes:
- Divide the batter evenly between the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Make the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until smooth.
- Add the whole milk and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and creamy.
Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are cool, pipe or spread the vanilla frosting on top.
- Top with additional rainbow sprinkles for extra color and fun.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per cupcake (including frosting)

Variations

Chocolate Funfetti: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-flavored base.
Frosting Variations: Swap vanilla frosting for cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of cake flour.
Mini Funfetti Cupcakes: Make smaller cupcakes by using a mini muffin tin and reducing the baking time to about 10 minutes.
Different Sprinkles: Use seasonal or holiday-themed sprinkles for a customized look.

Storage/Reheating

Store these cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight and bring to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the batter in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Stir in the sprinkles just before baking.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

While cake flour yields a lighter, fluffier texture, you can substitute all-purpose flour in a pinch. To mimic the texture, remove 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup and replace it with cornstarch.

Can I make the cupcakes without sprinkles?

Absolutely! You can leave out the sprinkles if you prefer or substitute them with chocolate chips or other mix-ins.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, store-bought frosting can be used if you’re short on time. Just add a little extra vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Why are my cupcakes dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cupcakes. Be sure to mix until just combined to maintain a light texture.

Conclusion

These Funfetti Cupcakes are a fun, vibrant treat that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. With a soft, moist crumb and a buttery vanilla frosting, they’re the perfect dessert for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet pick-me-up. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this easy-to-make recipe will have you creating cupcakes that are not only beautiful but absolutely delicious!

Funfetti Cupcakes

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 cupcakes
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Funfetti Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and packed with colorful sprinkles, making them the perfect celebration treat. Topped with sweet vanilla frosting, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert for birthdays, parties, or any occasion that calls for a fun and festive treat. Keywords: funfetti cupcakes, homemade funfetti cake, sprinkle cupcakes, birthday cupcakes, colorful cupcakes, vanilla frosting.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with paper liners.
In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, then gradually add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.
Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and milk, and beat until fluffy. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
Frost cooled cupcakes with vanilla frosting and top with extra sprinkles.

Notes

Use gel food coloring to intensify the color of the sprinkles if desired.
For added flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the frosting.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American