Few desserts spark joy quite like a Funfetti cupcake. From the moment you peel back the wrapper and take your first bite, you’re met with soft vanilla cake, dotted with cheerful bursts of rainbow sprinkles. It’s like a birthday party wrapped in frosting, no matter what day of the year it is.
Funfetti cupcakes are more than just a treat—they’re a celebration. Whether you’re baking them for birthdays, baby showers, or just to brighten a gloomy day, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Soft, moist, sweet, and topped with a swirl of luscious buttercream and a few extra sprinkles, these cupcakes are pure happiness in dessert form.
And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make from scratch—no boxed mix required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe makes approximately 12 cupcakes.
For the Funfetti Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies style—avoid nonpareils, which bleed color)
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Extra rainbow sprinkles for decorating
How to Make Funfetti Cupcakes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Set aside.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening evenly throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes. This step is key for getting that soft, airy cupcake texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Dry and Milk
With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions (begin and end with flour). Mix just until combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Sprinkles
Using a spatula, gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles. Be careful not to overmix, or the sprinkles may bleed and muddy the batter.
Step 7: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.
Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated.
Add the cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding a bit more milk for a softer frosting, or more powdered sugar to stiffen.
Step 9: Frost and Decorate
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, pipe or spread the frosting generously on top. Finish with a cheerful handful of extra rainbow sprinkles.
If you’re feeling fancy, add a maraschino cherry or a mini flag for a party vibe.
Tips for the Best Funfetti Cupcakes
Use “jimmies” style sprinkles – These long, rod-shaped sprinkles hold their color best during baking. Avoid nonpareils, which tend to melt and bleed.
Room temperature ingredients are key – They blend together more smoothly and help create a uniform batter.
Don’t overmix – Once you add the flour and sprinkles, mix just until combined to keep the cupcakes tender and the colors bright.
Bake just until done – Overbaking can lead to dry cupcakes. Remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Frosting too soft? – Pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up before piping.
Variations and Customizations
Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Birthday party cupcakes: Hide a few rainbow sprinkles inside the frosting for a surprise crunch.
Lemon twist: Add ½ teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy lift.
Mini cupcakes: Make 24 minis and bake for 10–12 minutes.
What to Serve With Funfetti Cupcakes
These cupcakes pair perfectly with:
- Cold milk – Classic and refreshing
- Vanilla latte – For a grown-up spin on dessert
- Fruit kabobs – Add a fresh bite to your dessert spread
- Party punch – Perfect for birthday tables or baby showers
Funfetti Cupcakes are more than just dessert — they’re an instant celebration. With their vibrant color, sweet vanilla flavor, and nostalgic charm, they bring a smile to kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to make an ordinary day a little more magical, these cupcakes are your go-to treat. Bright, cheerful, and bursting with fun, one bite will remind you why sprinkles make everything better.
So go ahead — mix, swirl, and sprinkle your way to the happiest cupcakes on the planet.
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