Funfetti cupcakes are the ultimate party treat, bursting with vibrant colors and rich vanilla flavor. These cheerful cupcakes are the embodiment of celebration, turning even the simplest gatherings into festive occasions. What sets Funfetti cupcakes apart is their delightful sprinkle-studded batter that adds a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to every bite. The combination of fluffy, buttery cake and creamy vanilla buttercream creates a dessert that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether for birthdays, holidays, or just because, Funfetti cupcakes are a fun and delicious way to brighten anyone’s day.

These cupcakes stand out not just because of their eye-catching appearance but also due to the moist and tender texture that pairs perfectly with the luscious vanilla frosting. The joy of biting into these cupcakes is only heightened by the sweet, buttery crumb and the playful crunch of sprinkles scattered throughout. They are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a versatile dessert that suits any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging a sweet tooth, Funfetti cupcakes bring a sense of joy and nostalgia that never goes out of style.

Ideal for birthdays, baby showers, or any occasion that calls for a touch of color, Funfetti cupcakes are the perfect centerpiece for your dessert table. They’re not just cupcakes; they’re a fun, edible expression of happiness that everyone will love.

Ingredients Breakdown

The key ingredients in Funfetti cupcakes work together to create their signature light and fluffy texture while delivering a rich, buttery flavor. Cake flour is used instead of all-purpose flour, providing a lighter crumb that’s perfect for cupcakes. Baking powder and baking soda ensure the cupcakes rise beautifully, giving them a tender and airy structure. The addition of buttermilk adds a subtle tang and moisture, enhancing the overall flavor while helping to keep the cupcakes soft. Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth, pairing harmoniously with the sweetness of the sugar and the rich creaminess of the butter.

Buttercream frosting is an essential component of these cupcakes, creating a creamy, sweet contrast to the light cake. Unsalted butter serves as the base, allowing you to control the saltiness, while confectioners’ sugar adds sweetness and body. Vanilla extract enriches the frosting with a fragrant note, and the milk or cream adjusts the consistency, making it perfectly spreadable. A dash of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the vanilla, resulting in a frosting that’s smooth, light, and a dream to pipe or spread.

To truly make these cupcakes your own, consider adding different types of sprinkles or even mixing in mini chocolate chips for an extra surprise. You can adjust the amount of vanilla for a more pronounced flavor or swap in almond or other extracts for a unique twist. The beauty of Funfetti cupcakes lies in their adaptability you can easily tailor them to suit your taste and any theme.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by prepping your cupcake pan with liners and preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Setting the oven temperature correctly ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and rise well. Use a good-quality cupcake pan for consistent results and neatly shaped cupcakes. Next, whisk together the dry ingredients cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening agents, which contribute to the cupcakes’ fluffy texture.

In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk and vanilla extract, which will infuse the batter with a rich flavor and keep it moist. Cream the butter until smooth, then gradually add the sugar. This creaming process is essential for incorporating air into the batter, giving the cupcakes their light and tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. This gradual addition prevents the batter from curdling and helps maintain a smooth consistency.

Alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry. Mixing in parts prevents over-mixing, which can lead to dense cupcakes. Finally, fold in the sprinkles gently to avoid bleeding their color into the batter. Spoon the batter into the cupcake wells, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then cool on a wire rack.

For the buttercream, whip the softened butter until creamy, then blend in the vanilla. Add the confectioners’ sugar and milk in parts, adjusting until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. The frosting should be light and fluffy, ideal for piping or spreading over your cooled cupcakes. Finish with a decorative flourish using your favorite piping tip or simply swirl on with a spatula.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

For fluffy cupcakes, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle and impact the texture.
Use high-quality sprinkles to avoid color bleeding. Look for rainbow-colored jimmies rather than nonpareils, which can lose their shape in the batter.
Avoid over-mixing once the dry ingredients are added. Over-mixing can lead to dense cupcakes with a tougher texture.
If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
For a fun twist, consider adding a dash of almond extract to the batter or frosting for an extra layer of flavor.

What to Serve with These Funfetti Cupcakes

Funfetti cupcakes shine on their own, but pairing them with complementary treats can elevate your dessert spread. Serve them alongside a chilled glass of milk or a cup of coffee to balance the sweetness. For a full dessert table, consider adding chocolate-dipped strawberries, mini cheesecakes, or a fruit platter to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich cupcakes.

For a festive touch, set up a DIY cupcake decorating station with extra sprinkles, colored sugars, and small candies, allowing guests to personalize their treats. This interactive element makes any event feel more special and engaging. Funfetti cupcakes are also perfect for pairing with light, bubbly drinks like sparkling water, champagne, or even a fruity punch.

How to Store and Freeze

Store your Funfetti cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days to maintain their softness. To keep them fresh longer, transfer them to the refrigerator, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. If you need to store them for a more extended period, these cupcakes freeze beautifully. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cupcakes at room temperature and frost just before serving for the freshest taste.

Final Thoughts

Funfetti cupcakes are a celebration in every bite, bringing joy and color to any occasion. With their easy-to-follow recipe and versatile nature, these cupcakes invite creativity and customization, making them a fantastic addition to your baking repertoire. Share your colorful creations on social media and inspire others to spread the sprinkle-filled fun. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply to brighten someone’s day, Funfetti cupcakes are guaranteed to delight.

Funfetti Cupcakes

These buttery, soft, and colorful cupcakes are sure to bring smiles! They are perfect for kids parties, birthdays, and more!

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 19

Servings:

Author: Jessica Harmon

Ingredients

½ cup Rainbow Colored Jimmies sprinkles 90g
½ teaspoon salt 3g
½ teaspoon baking soda 3g
2 sticks unsalted butter softened (226g)
2 teaspoons baking powder 8g
1 ½ cups buttermilk 352g (*see note for substitutions if needed)
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract 12g
4 large eggs room temperature (speed up by placing in warm water for 5 minutes)
3 cups cake flour 342g
2 cups white sugar 400g

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:

⅓ cup milk or cream 72g, adjust for desired consistency
5-6 cups confectioners’ sugar 690g, can be adjusted to taste
2 teaspoons vanilla extract 8g, clear vanilla can be used for a whiter appearance
½ teaspoon salt 3g
2 sticks unsalted butter softened but still holding shape (226g)

Instructions

For the Funfetti Cupcakes:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line your cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking them together for about 30 seconds to ensure they are well blended. Set this bowl aside.
In a separate bowl, stir together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Set this aside as well.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until it becomes smooth. Gradually add in the sugar, continuing to mix on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture turns pale and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the yellow of the yolk disappears.
With the mixer on low, alternate adding the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture to the batter. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, adding in three parts of dry ingredients and two of liquid. Mix just until combined after the final addition—avoid over-mixing.
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles. Feel free to add a bit more if you prefer extra bursts of color.
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter into each lined cupcake well.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean or with a few crumbs. To prevent over-baking, remove the cupcakes from the pan immediately and let them cool on a wire rack.

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

Beat the softened butter in a large mixing bowl until creamy and smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and blend well.
Gradually add half of the powdered sugar and most of the milk or cream, mixing on medium speed until well incorporated.
Add the remaining powdered sugar and milk, continuing to mix on medium speed for an additional 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Finally, mix on low speed for 1-2 minutes until the frosting becomes silky smooth.
If the frosting is too thin, add more sugar. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk.

Decorating:

Frost the cooled cupcakes using your favorite decorating technique. The vanilla buttercream is easy to work with; try using a French tip (8B) for a polished finish.

How to Store:

Store your cupcakes at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container, sealed bakery box, or under a cake dome. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.