Funfetti Cupcakes

Funfetti cupcakes are a classic celebration treat known for their vibrant sprinkles baked right into the batter. These cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and visually delightful, making them perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want a fun dessert.

Topped with smooth buttercream frosting and extra sprinkles, they are sure to bring smiles to kids and adults alike.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love these Funfetti cupcakes because they are cheerful, festive, and always a hit. The sprinkles in the batter create tiny bursts of color in every bite, making them visually exciting and fun. The cupcakes are light, soft, and sweet without being overwhelming, and the creamy buttercream frosting pairs perfectly with the playful cake.

Baking these is also a joyful experience — perfect for family activities or celebration prep. The vibrant colors, soft texture, and delicious flavor make them irresistible every time.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dessert

• Perfect for celebrations: Birthday parties, baby showers, or festive gatherings.
• Fun and colorful: Sprinkles baked into the batter make every bite joyful.
• Moist and tender: Balanced sweetness with soft crumb.
• Customizable: Frost with any flavor or color to match themes.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: A universally loved treat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 18–22 minutes
• Cooling and Frosting Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: ~60 minutes
• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Calories: ~350–380 kcal per cupcake

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Classic Baking

Ingredients

For the Funfetti Cupcakes:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils — to prevent bleeding)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Additional rainbow sprinkles for topping

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Preheat oven and line cupcake pan with liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients separately from wet ingredients.
3. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk.
5. Fold in sprinkles.
6. Fill cupcake liners and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely and frost with buttercream frosting.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
2. Mix until smooth but avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes light.

Step 5: Add Sprinkles

1. Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix (sprinkles may bleed).

Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners

1. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Step 7: Bake

1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well.
3. Add milk and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes

1. Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with buttercream using a spatula or piping bag.
2. Top with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive look.

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How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
• Pair with milk, iced tea, or lemonade for a fun, celebratory treat.
• Ideal for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or casual family fun.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid sprinkle bleeding: Use jimmies rather than nonpareils.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensures a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can make cupcakes dense.
• Cool completely: Frosting melts on warm cupcakes.
• Decorating: Use piping bag tips for professional-looking swirls.

Variations

1. Mini Funfetti Cupcakes: Use mini muffin pans for bite-sized cupcakes; reduce baking time to 12–15 minutes.
2. Chocolate Funfetti: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate base.
3. Vanilla Glaze Topping: Replace buttercream with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a lighter finish.
4. Vegan Funfetti: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax eggs.
5. Layered Funfetti Cake: Make multiple layers of cupcakes in a mini cake form for a show-stopping presentation.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Keep frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for up to 4 days; bring to room temperature before serving.

To Freeze:

• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting.
• Frosted cupcakes can be frozen for 1 month; freeze uncovered for 1 hour, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin pan
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Spatula
• Piping bag (optional)

Conclusion

Funfetti Cupcakes are a festive, colorful, and delicious treat perfect for any celebration. Moist, fluffy, and bursting with sprinkles, topped with creamy buttercream frosting, these cupcakes are both playful and indulgent.

Every bite delivers joy, sweetness, and a burst of color — a cupcake that’s as fun to eat as it is to make.

Funfetti Cupcakes

Funfetti cupcakes are a classic celebration treat known for their vibrant sprinkles baked right into the batter. These cupcakes are moist, fluffy, and visually delightful, making them perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want a fun dessert.

Author: Stella Parker Cuisine: American Course: Desserts

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Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr Difficulty: Beginner

Ingredients

Servings

For the Funfetti Cupcakes:

• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ tsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₄ tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¹⁄₂ cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• ¹⁄₃ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils — to prevent bleeding)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp 1–2 milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Additional rainbow sprinkles for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat Oven : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
2. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar : In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients : Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until smooth but avoid overmixing to keep cupcakes light.
5. Step 5: Add Sprinkles : Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to overmix (sprinkles may bleed).
6. Step 6: Fill Cupcake Liners : Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Step 7: Bake : Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Step 8: Make Buttercream Frosting : Beat butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well. Add milk and vanilla, beating until light and fluffy.
9. Step 9: Frost the Cupcakes : Once cupcakes are completely cooled, frost with buttercream using a spatula or piping bag. Top with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive look.

Keywords: Funfetti Cupcakes