Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe – Easy, Moist & Perfect
Nothing says celebration like a batch of colorful and festive Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe! These delightful cupcakes are light, fluffy, and packed with vibrant rainbow sprinkles, making them perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion. With a tender vanilla cake base and a rich, creamy buttercream frosting, these homemade Funfetti cupcakes are far better than store-bought versions. This recipe is simple to follow, requiring basic ingredients and minimal effort for a bakery-quality result.
Nutrition & Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Active Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Calories per Serving: ~280 kcal
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cupcake liners
- Muffin tin
- Spatula
- Piping bag (optional for frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies recommended, avoid nonpareils as they bleed color)
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Additional sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract, followed by the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula to avoid streaking the batter with color.
Step 7: Fill the Cupcake Liners
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Increase speed and mix until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and smooth.
Step 10: Frost & Decorate
Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, use a piping bag or spatula to frost them. Decorate with additional sprinkles for extra fun!
Tips for Best Results
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This helps create a smooth batter and ensures even baking.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
- Use the Right Sprinkles – Stick to jimmies for the best color distribution without bleeding.
- Chill the Frosting if Needed – If the frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes before piping.
Pairing Suggestions
These Funfetti cupcakes pair wonderfully with:
- A tall glass of milk
- Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries
- A warm cup of coffee or tea
Conclusion
This Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves fun, colorful, and delicious desserts. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Try them today and enjoy a burst of joy in every bite!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.