If you love homemade vanilla cupcakes topped with homemade vanilla frosting and loads of sprinkles, then these Funfetti Cupcakes are for you!
Irresistible Funfetti Cupcakes: A Celebration in Every Bite
Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, incredibly moist vanilla cupcake, where each mouthful is punctuated by delightful pops of color and a sweet, creamy frosting. That’s the magic of Funfetti Cupcakes! Far from a mundane dessert, these vibrant treats transform the classic vanilla cupcake into an extraordinary experience, perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply brightening any ordinary day. While boxed cake mixes certainly offer convenience, there’s an unparalleled satisfaction in creating something truly special from scratch. This recipe is meticulously designed to be straightforward, allowing even novice bakers to achieve bakery-quality results with ease and immense joy.
The Charm of Homemade Funfetti: Vanilla Cupcakes with Pops of Color
What makes a Funfetti cupcake so utterly captivating? It’s the delightful fusion of comfort and celebration, a dessert that instantly brings a smile. Our recipe elevates the classic vanilla cupcake to new heights, infusing it with vibrant jimmie sprinkles that create a festive confetti effect. These aren’t just any sprinkles; they’re tiny bursts of joy embedded within a tender, vanilla-scented crumb, making every bite a delightful surprise for both the eyes and the palate. The secret to their incredible moistness and melt-in-your-mouth fluffy texture lies in a carefully balanced blend of whole milk and vegetable oil. This combination ensures a rich, tender crumb that stays fresh longer, providing that luxurious feeling that only a truly homemade treat can deliver. Say goodbye to dry, crumbly cupcakes and hello to pure, vanilla-scented bliss that promises a burst of color with every tender bite.
Why Homemade Funfetti is Always Best
While convenience often tempts us towards store-bought mixes, mastering the art of homemade Funfetti cupcakes is a truly rewarding endeavor. When you bake from scratch, you gain complete control over the quality of your ingredients, ensuring a superior flavor and texture that no pre-packaged mix can truly replicate. Fresh eggs, premium vanilla extract, and high-quality butter make a world of difference, contributing to a richness and depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched. Beyond the ingredients, there’s a unique sense of accomplishment and profound joy that comes from kneading, mixing, and watching your delicious creations come to life. The irresistible aroma filling your kitchen is an added bonus, creating cherished memories and anticipation long before the first delightful bite. This recipe, specifically crafted for both ease and unparalleled deliciousness, is designed to convert even the most skeptical bakers into passionate homemade enthusiasts, proving that some things are just better made with love.
Essential Ingredients for Fluffy Funfetti Cupcakes
Crafting the perfect Funfetti cupcake starts with understanding the specific role each ingredient plays in achieving that coveted moist and irresistibly fluffy texture. Here’s a deeper dive into the building blocks of these delightful treats, highlighting why each component is essential for success:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the fundamental structural component of our cupcakes. Proper measurement is absolutely crucial here. Over-measuring flour is a common pitfall that can instantly lead to dry, dense, and unappetizing cupcakes. We’ll delve into the precise “scoop and level” method in our FAQ section to ensure your flour is perfectly measured every single time, guaranteeing a tender crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Beyond simply adding sweetness, sugar plays a vital role in tenderizing the cupcake crumb and retaining moisture, which is key for a soft texture. While various sugar substitutes might seem appealing for dietary reasons, it’s important to note that they can significantly alter both the texture and the moisture content of the final product. For the most authentic and delicious results in this particular recipe, granulated sugar is strongly recommended.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: This dynamic duo acts as our primary leavening agents, responsible for the cupcakes’ light, airy, and fluffy structure. Baking powder provides the initial lift, reacting when wet, while baking soda reacts with any acidic ingredients (even mild ones in the milk or vanilla) to create carbon dioxide, contributing to a tender crumb and aiding in desirable browning. Together, they ensure a balanced rise and a perfectly light, delicate texture.
- Large Egg Whites: The deliberate use of only egg whites is a strategic choice in this recipe, as it helps maintain the signature bright, white color of the Funfetti cake base. This pristine white canvas allows the colorful sprinkles to truly pop and shine, creating that vibrant “confetti” effect. While a tiny speck of egg yolk won’t completely ruin your batch, careful separation ensures that pristine white base. Egg whites also contribute significantly to the cake’s structure and overall lightness.
- Vanilla Extract: This is the very soul of these classic vanilla cupcakes! Pure vanilla extract offers a rich, complex depth of flavor that artificial versions simply cannot match. For those who enjoy a subtle aromatic twist, consider experimenting by swapping half of the vanilla with almond extract for a uniquely different, yet equally delightful, flavor profile.
- Whole Milk: The fat content inherent in whole milk is non-negotiable for achieving supreme moistness and a truly rich, luxurious texture. Skim milk or low-fat alternatives unfortunately lack the necessary fat, which can result in a noticeably drier, less tender cupcake. This ingredient is absolutely key to that coveted melt-in-your-mouth experience that distinguishes an exceptional cupcake.
- Vegetable Oil: Unlike butter, which adds wonderful flavor but can sometimes contribute to a slightly denser crumb, vegetable oil provides moisture without compromising the delicate, fluffy texture we’re aiming for. It consistently keeps the cupcakes incredibly tender and moist, ensuring they remain delightful even days after baking, thanks to its liquid state at room temperature.
- Unsalted Butter (for frosting): Softened unsalted butter forms the creamy, delectable base for our luscious homemade buttercream frosting. Its pliable texture provides the perfect canvas for whipping up a truly light and airy frosting. If you find yourself in a rush and forgot to soften your butter, don’t fret; check out our quick and helpful tip in the linked article on How to Soften Butter Fast.
- Rainbow Sprinkles: The undeniable star of the show! We highly recommend using jimmie-style sprinkles for their superior ability to hold their shape and vibrant color beautifully, both when baked into the batter and when mixed into the frosting. Small round sprinkles, while charming, often tend to dissolve or bleed their colors into the batter, resulting in a muted, less visually exciting “funfetti” effect. Stick to jimmies for maximum visual impact and joy!
- Fine Sea Salt: A seemingly small but mighty ingredient, a pinch of salt expertly enhances all the other flavors present in the cupcakes, balancing the sweetness and truly bringing out the richness of the vanilla. Fine sea salt dissolves easily and distributes evenly throughout both the batter and the frosting, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. Regular table salt can be used in a pinch, but fine sea salt is preferred for its superior texture and even blend.
Pro Tips for Perfect Funfetti Cupcakes Every Time
Achieving consistently perfect, bakery-worthy cupcakes involves a few simple yet incredibly crucial techniques. Master these, and you’ll be baking like a pro:
- Do Not Overmix: This is perhaps the most important rule in cupcake baking. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour excessively, leading to tough, chewy, and dense cupcakes rather than light and airy ones. Mix the batter only until the ingredients are just combined; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and even preferred over a completely smooth, overmixed batter.
- Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: Always make sure your egg whites, milk, and butter (especially for the frosting) are at room temperature. This isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a vital step. Room temperature ingredients emulsify properly, meaning they combine smoothly and evenly, creating a much smoother, more uniform batter and frosting. This also allows for a more consistent and even bake in the oven.
- Verify Accurate Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer is a baker’s secret weapon and truly your best friend. Ovens can notoriously vary widely from their set temperature, and an accurate reading ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and perfectly without burning or being undercooked in the center. Investing in an inexpensive oven thermometer can save many batches of baked goods.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Resist, at all costs, the urge to frost warm cupcakes! Warm frosting will melt and slide right off the cupcakes, creating a messy rather than magnificent result. It’s crucial to allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack until they are entirely at room temperature before applying any frosting. Patience here is key for a beautiful finish.
- Choose Quality Sprinkles: As we highlighted earlier, the type of sprinkles you use truly makes a difference. Jimmie-style sprinkles are key for achieving that vibrant “Funfetti” look because they hold their shape and color well during baking and mixing. Invest in good quality sprinkles that specifically state they are bake-stable or non-bleeding to ensure a visually stunning and delicious outcome.
- Don’t Overfill Liners: Filling cupcake liners more than two-thirds full can cause the batter to overflow during baking, creating a messy appearance or even resulting in sunken centers. Stick to the recommended fill level for perfectly domed cupcakes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Funfetti Queries Answered
For the best results when piping your delightful Funfetti frosting, especially if your frosting contains sprinkles, it’s essential to ensure your piping tip has a sufficiently large opening. I personally recommend using the Wilton 2A round tip (paid affiliate link). Its wide opening allows sprinkles to pass through without getting clogged or broken, ensuring a smooth, beautifully piped finish every time. However, if you don’t own a piping bag or specialized tips, a simple butter knife or an offset spatula works wonderfully to achieve a charming, rustic swirl, giving your homemade cupcakes that endearing touch.
The type of sprinkles you choose significantly impacts both the visual appeal and the overall texture of your Funfetti cupcakes. For that iconic “confetti” look, where colors truly pop and stand out, I highly recommend using rainbow, jimmie-style sprinkles. These elongated sprinkles are designed to hold their shape exceptionally well when baked into the batter and mixed into frosting, preventing unfortunate color bleed and creating distinct, vibrant specks of color throughout. Small round sprinkles, while undoubtedly cute, often tend to dissolve or bleed into the batter during baking, leading to a muted, less vibrant color rather than the desired festive pops. Stick to jimmies for maximum visual impact and a joyous Funfetti experience!
While our classic homemade vanilla buttercream is undeniably delicious and perfectly complements the Funfetti base, these cupcakes are incredibly versatile when it comes to frosting choices! You could opt for a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting for a delightful counterpoint to the sweet cake, a decadent white chocolate frosting for an extra layer of sweetness and subtle complexity, or even a luscious chocolate frosting if you’re a devoted chocoholic. For a lighter touch, a whipped cream frosting could also be a delightful option, though it’s best served immediately and always stored chilled to maintain its airy texture.
Accurate flour measurement is absolutely paramount for achieving moist, tender, and perfectly textured cupcakes. The most precise and foolproof method is to use a digital kitchen scale (measuring in grams is ideal for accuracy!). However, if you don’t have one readily available, diligently employ the “scoop and level” method:
- First, gently aerate your flour by thoroughly fluffing it with a fork or whisk directly in its container or a larger bowl. This crucial step prevents the flour from being too compacted, which can lead to over-measurement.
- Next, use a spoon to lightly scoop the fluffed flour into your dry measuring cup until it forms a small mound over the top, without pressing it down.
- Finally, take the flat back edge of a butter knife or a straight-edged spatula and level off the excess flour across the rim of the measuring cup, allowing it to fall naturally back into the container.
Crucially, *never* scoop flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as this action compacts it significantly, inevitably leading to an over-measurement that can result in overly dry, dense, and less enjoyable cupcakes. Remember: do not pack the flour into the measuring cup.
To maintain optimal freshness and texture, store your Funfetti cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This prevents them from drying out. If you plan to enjoy them over a longer period, they freeze beautifully! For the absolute best results, I highly recommend freezing the unfrosted cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until they are firm. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag, where they can be kept for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, prepare a fresh batch of frosting, as freshly made frosting always has the best texture and flavor. Thaw frozen cupcakes at room temperature for a few hours before frosting and serving.
For the ultimate moistness and rich, tender texture, whole milk is highly recommended in this recipe due to its essential fat content. The fat contributes significantly to the cupcakes’ structure and keeps them wonderfully soft. Using reduced-fat milk or milk substitutes like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk might unfortunately alter the cupcake’s texture, potentially making it less tender, drier, or even slightly crumbly. While some substitutions can work effectively in other baking recipes, for these specific Funfetti cupcakes, sticking to whole milk will consistently give you the best, most delicious, and most authentic results this recipe aims for.
While butter certainly adds a wonderful, rich flavor, vegetable oil contributes significantly to the cupcakes’ moistness and delicate, tender crumb without making them dense. The recipe specifically calls for oil in the batter to ensure that light, fluffy texture that pairs so perfectly with the festive sprinkles. Substituting an equal amount of melted butter for oil in the batter might result in a slightly different texture – often a denser, more cake-like crumb, and potentially a less moist result, especially after a day or two. For this particular Funfetti recipe, we stick with oil for its superior ability to keep the cupcakes incredibly tender, soft, and moist for longer.
Ingredients for Joyful Baking: (See Recipe Card Below for Full Details)
Gathering all your ingredients beforehand, a practice known as “mise en place,” ensures a smooth, organized, and truly enjoyable baking process. Here’s a detailed overview of exactly what you’ll need for these spectacular Funfetti Cupcakes, broken down by component:
- For the Cupcakes:
- All-purpose flour: The essential structural backbone of our cupcakes. Refer back to our FAQ section above for the very best way to measure it accurately, which is key to preventing dry, tough results.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness and plays a crucial role in creating a tender, moist crumb. While a sugar substitute might technically be possible, results may vary significantly in both texture and overall moistness.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These powerful leavening agents work in perfect harmony to give the cupcakes their signature light, airy, and fluffy texture. Do not skip or substitute either one, as they perform distinct functions.
- Large egg whites: Crucial for maintaining the bright, pristine white base of the cupcake, which allows the colorful sprinkles to truly shine and pop. Don’t fret too much if a tiny bit of yolk accidentally slips in, but aim to keep it yolk-free for the purest white effect.
- Vanilla extract: Absolutely essential for that classic, comforting vanilla flavor that forms the foundation of these treats. Feel free to experiment by adding a tiny touch of almond extract for a different, yet equally delightful, aromatic profile.
- Whole milk: Its generous fat content is vitally important for achieving the incredibly moist, rich, and tender crumb that so perfectly defines these cupcakes. Do not use skim or low-fat milk.
- Vegetable oil: Adds an incredible amount of moisture to the batter, helping to keep the cupcakes wonderfully soft and fresh for an extended period, contributing to their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Rainbow sprinkles: For the cupcake batter, opt for vibrant jimmie-style sprinkles to ensure they maintain their shape and prevent color bleeding during the baking process. Refer to our FAQ for more details on sprinkle types.
- For the Dreamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: The creamy, delicious base for our irresistible homemade vanilla frosting. Ensure it’s perfectly softened to room temperature for the best whipping results and a smooth, fluffy frosting. If you’re short on time, refer to our helpful guide on How to Soften Butter Fast.
- Powdered sugar: Also widely known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar provides the smooth, silky, and melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes for an ideal buttercream frosting.
- Whole milk: Just a couple of tablespoons are used to achieve the perfect consistency for the frosting, ensuring it’s creamy and spreadable, yet holds its shape beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Adds another layer of that beloved vanilla flavor to the frosting, perfectly complementing the cupcake base.
- Fine sea salt: A small but mighty amount of salt exquisitely enhances and balances the sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile of both the cake and the frosting to new heights. Regular table salt can be used, but fine sea salt is preferred for its superior even distribution.
- Rainbow sprinkles: For the frosting, additional jimmie-style sprinkles are folded in to add even more festive visual appeal and a delightful textural element.
Baking Bliss: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes
Embark on your delightful baking journey with this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide to creating these spectacular Funfetti cupcakes. A little precision and care at each stage will ensure you achieve a perfect, moist, and fluffy batch every single time!
- Prepare Your Baking Station: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the batter is ready. Next, line two standard 12-cup cupcake tins with festive paper liners and set them aside. Having your tins prepared ensures a smooth and efficient transition once your delicious batter is mixed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In the spacious bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (alternatively, you can use a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer), add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix on low speed for approximately 30 seconds until all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined and no visible clumps remain. This initial step is important for evenly distributing your leavening agents and ensuring a consistent rise.
- Introduce Wet Ingredients (First Batch): Now, add the carefully separated large egg whites and the aromatic vanilla extract to the dry mixture in the bowl. Beat on medium-low speed until the mixture is just smooth and well-combined, making sure to be careful not to overmix. Stop the mixer occasionally to thoroughly scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated and no dry spots are left behind.
- Add Remaining Wet Ingredients and Sprinkles: Gently pour in the whole milk and vegetable oil, mixing again on low speed until just combined. The batter should appear smooth but it’s important not to overwork it at this stage. Finally, with a light and gentle hand, fold in the vibrant rainbow sprinkles using your spatula. Overmixing sprinkles can unfortunately cause their colors to bleed into the batter, diminishing their visual impact, so a gentle hand is absolutely best here.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Using an ice cream scoop (for consistent sizing) or a spoon, carefully fill each prepared cupcake liner approximately two-thirds of the way full. This is typically about 3 Tablespoons of batter per liner. It is crucial not to overfill, as this can cause the cupcakes to spill over their liners during baking or result in undesirable sunken centers.
- Bake to Perfection: Carefully transfer the filled cupcake tins to your preheated oven. Bake for a precise 16-18 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick (or cake tester) inserted into the very center of a cupcake comes out completely clean, with no wet batter attached. This indicates they are perfectly baked through.
- Cooling Protocol: Once baked, promptly remove the cupcake tins from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. This allows the cupcakes to firm up slightly and prevent crumbling before being moved. After 10 minutes, carefully transfer the individual cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. It’s absolutely crucial that they are entirely cool before any frosting is applied.
Crafting the Dreamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
No Funfetti cupcake is truly complete without a generous, luscious swirl of rich, fluffy homemade vanilla buttercream. This recipe yields a frosting that is perfectly sweet, wonderfully creamy, and holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for piping or spreading.
- Whip the Butter: Once your cupcakes are fully cooled to room temperature (this is critical!), it’s time to prepare the frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or using an electric hand mixer and a large mixing bowl), add the softened unsalted butter. Beat on medium-high speed until the butter is noticeably light, incredibly creamy, and perfectly smooth, typically taking about 2-3 minutes. This initial creaming step is vital for incorporating air, which is what makes the frosting so wonderfully fluffy.
- Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: With the mixer on low speed, slowly and steadily add the powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) to the whipped butter, a little at a time. Continue mixing until all the sugar is completely incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Adding it gradually is a key technique that prevents a messy sugar cloud from forming and ensures your frosting remains perfectly lump-free.
- Flavor and Lighten: Now, add the whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt to the frosting mixture. Stir on low speed until all these additional ingredients are fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed and integrated.
- Whip to Fluffy Perfection: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and whip the frosting for a full 3 minutes. This vigorous whipping step is absolutely essential for achieving that incredibly light, airy, and wonderfully fluffy buttercream texture that is so desirable.
- Fold in Sprinkles: With a spatula, gently fold in the remaining ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles by hand. This careful manual folding ensures the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the frosting without breaking them up or causing their vibrant colors to bleed, preserving their festive appearance.
- Frost and Serve: Now for the most exciting and fun part – decorating! Transfer the finished frosting to a piping bag fitted with your chosen tip (such as the recommended Wilton 2A round tip) or use an offset spatula to elegantly spread it onto the completely cooled cupcakes. For an extra touch of festive flair, garnish with additional sprinkles on top if desired, and then serve these joyous Funfetti Cupcakes immediately for everyone to enjoy!
Funfetti Variations and Serving Suggestions
The inherent beauty of Funfetti cupcakes lies not only in their deliciousness but also in their remarkable adaptability and versatility. Feel absolutely free to unleash your inner baker and creative spirit to customize these delightful treats to suit any occasion or preference:
- Seasonal Sprinkle Themes: Easily swap out the classic rainbow sprinkles for themed colors to match any holiday or event! Imagine cheerful red and green for Christmas, delicate pastels for a delightful Easter brunch, spooky orange and black for a fun Halloween party, or even your favorite team colors for an exciting game day celebration. The possibilities are endless for making them uniquely yours!
- Exciting Flavor Boosts: While the pure vanilla base is undeniably classic and universally loved, a tiny touch of lemon zest added to the batter can offer a wonderfully refreshing, citrusy twist. Alternatively, a hint of peppermint extract in the frosting can create a delightful, cool sensation perfect for winter holidays, or a touch of almond extract for a sophisticated nuance.
- Bite-Sized Mini Cupcakes: For occasions requiring smaller, bite-sized delights perfect for parties or little hands, simply adjust the baking time for mini cupcake tins. These adorable miniature versions are always a crowd-pleaser and offer a charming presentation.
- Elegant Serving Suggestions: These Funfetti cupcakes are absolutely perfect on their own, a complete treat in themselves. However, for an added touch of indulgence, they can also be served alongside a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a fresh fruit platter for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. They pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a comforting hot coffee, or even a sparkling, crisp lemonade, making them suitable for any time of day or gathering.
Craving More Deliciousness? Explore Our Favorite Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with the joy of homemade baking and the vibrant appeal of Funfetti, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delightful creations from our kitchen. Expand your repertoire with these irresistible recipes:
- Funfetti Layer Cake: Transform this beloved Funfetti recipe into a stunning, multi-layered cake for an even grander celebration that’s sure to impress everyone.
- Funfetti Cake Batter Dip: An incredibly easy, no-bake, and utterly irresistible treat that captures the joyous essence of Funfetti in a fun, dippable form, perfect for sharing.
- Funfetti Puppy Chow: A delightfully crunchy, wonderfully colorful snack mix that’s both playful and delicious, making it perfect for parties or a sweet treat anytime.
- Funfetti Cheesecake (No Bake): Indulge in the creamy, rich indulgence of cheesecake, elevated with the festive and colorful touch of sprinkles, all without needing to turn on your oven.
- Patriotic Homemade Funfetti Cake: A wonderfully festive spin on our classic Funfetti, featuring cheerful red, white, and blue sprinkles, making it absolutely perfect for national holidays and summer celebrations.
- Homemade Pumpkin Cupcakes: A delightful seasonal treat featuring warm, comforting spices and a tender, moist pumpkin base, perfect for autumn gatherings.
- Biscoff Cupcakes: Indulge your taste buds in the unique, spiced cookie butter flavor with these incredibly distinctive and delicious cupcakes, a true crowd-pleaser.
- Banana Pudding Cupcakes: A comforting southern classic reimagined as a wonderfully fluffy and moist cupcake, bringing nostalgic flavors to a new form.
- Coca Cola Cupcakes: An unexpected but surprisingly delicious flavor combination that creates a wonderfully moist and uniquely flavored cupcake experience.
- Bailey’s Cupcakes: A sophisticated and indulgent treat with a luxurious hint of Irish cream liqueur, perfect for adult gatherings and special occasions.
Funfetti Cupcakes
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Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmie style recommended)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons whole milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmie style recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cupcake tins with paper liners and set aside.
- Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and stir on low speed to combine. You can also use an electric hand mixer and a bowl for this.
- Then add in the egg whites and vanilla extract and stir on medium-low speed until just smooth. If using a stand mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Stir in the whole milk and vegetable oil on low speed until combined. Finally, gently fold in the ⅓ cup of rainbow sprinkles with a spatula to prevent bleeding.
- Fill the cupcake liners ⅔ of the way full (about 3 Tablespoons of batter in each). Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause spillage or sinking.
- Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating it’s fully baked.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes to allow them to set. Then, carefully take the cupcakes out and cool them completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cool, proceed to make the frosting.
- Add the softened unsalted butter to the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or use an electric hand mixer in a large bowl) and whip until light, creamy, and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, to the whipped butter on low speed until fully mixed in and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Then add in the whole milk, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt, and stir on low speed to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well-mixed.
- Place the mixer on medium-high speed and whip the frosting for 3 minutes until it becomes light, airy, and incredibly fluffy.
- Gently stir in the remaining ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles by hand with a spatula.
- Frost the cupcakes with the finished frosting. I recommend using a piping bag with a Wilton 2A round tip attached for a professional look. Add more sprinkles on top if desired for extra flair, and serve these delightful Funfetti Cupcakes!
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and the detailed ingredient list above for other substitutions, pro tips, or for comprehensive answers to the most common questions regarding this Funfetti Cupcake recipe.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or certified nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared here is provided as an estimate only. If precise calorie counts and other specific nutritional values are important to your dietary needs or health goals, we strongly recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator. Please note that calories and other nutritional values can vary quite significantly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used and exact portion sizes.