Colorful and Delicious Mini Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup of whole milk
  • 1/2 cup of rainbow sprinkles
  • For the frosting:
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup of whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
  • Additional rainbow sprinkles for decoration

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini cupcake tin with paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy.
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure to beat well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and milk, alternating between each addition, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  7. Stir in the rainbow sprinkles, being careful not to over mix the batter.
  8. Spoon the batter into the lined cupcake tin, filling each liner about 2/3 of the way full.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
  10. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
  11. While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting by beating the butter until creamy.
  12. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until the ingredients are combined and then on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  13. Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them using a piping bag or a spatula.
  14. Sprinkle additional rainbow sprinkles on top of the frosted cupcakes for decoration.

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowls - Use for combining and mixing ingredients.
  • Whisk - Use to evenly blend dry ingredients and remove any lumps.
  • Electric mixer - Use to cream the butter and sugar, and mix the batter and frosting.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Use to measure and portion out ingredients accurately.
  • Rubber spatula - Use to scrape the sides of bowls and fold in ingredients.
  • Mini cupcake tin - Use to bake the mini cupcakes in.
  • Paper liners - Use to line the cupcake tin and prevent sticking.
  • Wire cooling rack - Use to cool the cupcakes evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Piping bag and tips - Use to frost the cupcakes with precision and decorative designs.
  • Toothpicks - Use to check if the cupcakes are done baking by inserting into the center.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Replace the rainbow sprinkles with chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different flavor and texture.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract in addition to the vanilla extract for a subtle almond flavor.
  • Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
  • For a citrus twist, add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter.
  • Experiment with different frosting flavors such as cream cheese frosting or chocolate ganache.
  • Create a filling by injecting each cupcake with a fruit jam or chocolate spread before baking.
  • Add a layer of crushed cookies or graham crackers at the bottom of each cupcake liner for a crunchy crust.
  • Make mini funfetti muffins instead by using a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
  • For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use dairy-free milk in the batter and frosting.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a bite-sized treat packed with fun and flavor with these Mini Funfetti Cupcakes! These cupcakes are not only adorable but also delectably moist and buttery. Packed with rainbow sprinkles in the batter, they’re perfect for any celebration or as a colorful pick-me-up on a normal day. With a hint of vanilla and a sweet, creamy frosting, they're sure to brighten up any dessert table. Follow this straightforward recipe to whip up a batch of these festive cupcakes. The process involves making a simple vanilla cupcake batter, adding a generous amount of rainbow sprinkles, and baking them in mini cupcake tins. While they cool, you'll prepare a smooth, creamy vanilla frosting. The final touch is a sprinkling of extra funfetti on the frosted cupcakes. Get ready to enjoy a little taste of a party with these delightful Mini Funfetti Cupcakes!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe? Yes, you can use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, the texture of the cupcakes may be slightly different.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, you can use salted butter, but it's important to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly. Reduce the added salt by 1/4 teaspoon if using salted butter.
  3. Can I substitute the whole milk with another type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as skim milk or almond milk. However, keep in mind that using different types of milk may slightly alter the taste and texture of the cupcakes.
  4. Can I make these cupcakes without rainbow sprinkles? Yes, you can omit the rainbow sprinkles if desired. The cupcakes will still taste delicious, but they won't have the colorful appearance.
  5. How should I store these cupcakes? Store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Once frosted, store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
  6. Can I freeze these cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze both the unfrosted cupcakes and the frosted cupcakes. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing bowls - Use mixing bowls to combine and mix the ingredients.
  • Whisk - Use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients and to incorporate air into the batter.
  • Electric mixer - An electric mixer will make it easier to beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons - Use these to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Cupcake tin - Use a mini cupcake tin to bake the cupcakes.
  • Paper liners - Line the cupcake tin with paper liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking.
  • Wire rack - Allow the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack to promote even cooling.
  • Piping bag - Use a piping bag to frost the cupcakes with precision and decorative designs.
  • Spatula - Use a spatula to spread the frosting on the cupcakes if you don't have a piping bag.

Origin stories

Funfetti cupcakes, known for their charming sprinkles that explode with color upon biting into them, are a relatively contemporary creation. In 1989, Pillsbury introduced Funfetti cake mix to the market, taking advantage of the then-popular trend of adding sprinkles to everything from ice cream to donuts. This cake mix quickly became a favorite amongst home bakers for its easy-to-bake and festive appeal. Pillsbury's clever marketing and appetizing product convinced consumers that adding sprinkles to batter was a novel idea, even though bakers had been doing it for years. Now, Funfetti cupcakes and cakes have become a staple at birthday parties, baby showers, and other celebrations in the United States and beyond, adding a touch of whimsy and fun to any occasion.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.