Confetti cupcakes are the perfect treat to make any day feel special. Soft, fluffy, and filled with colorful sprinkles, they’re fun to bake and even more fun to eat whether it’s for a birthday, a party, or just because, these cupcakes bring smiles with every bite.
Why We Love This confetti cupcakes
There’s something about confetti cupcakes that just makes people happy. Maybe it’s the playful pop of rainbow sprinkles in every bite or the way they light up a dessert table with cheerful colors. These aren’t just cupcakes—they’re little edible celebrations.
What makes this recipe so special is how easy it is to make from scratch. You’ll get soft, moist vanilla cupcakes every time, without needing a box mix. The texture is light and fluffy, the flavor is rich with real vanilla, and the sprinkles stay bright and evenly distributed throughout.
Here’s why we keep coming back to this recipe:
- Perfect for any celebration: From birthdays to baby showers, these cupcakes fit any occasion.
- Kid-friendly and fun to make: Little helpers love adding the sprinkles!
- Versatile base recipe: Customize with different frostings, colors, or even mini versions.
- No fancy equipment is needed: Just basic baking tools and a good mood.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or just looking for a go-to treat that makes everyone smile, these funfetti cupcakes are always a hit.
Ingredients for confetti cupcakes
All-purpose flour – Gives the right texture for soft, fluffy cupcakes.
Baking powder – Helps the cupcakes rise and stay light.
Salt – Enhances flavor without being salty.
Unsalted butter – This adds moisture and richness.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes and keeps them moist.
Vanilla extract – Adds a warm, classic flavor.
Eggs – Provide structure and help the cupcakes rise.
Whole milk – This keeps the cupcakes moist and tender.
Rainbow sprinkles – Add fun color and texture to every bite.
Instructions
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to bring these confetti cupcakes to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of colorful, delicious cupcakes that are sure to impress.
Preheat oven & prep pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners.
Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter & sugar: Beat softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add eggs & vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined.
Fold in sprinkles: Gently fold in rainbow sprinkles.
Fill cupcake liners: Spoon batter into liners, filling about 2/3 full.
Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & frost: Let cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Frost with your favorite frosting and add extra sprinkles on top.
Pro Tips
Want your confetti cupcakes to turn out perfectly every time? Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you bake with confidence and create cupcakes that are soft, moist, and full of flavor.
Use room temperature ingredients:
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This ensures they mix more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a better texture for your cupcakes.
Don’t overmix the batter:
When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
Measure flour properly:
To avoid dense cupcakes, measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Don’t scoop directly from the bag—this can pack the flour and lead to too much in the batter.
Use jimmies, not nonpareils:
When choosing sprinkles, opt for jimmies (the long, thin sprinkles) instead of nonpareils. Nonpareils can bleed color into the batter while jimmies stay intact, keeping your cupcakes vibrant and fun.
Test for doneness with a toothpick:
Every oven is different, so start checking your cupcakes at 18 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake—if it comes out clean, they’re done! If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Cool before frosting:
Let your cupcakes cool completely before frosting them. If you try to frost them while they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off, ruining that perfect finish.
Make mini cupcakes for a bite-sized treat:
If you want smaller portions or need to serve a crowd, make mini confetti cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time—these will only need 10-12 minutes to bake through.
Variations
One of the best things about confetti cupcakes is how easily you can customize them to fit different tastes and themes. Whether you want to change up the flavors, add a fun twist, or make them seasonal, there’s no limit to the creative possibilities. Here are a few variations you can try:
Chocolate Confetti Cupcakes:
If you prefer chocolate over vanilla, simply swap out ½ cup of the flour for cocoa powder. This will give your cupcakes a rich, chocolatey flavor that still pairs perfectly with the sprinkles.
Lemon Confetti Cupcakes:
For a fresh, zesty twist, add the zest of one lemon to the batter. The citrusy notes pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the sprinkles. You can even substitute half of the milk with lemon juice for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
Red Velvet Confetti Cupcakes:
Want something a little more dramatic? Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder and a few drops of red food coloring for a rich red velvet base. These cupcakes are perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Christmas.
Gluten-Free Confetti Cupcakes:
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, and make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. This allows you to enjoy all the fun of confetti cupcakes without the gluten!
Serving Suggestions
These confetti cupcakes are perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to family get-togethers, or even as a fun weekday treat. But how you serve them can make all the difference! Here are some ideas to make your cupcakes even more special:
Serve with a Scoop of Ice Cream:
Take your cupcakes to the next level by serving them with a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Vanilla, chocolate, or even something like birthday cake ice cream will complement the festive vibe of the cupcakes perfectly.
Pair with Fresh Fruit:
For a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cupcakes, serve them with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced kiwi. The tartness of the fruit balances out the rich flavor of the frosting.
Cupcake Tower:
If you’re hosting a party, arrange your cupcakes on a cupcake tower or a decorative platter for a stunning display. This creates a wow factor and adds a fun, whimsical element to the event.
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FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making confetti cupcakes. These helpful tips will ensure your cupcakes turn out perfectly every time!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the confetti cupcake batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to bring the batter back to room temperature before scooping it into your cupcake liners and baking.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While buttercream frosting is a classic, you can experiment with other frostings like cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, or ganache for a richer finish. Just make sure the frosting complements the sweetness of the cupcake base.
How can I make my cupcakes extra fluffy?
To get ultra-fluffy cupcakes, ensure that you don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes. Also, using room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs helps create a smoother batter and results in lighter, fluffier cupcakes.
Can I use other types of sprinkles?
Yes, feel free to get creative with your sprinkles! While jimmies are the most popular choice for confetti cupcakes, you can also try nonpareils, sugar crystals, or even themed sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! You can easily make these cupcakes gluten-free by substituting the regular flour with a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.
confetti cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ⅓ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Preheat the oven and prepare your pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside for now.
Cream the butter and sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add the eggs and vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should look smooth and creamy.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined after each addition—be careful not to overmix!
Fold in the sprinkles:
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles using a spatula. This step is where the magic happens—those colorful sprinkles will be evenly distributed throughout the batter, making each bite a fun surprise.
Fill the cupcake liners:
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full. This will give them room to rise without overflowing.
Bake to perfection:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean. Keep an eye on them toward the end to avoid overbaking.
Cool and frost:
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, frost with your favorite frosting—whether it’s a classic buttercream or a creamy cream cheese frosting—and top with a few extra sprinkles for that finishing touch.