Go Back
birthday cupcakes

Best birthday cupcakes recipe

These birthday cupcakes are light, fluffy, and bursting with color. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re topped with your favorite frosting.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Cupcakes:

  • cups cake flour or all-purpose flour as a substitute
  • ¾ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup vegetable canola, or light olive oil
  • cup milk whole or low-fat
  • cup sour cream full or light
  • cup rainbow sprinkles or jimmies

For the Frosting & Topping:

  • 1 batch buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting
  • 3 tablespoons rainbow sprinkles

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with paper liners. This temperature helps create cupcakes with a fluffy interior and a slightly crisp edge.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, whisking them together until fully blended. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents, which helps the cupcakes rise consistently for a light, airy texture.

Step 3: Combine Eggs and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs on medium speed for about 10-20 seconds, until slightly foamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture becomes smooth and light in color.

Step 4: Add Vanilla and Oil

  • Add the vanilla extract and oil to the egg mixture and continue beating until fully combined. The oil helps keep your cupcakes moist, even a day or two after baking.

Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Turn the mixer to low and gradually add half of the flour mixture. Then, pour in the milk, followed by the rest of the flour mixture. Lastly, add the sour cream and mix until just combined

Step 6: Fold in Sprinkles

  • Gently fold the sprinkles into the batter. Over-mixing can cause the sprinkles to bleed, so just a few gentle folds will do.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

  • Fill each liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Frost

  • Allow the cupcakes to rest in the pan for a few minutes to set, then carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they have cooled, generously frost them with your preferred buttercream or cream cheese frosting, and sprinkle with extra colorful sprinkles or edible glitter to add a fun and festive touch.

Notes

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room-temperature eggs and dairy mix more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier cupcakes.
  • Avoid Over-Mixing: Too much mixing can lead to dense cupcakes.
  • Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach a spreadable consistency. Too thin? Add a little powdered sugar.
  • Add a Flavor Twist: Experiment with almond or coconut extracts to create a unique flavor profile that complements the vanilla base.