Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that instantly brightens any celebration or simply adds a spark of joy to your day, these Funfetti Cupcakes are exactly what you need. With their light, fluffy vanilla and almond-flavored base, generously speckled with rainbow sprinkles and crowned with a luscious cake batter buttercream frosting, these cupcakes bring all the fun and nostalgia of birthday parties straight to your kitchen. Not only are they irresistibly tasty, but they also make every bite feel like a little celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and colorful burst that make Funfetti Cupcakes so special. Gathering fresh, room-temperature ingredients will help your cupcakes turn out light and moist, and don’t forget those vibrant sprinkles—they’re the magic touch!

• All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups / 156 g): Provides the structure for the cupcakes, keeping them tender yet firm enough to hold their shape.
• Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): A crucial leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and become fluffy.
• Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the batter.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150 g): Sweetens the batter to perfection and contributes to a delicate crumb.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (¼ cup / 57 g): Adds richness and moisture, ensuring your cupcakes are tender.
• Vegetable oil (¼ cup / 60 ml): Keeps the cupcakes super moist and soft for days.
• Large egg whites (2), room temperature: Help bind the ingredients, giving structure without heaviness.
• Sour cream (2 tbsp / 24 g), room temperature: Adds a subtle tang and extra moisture for a delicate crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 ½ tsp): Infuses the cupcakes with warm, comforting flavor.
• Almond extract (½ tsp): Adds a lovely, nutty nuance that elevates the classic funfetti profile.
• Milk, room temperature (½ cup / 118 ml): Helps achieve the perfect batter consistency for tender cupcakes.
• Rainbow sprinkles (¼ cup / 40 g plus 2 tbsp for decorating): Bring bursts of color and a bit of crunch that make these cupcakes undeniably fun.

• White cake mix (½ cup / 74 g) – for frosting: Adds authentic cake flavor to the buttercream.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup / 227 g) – for frosting: The creamy base that makes the frosting luscious and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar (2 ½ cups / 300 g) – for frosting: Sweetens and lightens the buttercream texture.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp) – for frosting: Enhances the frosting’s flavor beautifully.
• Salt (¼ tsp) – for frosting: Balances the sweetness in the buttercream.
• Heavy cream (3 tbsp / 45 g) – for frosting: Ensures a silky, perfectly spreadable frosting.

How to Make Funfetti Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by warming up your oven to 350℉ (177℃) and lining a cupcake pan with twelve cupcake liners. This ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and are easy to remove later. Next, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl—this step guarantees even distribution of the leavening agent, resulting in cupcakes that rise uniformly and have the perfect crumb.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Oil

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or an electric hand mixer, cream the granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and vegetable oil until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process creates air pockets that give your cupcakes their tender texture. It’s magical how this simple creaming step transforms the batter.

Step 3: Add Egg Whites, Sour Cream, and Extracts

Mix in the room-temperature egg whites, sour cream, vanilla, and almond extracts until everything is smoothly combined. The egg whites lighten the batter without the heaviness of yolks, and the extracts mix warmth and a subtle nutty depth that gives your Funfetti Cupcakes their signature flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add half of your flour mixture to the wet ingredients on low speed until mostly combined. Then, slowly pour in the milk while continuing to mix on low, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Mixing gently preserves the batter’s airiness—this step is key for moist, fluffy cupcakes.

Step 5: Fold in the Rainbow Sprinkles

Gently fold in ¼ cup of rainbow sprinkles to infuse bursts of color throughout the batter. Resist mixing too vigorously to prevent the sprinkles from bleeding their colors and turning your batter pastel instead of speckled.

Step 6: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to leave room for rising. Bake for 20 minutes or until a gentle press on top causes the cupcakes to bounce back. After baking, cool them in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling is essential to prevent the frosting from melting when applied.

Step 7: Make the Cake Batter Buttercream Frosting

Begin by heat-treating the white cake mix in the microwave to 160℉ (71℃), which kills any bacteria and makes the frosting safe without compromising its deliciousness. After cooling and sifting the cake mix, whip the unsalted butter until pale and fluffy before gradually adding powdered sugar, cooled cake mix, vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Finally, whip the frosting on medium speed until light and creamy—this frosting tastes like a dreamy, soft cake topping that makes these Funfetti Cupcakes unforgettable.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

Fill a piping bag fitted with a classic round or swirl tip with your cake batter buttercream. Pipe generous swirls onto each cooled cupcake and sprinkle with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive finish. The colorful topping makes these cupcakes stand out and doubles the fun factor!

How to Serve Funfetti Cupcakes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra rainbow sprinkles is the easiest way to add a bit of whimsy and sparkle. For a special touch, add mini edible glitter stars or a small candy pearl for elegance. Fresh berries on the side also add a juicy contrast to the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Funfetti Cupcakes pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of rich coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. Simple fruit salads or light, refreshing sorbets balance the sweetness and keep your celebration lighthearted.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Funfetti Cupcakes on a tiered cake stand for a party-ready display or place each cupcake in colorful mini cupcake wrappers for extra flair. You can even stack a few to create a mini cupcake tower! Adding personalized cupcake toppers or themed flags instantly customizes these fun treats for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Funfetti Cupcakes fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for 2 to 3 days, but always bring to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. Frosted cupcakes freeze well too, but place them in a rigid container to avoid crushing the delicate decorations.

Reheating

Reheat your cupcakes by allowing them to come to room temperature naturally, as microwaving can alter the texture. If you want warm cupcakes, pop them into a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds—just be careful not to overheat and dry them out.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg whites?

Yes, you can swap in whole eggs, but this will make the cupcakes slightly denser and richer. Using just egg whites keeps them light and fluffy, which is a hallmark of classic Funfetti Cupcakes.

What type of sprinkles works best?

Jimmies or nonpareils are ideal because they hold their shape after baking without bleeding colors too much. Avoid large chunky sprinkles as they might melt unevenly and affect texture.

Is there a substitute for sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a substitute, offering similar moisture and a subtle tang that complements the cupcake flavors beautifully.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well.

How long does the frosting stay fresh?

The cake batter buttercream frosting stays fresh refrigerated for up to one week. Bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Funfetti Cupcakes enough if you’re craving a treat that feels like a party in every bite. Their cheerful appearance, dreamy texture, and that rich cake batter buttercream frosting make them a genuine crowd-pleaser for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you want to add a sprinkle of joy to your day. Give this recipe a try and watch smiles light up all around you!