Ultimate Moist & Fluffy Confetti Cupcakes: Your Go-To Recipe for Festive Celebrations
Planning a special event or simply craving a dessert that brings a burst of joy and color? Look no further than these spectacular Moist and Fluffy Confetti Cupcakes! These vibrant sprinkle-filled treats are not only incredibly easy to bake but are guaranteed to be the dazzling centerpiece of any gathering. Imagine a tender, airy vanilla cake base, generously studded with colorful rainbow sprinkles, and crowned with a luscious, creamy funfetti buttercream frosting, then adorned with even more sprinkles for an extra festive touch. Get ready to bake happiness into every bite!
These festive confetti cupcakes are truly a celebration in miniature. They’re absolutely perfect for birthday parties, anniversaries, graduations, or any occasion where a touch of whimsy and deliciousness is needed. The magic lies in their incredibly moist and fluffy texture, achieved through carefully selected ingredients and a straightforward baking process. Each cupcake is a symphony of flavor and texture, finished with a generous swirl of frosting and, of course, a cascade of classic rainbow jimmies that melt into delightful pops of color when baked.
The name “confetti cupcakes” isn’t just a charming title; it perfectly describes the delightful experience. As the vibrant sprinkles bake into the vanilla-flavored cake, they gently melt, creating charming pockets of color that resemble scattered confetti when you bite into them. The base of these delightful cupcakes is a rich, fluffy vanilla cake, made supremely tender and moist thanks to the inclusion of buttermilk. Buttermilk is a secret ingredient that reacts with the leavening agents, contributing to the cake’s fine crumb and incredibly soft texture, making it undeniably delicious.
To elevate these treats even further, we crown them with an irresistible funfetti buttercream. This velvety, sprinkle-infused frosting comes together in just about 5 minutes, adding another layer of fun and flavor. It’s truly the perfect complement to the light and airy cake.
As a trained pastry chef, I’ve had the pleasure of preparing countless bakery-style cupcakes for various events, and these confetti cupcakes were consistently a crowd-pleaser on every menu. Their simplicity and joyful appeal make them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. In fact, this recipe is so straightforward and rewarding that it’s absolutely perfect for a fun baking activity with kids. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to the joys of baking and decorating!
If your children enjoy spending time in the kitchen creating sweet treats, you might also want to explore some of our other kid-friendly cupcake recipes. Try our classic vanilla cupcakes for a foundational favorite, cozy up with these delicious hot chocolate cupcakes, or whip up a smaller batch of decadent chocolate cupcakes. All of these recipes are fantastic for baking together and creating lasting memories!
And for those looking to add an extra touch of charm, be sure to check out our detailed guide on how to bake and decorate cute cupcakes. It’s packed with tips and tricks to make your creations even more visually stunning!
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Confetti Cupcakes
Crafting these delightful confetti cupcakes from scratch requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect moist and fluffy texture and vibrant appearance. Using high-quality ingredients at the correct temperature will always yield the best results.
- Cake Flour: This specialized flour is finely milled and has a lower protein content compared to all-purpose flour. It’s the secret weapon for creating an exceptionally soft, tender, and light cupcake crumb, preventing a dense or chewy texture.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the cupcakes their characteristic rise and airy texture. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients like buttermilk, while baking powder provides additional lift, ensuring a beautifully domed top and an irresistibly fluffy interior.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is crucial for activating the leavening agents and, more importantly, enhancing all the other flavors in the cupcake. It balances the sweetness and brings out the vanilla notes, preventing the cupcakes from tasting bland.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened unsalted butter is essential for a rich, buttery flavor and a tender crumb. Creaming it with sugar creates air pockets that contribute to the cupcakes’ light structure. Always opt for unsalted butter to control the overall salt content of your recipe.
- Granulated Sugar: Beyond providing sweetness, granulated sugar also helps to tenderize the cake and create moisture. When creamed with butter, it helps incorporate air, leading to a lighter cupcake.
- Egg & Egg White: The whole egg acts as a binder, providing structure and richness. The addition of extra egg whites contributes to the cupcakes’ light and airy texture without adding excessive richness, resulting in a whiter crumb that allows the sprinkles to shine.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is a must for any vanilla-based cake. It infuses the entire cupcake with a warm, comforting, and classic flavor that pairs perfectly with the colorful sprinkles.
- Buttermilk: The star ingredient for moisture! Buttermilk’s acidity tenderizes the gluten in the flour, resulting in an incredibly moist and tender crumb. It also activates the baking soda, contributing to the lift and fluffiness of the cupcakes. Ensure it’s at room temperature for optimal incorporation.
- Rainbow Jimmies: These classic elongated sprinkles are what give the cupcakes their iconic “confetti” look. When baked, they slightly melt, leaving behind colorful speckles throughout the cake. It’s important to use the right type of sprinkles for the best visual effect.
- Funfetti Frosting: Our recommended topping for these cupcakes! This creamy, sprinkle-infused buttercream takes only minutes to prepare and perfectly complements the cupcake’s flavor and theme. You can also easily customize its color with food dye for even more thematic fun.
Choosing the Best Sprinkles for Confetti Cupcakes
The type of sprinkles you choose is critical to the success and visual appeal of your confetti cupcakes. For that authentic “confetti” effect, you must use classic rainbow jimmies like these. Jimmies are cylinder-shaped and hold their color and shape relatively well during baking, bleeding minimally into the batter and creating those distinct pops of color. Other types of sprinkles, unfortunately, just won’t yield the same results. Nonpareils (the tiny round ones) tend to melt completely and often bleed their color extensively, turning your beautiful vanilla cake into a muddy mess. Glitter sprinkles offer no structural integrity and disappear. Large spherical sprinkles or shaped sprinkles can be too heavy, sinking to the bottom of the batter, or may also melt or bleed, compromising the delicate crumb of the cupcake. Stick with jimmies for the best, most vibrant confetti effect!
How to Make Homemade Confetti Cupcakes from Scratch
Baking these delightful confetti cupcakes is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these simple steps to create bakery-quality treats right in your own kitchen:
Step 1: Prepare for Baking. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the batter is ready to bake, which is crucial for even rising. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. Using good quality liners can prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup. Set the prepared tin aside.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour (or all-purpose flour if using, though cake flour is preferred for tenderness), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking thoroughly ensures that the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for consistent lift and flavor in every cupcake. Once combined, set this bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter on medium speed for about one minute until it becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all butter is incorporated. Next, add the granulated sugar and continue mixing on medium speed for another 2 minutes until the mixture is truly light, pale, and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, which is vital for the cupcake’s airy texture. Add the whole egg, two egg whites, and vanilla extract, mixing again until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage.
Step 4: Prepare the Cupcake Batter. With the mixer on low speed, begin adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start by adding 1/3 of the dry ingredients, mix briefly until just incorporated, then add half of the buttermilk. Repeat this process, ending with the final 1/3 of the dry ingredients. Mix only until the batter is smooth and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tough cupcakes. Finally, remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix the sprinkles, as this can cause them to sink or bleed excessively.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes. Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop or an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin liners, filling each approximately 2/3 of the way full. This filling level is crucial to prevent overflow and ensure a perfectly domed top. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the centers of the cupcakes are set and a wooden skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean or with moist crumbs, but no wet batter. The tops should be lightly golden and spring back gently when touched.
Step 6: Cool, Frost, and Enjoy. Allow the baked cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. It is absolutely essential that the cupcakes are entirely cool before frosting. If they are even slightly warm, your beautiful Funfetti frosting will melt and slide right off. Once cooled, frost generously with your funfetti buttercream, garnish with more sprinkles, and prepare to enjoy these delightful, celebratory treats!
Tips for Baking Perfectly Fluffy Cupcakes Every Time
Achieving perfectly baked, tender cupcakes consistently is an art, but it’s also a science that can be mastered with a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips to ensure your confetti cupcakes come out flawless every single time:
- Don’t Overfill Cupcake Liners: This is a common mistake! Only fill your cupcake liners about 2/3 of the way full. Overfilling will cause the batter to overflow the sides of the liner, creating unsightly “muffin tops” and potentially resulting in cupcakes that are raw in the center, even if the edges look browned. A 2/3 fill ensures a beautifully domed top and an evenly baked interior.
- Use a Light-Colored Muffin Tin: The color of your baking pan actually makes a difference! Lighter-colored muffin tins absorb less heat than darker ones, leading to more even heat distribution and preventing the bottoms or edges of your cupcakes from over-baking and becoming dry or overly browned. Darker tins can cause rapid heating and scorching.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until they are just combined and no streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, chewy, and dense cupcakes rather than the desired light and fluffy texture. Gentle folding is key.
- Proper Cooling Process: After baking for 18-22 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean), allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set slightly and prevents them from collapsing. After 10 minutes, gently remove them from the tin and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation all around the cupcakes, preventing soggy bottoms.
Additional Tips for Recipe Success
Beyond the baking process itself, these crucial tips will ensure your confetti cupcakes turn out beautifully moist, flavorful, and perfectly presented:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This is arguably one of the most important tips for any baking recipe. Room temperature butter creams better with sugar, incorporating more air, leading to a lighter texture. Room temperature eggs and buttermilk emulsify more easily with the butter mixture, creating a smooth, consistent batter that holds together better and bakes more evenly. If you’re in a hurry, learn how to soften butter quickly.
- Fold Sprinkles Lightly: When incorporating the rainbow jimmies, use a spatula and fold them into the batter very gently and minimally. Aggressive mixing can cause the sprinkles to sink to the bottom of the cupcake liners during baking, or worse, their colors can bleed excessively into the batter, dulling the vibrant vanilla base. A light touch ensures they are evenly distributed.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: This cannot be stressed enough! Your buttercream frosting is primarily made of butter, which will melt if applied to warm cupcakes. Patience is a virtue here. Ensure your cupcakes are entirely cooled to room temperature before you even think about piping on that delicious funfetti frosting.
Decorating Confetti Cupcakes for Maximum Sparkle
Decorating these confetti cupcakes is where the real fun begins! For a professional, bakery-style finish, I highly recommend using a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. This creates beautiful, elegant swirls of buttercream on top of each cupcake. Once you’ve piped the frosting, act quickly! Immediately top the frosted cupcakes with a generous shower of additional sprinkles. The key here is speed; if you wait too long (even just 5 minutes), the buttercream will start to crust and harden, and the sprinkles won’t adhere properly. For the best adherence and a truly festive look, sprinkle them while the frosting is still soft and pliable.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
To ensure your delicious confetti cupcakes stay fresh and delightful for as long as possible, follow these storage and freezing guidelines:
Storing: Cooled and frosted cupcakes are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain moist and delicious for up to three days. Beyond that, the cake may start to dry out and the frosting may lose some of its freshness. Avoid refrigerating frosted cupcakes unless your kitchen is exceptionally warm, as the cold can dry out the cake and harden the buttercream.
Freezing: If you’re planning ahead or have leftover unfrosted cupcakes, they freeze beautifully! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the unfrosted cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator, then bring them to room temperature before frosting and serving. Frosted cupcakes can also be frozen, but freeze them individually on a tray until solid, then transfer to an airtight container to prevent the frosting from getting squashed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying confetti cupcakes:
Can I make these into mini cupcakes?
Absolutely! This recipe can easily be adapted for mini cupcakes. Simply line a mini muffin tin with mini cupcake liners and fill each about 1/2 way full with batter. Reduce the baking time to approximately 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Mini cupcakes are perfect for parties and bite-sized treats!
Is Funfetti just vanilla with sprinkles?
Essentially, yes! “Funfetti” is a term popularized by Pillsbury to describe a vanilla-flavored cake or frosting that has colorful rainbow sprinkles mixed into it. The sprinkles add both visual appeal and a slight textural variation, making it a festive twist on a classic vanilla dessert. It remains a beloved flavor worldwide for its simple joy and celebratory feel.
Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
While a stand mixer certainly makes the creaming process easier and more efficient, it is not strictly necessary. You can achieve excellent results using a good quality hand mixer. Even a whisk and a sturdy wooden spoon can work, though it will require more elbow grease during the butter and sugar creaming stage. The key is to ensure your butter and sugar are thoroughly creamed until light and fluffy, regardless of the tool you use.
My sprinkles sank to the bottom! What did I do wrong?
This usually happens if the sprinkles were overmixed into the batter or if the batter itself was too thin. To prevent sinking, ensure your batter has the right consistency (not too runny) and gently fold in the sprinkles right before portioning, mixing just enough to distribute them without overworking the batter. You can also lightly toss the sprinkles in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter; this extra coating helps them stay suspended.
How can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
To make these dairy-free, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative (ensure it’s suitable for baking). For buttermilk, you can make a dairy-free version by combining 1/2 cup of unsweetened non-dairy milk (like almond or soy milk) with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles before using. Always check sprinkle ingredients for dairy if it’s a strict dietary requirement.
Creative Ways to Enjoy and Customize Your Confetti Cupcakes
While we adore these cupcakes with a generous amount of Classic American Buttercream or our signature funfetti frosting, there are countless ways to customize and enjoy them! Experimenting with different frosting flavors can transform the entire experience, making these versatile treats suitable for any palate or occasion.
- Chocolate Buttercream: A rich, decadent pairing that chocolate lovers will adore. The deep chocolate flavor beautifully contrasts with the light vanilla cake and vibrant sprinkles.
- Raspberry Buttercream: For a fruity and tart counterpoint, raspberry buttercream adds a refreshing zing that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Mascarpone Frosting: A lighter, creamier option with a subtle tang. Mascarpone frosting offers a sophisticated touch without being overly sweet.
- White Chocolate Buttercream: If you love a rich, sweet, and luxurious frosting, white chocolate buttercream is an excellent choice. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor complement the vanilla cupcake perfectly.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese Buttercream: Combining fruity sweetness with a tangy cream cheese base, this frosting is utterly irresistible and adds a beautiful pink hue.
Beyond frosting, consider adding a simple filling like lemon curd, berry jam, or even a dollop of marshmallow cream inside the cupcakes before frosting for an extra surprise!
Discover More Fun Cupcake Recipes!
If you loved making these confetti cupcakes, be sure to explore our collection of other delightful cupcake recipes. There’s always a new flavor or technique to discover for your next baking adventure!
Moist and Fluffy Confetti Cupcakes
10 mins
22 mins
10 mins
42 mins
12 cupcakes
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Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cup cake or all purpose flour, (207g)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, (113g) softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar, (200g)
- 1 egg, (50g)
- 2 egg white, (70g)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk, at room temperature (118mL)
- ¾ cup sprinkles, classic rainbow jimmies
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F and line a muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
- In a medium size bowl combine the 1 ¾ cup flour, 1 tsp baking powder, ¼ tsp baking soda, and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Whisk until combined.
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In the bowl of a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream the ½ cup butter for 1 minute on medium speed. Scrape down the bowl and add 1 cup sugar. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. -
Scrape down the bowl and add the egg, 2 egg whites and 2 tsp vanilla extract. Mix for 1 minute on medium speed.
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Add in 1/3rd of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk and alternate, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until combined. Do not overmix.
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Remove the bowl from the mixer and add in the ¾ cup rainbow sprinkles. Mix lightly with spatula.
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Using a 3 tbsp cookie scoop, scoop the batter into the muffin liners 2/3 of the way full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the cake is set.
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Frost with funfetti frosting and garnish with more sprinkles!
Notes
Make sure to fill the cupcake liners only 2/3 of the way full.
Calories: 256kcal,
Carbohydrates: 40g,
Protein: 4g,
Fat: 9g,
Saturated Fat: 6g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g,
Trans Fat: 0.3g,
Cholesterol: 35mg,
Sodium: 132mg,
Potassium: 49mg,
Fiber: 0.4g,
Sugar: 26g,
Vitamin A: 273IU,
Calcium: 39mg,
Iron: 0.3mg
Cupcake, Cupcakes, Dessert
Sam Adler
American
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