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This funfetti cupcakes recipe, or confetti cupcakes, are easy to make! It’s an easy vanilla cupcake recipe with sprinkles stirred in. Top with this fun cake batter frosting for a perfect fun dessert.
There is something about funfetti that makes me feel about 10 years old again. Except unlike my childhood these cupcakes will be made from scratch. But the whole thought of using a cake mix to achieve that result always just makes me sad. But I thought could there be a cupcake recipe that gets the same result in the same amount of time?
Yes. Yes Yes!! Ok sorry for the dramatics…but seriously this funfetti cupcakes recipe will take you 10 minutes to throw together. It’s light. Fluffy. And all you need is a whisk.
And then a funfetti cake frosting on top? Ok yes I do use cake batter in the frosting. But totally worth it all.
Yup, it’s time to feel like a kid again…
What Is Funfetti?
Ok so in case you have been living under a sprinkle free rock, funfetti (or confetti as you might call it) is a cake where sprinkles are baked into the batter. The crazy trend, according to the NY Times, began in 1989 when Pillsbury introduced Funfetti Cake Mix to the world. Instead of adding sprinkles to the top for decoration they were baked right into the batter.
Being an 80s child myself, obviously I have a deep love that goes way back. And now I can have my own from scratch version!
Can You Add Nonpareils To Cupcake Batter?
Oh yes my friend. I used rainbow sprinkles in these funfetti cupcakes, but you can also use non-pareils. I recommend the rainbow sprinkles over the nonpareils because the non pareils have a tendency to bleed into the batter.
But one of my fav baking bloggers, Sally did create a funfetti cupcake recipe that did use non-pareils. She recommends if you do decide to non pareils use them, just stir gently.
How To Make These Funfetti Cupcakes
First these cupcakes start with my easy vanilla cupcake recipe. But you could also use my Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes . I just prefer and love this recipe because it uses melted butter so you don’t have to cream the butter and sugar together.
Start by preparing your cupcake pans with your cupcake liners and preheating your oven.
Then you want to measure out your dry ingredients- all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a second mixing bowl whisk together your butter and sugar.
Add in the eggs, egg white, and vanilla extract.
Then stir in your dry ingredients alternately with the milk.
Last but not least let’s not forget the sprinkles. I tested this cupcake recipe using 1/4 cup, 1/3 cup and 1/2 cup. I felt like the 1/3 cup was the goldilocks of sprinkles. My #1 taste tester however felt that 1/2 cup was more his style. He likes a lot of sprinkles. So you could stick to the recipe of 1/3 cup or go nuts and add 1/2 cup.
How Do You Cool These Confetti Cupcakes?
I always recommend cooling your cupcakes on a cooling rack. I first let them cool in the pan for a couple minutes then remove them from the pan to the cooling rack.
You don’t want to leave them in the pan for too long because they will continue to cook from something called carryover heat. Causing your perfectly baked cupcakes to become overbaked and dry.
What Do I Frost Funfetti Cupcakes With?
I then frosted these with cake batter frosting. Or you can keep it traditional and use my best buttercream frosting recipe or swiss meringue buttercream. Of course you could try The BEST Cream Cheese Frosting.
Or maybe ermine frosting, a less sweet buttercream frosting, popular on red velvet cake.
If you are new to decorating cupcakes, then be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide To Baking Cupcakes At Home to help you out!
Tips For Making This Funfetti Cupcakes Recipe
- Unsalted Butter Is Key. Make sure you use unsalted butter. Different brands will have different amounts of salt in their salted butter, so I recommend unsalted butter. That way you can control the amount of salt yourself.
- Measure Accurately. Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour = a dense cupcake. For best accuracy use a kitchen scale. Otherwise if you are using dry measuring cups then first fluff up your flour. Then spoon the flour into your cup and level off with a spatula or other flat edge like a knife. Whatever you do, don’t pack the flour into the cup.
- Room Temperature Ingredients. It’s always important that you use room temperature ingredients when baking so everything is incorporated easily. So for this recipe you want to make sure your eggs are room temperature. I place mine in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes before I bake.
- Don’t Overfill. I have made this recipe countless times and it always makes 15 cupcakes. So make sure you get 15 out of it which means you don’t want to overfill them. Overfilling could result in your cupcakes sinking in the middle
- Use The Right Kind Of Sprinkles. You want to use the longer sprinkle version or jimmies as they are called. Do not use non pareils or they will dissolve into your cupcakes.
- Decorate When Cool. It may be tempting to frost right away. But I beg you wait!
Can you freeze these homemade funfetti cupcakes?
Of course. I love freezing cupcakes. I like freezing them without the buttercream. I recommend placing them on a cookie sheet, or plate so they freeze solid and then transfer to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag.
When ready to enjoy I remove them from the bag and allow them to thaw at room temperature.
Can I Make These Cupcakes Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely you can! These cupcakes can be made ahead 1 day in advance, covered, and stored at room temperature.
The frosting can also be made 1 day in advance, covered, and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
If you have leftover cupcakes they also keep well covered tightly in the refrigerator for 3 days. You can also freeze these cupcakes, without filling, for up to 2-3 months. Then just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then fill and frost as normal!
Can I Make Funfetti Mini Cupcakes?
I haven’t baked these into funfetti mini birthday cupcakes but you definitely could. I would set my timer for 10 minutes but they may take a few minutes extra.
Can I Use Low Fat Milk To These Funfetti Birthday Cake Cupcakes?
I do recommend using whole milk for the best taste and texture, but you can use a low fat milk if that’s all you have. It may just slightly affect the overall texture.
How Should I Decorate These Confetti Cupcakes?
Sprinkles of course. But here are 12 Easy Cupcake Decorating Ideas to try.
More Cupcake Recipes To Try:
- Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes
- Peanut Butter Banana Cupcakes
- Pinata Cupcakes
To Make These Funfetti Cupcakes You Will Need:
Funfetti Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup (180 grams) unbleached all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon table salt
- 8 tbsp. (113 grams) unsalted butter melted slightly cooled
- 1 cup (225 grams) granulated white sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 egg white
- 1/2 cup (114 grams) whole milk room temperature
- 1 tbsp. vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1/3 cup sprinkles
- Cupcake pans
- Cupcake Liners
- Whisk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F/180oC. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together and set aside.
- In a second mixing bowl add the butter and sugar and whisk to combine. Mix in the eggs and egg white until incorporated. Stir in the milk and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mixing just until incorporated. Stir in sprinkles with a spatula.
- Divide the batter between the prepared paper liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pans 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely. Replace paper liners and bake remaining batter if desired. Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.
Notes
- Tools: Cupcake pans - These are my favorite cupcake pans from Wilton | Cupcake Liners | Sprinkles
- Unsalted Butter Is Key. Make sure you use unsalted butter. Different brands will have different amounts of salt in their salted butter, so I recommend unsalted butter. That way you can control the amount of salt yourself.
- Measure Accurately. Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Too much flour = a dense cupcake. For best accuracy use a kitchen scale. Otherwise if you are using dry measuring cups then first fluff up your flour. Then spoon the flour into your cup and level off with a spatula or other flat edge like a knife. Whatever you do, don't pack the flour into the cup.
- Room Temperature Ingredients. It's always important that you use room temperature ingredients when baking so everything is incorporated easily. So for this recipe you want to make sure your eggs are room temperature. I place mine in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes before I bake.
- Don't Overfill. I have made this recipe countless times and it always makes 15 cupcakes. So make sure you get 15 out of it which means you don't want to overfill them. Overfilling could result in your cupcakes sinking in the middle
- Use The Right Kind Of Sprinkles. You want to use the longer sprinkle version or jimmies as they are called. Do not use non pareils or they will dissolve into your cupcakes.
- Frosting: I frosted these with cake batter frosting. Or you can keep it traditional and use my best buttercream frosting recipe or swiss meringue buttercream.
- Nutrition facts are for cupcakes only, no frosting.
Chelsea says
I would love to make these for my son’s second birthday this weekend, but I don’t have unbleached flour! Would the regular kind work??
Heather says
Yes absolutely!
Jessica F says
When do I add the sprinkles to the batter?
[email protected] says
Hi Jessica! You want to add the sprinkles last and just stir them
In with a spatula.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says
I have made funfetti cupcakes for my students many times, and they always say it is their favourite. Your cupcake recipe looks just as good!! LOVE this!
[email protected] says
Thanks Cathleen! 🙂
Claire | The Simple, Sweet Life says
Funfetti is hands down my favorite cake and cupcake flavor. I request it every year for my birthday. Your recipe looks divine and I can’t wait to use it as an excuse to whip up my favorite flavor. 😉
[email protected] says
Thanks Claire 🙂 let me know how it turns out!
Karyl Henry says
Oh I love that you put the sprinkles into the cupcakes! This is such a fun idea, and perfect for a kid’s birthday party.
[email protected] says
Thanks Karyl yes kids (and adults!) will love these 🙂
Amanda Mason says
It’s a classic recipe that every kid will love to make! Have you made these with a gluten free flour to make a gluten free version? I bet it can be easily done! I’m going to give the gluten free version a try!
Heather says
I haven’t made them gluten free. But any recipe I make gluten free I like to use Cup 4 cup flour it yields the best results! Let me know how they turn out!
Marisa F. Stewart says
What a fun looking cupcake — it’s a party in a cupcake liner. You really give excellent directions on the ingredients and how to proceed. I love the funfetti spinkles and I know my youngest grandson does too. I’ll be making him a batch.
Heather Perine says
Thanks Marisa! That means a lot..and I love sprinkles too..let me know how he likes them!
Anna says
These cupcakes look so lovely and so much fun to make, especially with the kids! I know they will not be lasting very long in our house! Thank you for sharing this tasty recipe!
Heather says
Thanks Anna!!
Tammy says
I’ll never outgrow funfetti! These look so pretty and festive and that frosting is beautiful too with the extra sprinkles. Great tips..your cupcakes are perfect!
Heather says
Thanks Tammi! You and me both 🙂
Veronika's Kitchen says
Funfetti Cupcakes are my favorite! and yours look so pretty and tasty! It will be great to make them for a summer birthday party!
Heather says
Thanks Veronika! Yes these would be great for a summer party!
Kylie | Midwest Foodie says
My daughter’s birthday is next month and I will definitely be making these for her! She and her friends are going to love them! I’m thinking of doing a decorate your own cupcake kind of thing. Thanks for sharing!
Heather says
Aw that’s great to hear! Hope she loves them as much as we do 🙂
Leslie says
This recipe is so colorful and fun! I bet it’s delicious too! Thanks for sharing!
[email protected] says
Thanks Leslie 🙂
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli says
Adding sprinkles in the batter and in the buttercream makes them extra cheerful and delicious. I’m sure everybody would have a smile from ear to ear when presented these funfetti cupcakes!
[email protected] says
Thanks Nicoletta! Yes definite smiles for sure 🙂
Elaine Benoit says
You are so right, there is something about funfetti that makes you feel young again. My niece’s children are all about funfetti and your recipe will be perfect for me to make to bring to her house this weekend.
[email protected] says
OH I can’t wait to hear how your niece’s children like them!