Description
Colorful rainbow cupcakes bring whimsical joy to dessert tables with their magical multicolored layers. Sweet buttercream frosting and playful sprinkles complete this delightful treat that sparks happiness in children and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water or milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
Coloring and Flavoring:
- Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting and Decoration:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 3–4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Rainbow sprinkles or sour rainbow candy belts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin with colorful cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, water, eggs, oil, and dry pudding mix, blending thoroughly for two minutes until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Divide the prepared batter evenly into six separate bowls, then carefully tint each portion with a distinct gel food coloring to create vibrant rainbow hues.
- Carefully spoon the colored batters into the muffin liners, strategically layering each color without mixing to create a stunning rainbow effect from bottom to top.
- Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they reach room temperature before frosting.
- Prepare the frosting by whipping butter and vanilla together, gradually incorporating confectioners’ sugar and cream until the mixture becomes light, airy, and perfectly smooth.
- Using a piping bag or offset spatula, generously cover each cooled cupcake with the prepared frosting, creating elegant swirls or smooth tops.
- Embellish the frosted cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles or decorative candy belts, adding a final touch of whimsy and color to these delightful treats.
Notes
- Adjust food coloring intensity by adding more or less gel to achieve vibrant or pastel rainbow layers without compromising batter consistency.
- Prevent color bleeding between layers by gently spooning each color into the liner, ensuring a clean, distinct rainbow effect.
- Enhance moisture and texture by using instant pudding mix, which helps create a softer, more tender cupcake with enhanced flavor profile.
- Accommodate dietary needs by substituting regular ingredients with gluten-free cake mix, dairy-free butter alternatives, and plant-based egg replacements for inclusive rainbow treats.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 223
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 42 mg