Funfetti Cupcakes bring a burst of joy and nostalgia to any occasion. These delightful treats are homemade Funfetti-style cupcakes loaded with rainbow sprinkles and topped with a tangy vanilla cream cheese buttercream. Perfect for birthdays or simply to brighten up your day, they are easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Funfetti Cupcakes
You’ll adore these Funfetti Cupcakes for many reasons. First, they are visually stunning with colorful sprinkles that appeal to both kids and adults alike, making them ideal for celebrations. Second, they offer a nostalgic flavor reminiscent of childhood birthday parties. Third, the cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tang that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cupcakes. Fourth, they are versatile and can be decorated for any occasion, from festive funfetti cupcakes to simple everyday treats. Fifth, they are straightforward to prepare, making them a great choice for beginner bakers. Lastly, you can easily convert this recipe into vegan funfetti cupcakes by substituting the egg and dairy ingredients. These cupcakes are a wonderful addition to your dessert repertoire!
Ingredients for Funfetti Cupcakes
Gather these items:
- 1 and 2/3 cups (209g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 6 Tablespoons (60g) rainbow sprinkles (not nonpareils)
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- salt, to taste
- optional for garnish: rainbow sprinkles
How to Make Funfetti Cupcakes Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Whisk in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until combined, then whisk in the milk.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is mostly smooth. Fold in the sprinkles.
- Step 5: Pour/spoon the batter into the liners, filling only 3/4 full.
- Step 6: Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: Beat the butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream/milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Step 9: Frost cooled cupcakes and top with sprinkles if using.
- Step 10: Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and in the refrigerator up to 5.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Funfetti Cupcakes
Keep these in mind:
- This recipe yields 14 cupcakes.
- Use a cupcake carrier for storing and transporting decorated cupcakes.
- For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; a few lumps are fine.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Best Ways to Serve Funfetti Cupcakes
Consider these serving ideas:
- Serve them at birthday parties as colorful treats.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Top them with additional rainbow sprinkles for a festive touch.
How to Store and Reheat Funfetti Cupcakes
To store, keep the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For a special treat, warm them for a few seconds in the microwave before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Funfetti Cupcakes
What’s the secret to perfect Funfetti Cupcakes?
The secret is in using high-quality ingredients and ensuring they are at room temperature. This helps achieve a moist and fluffy texture, making your funfetti cupcakes even more delightful.
Can I make Funfetti Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake and frost your funfetti cupcakes a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Funfetti Cupcakes?
To avoid common mistakes, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the batter. Also, ensure your oven is preheated properly for even baking.
Variations of Funfetti Cupcakes You Can Try
Here are a few fun ideas:
- Make vegan funfetti cupcakes by substituting the egg and dairy with plant-based alternatives.
- Create a funfetti cake by baking the batter in a larger pan instead of cupcakes.
- Try adding different flavored extracts like almond for a twist on the classic taste.
- Use chocolate buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese for a rich variation.


For more delicious recipes, check out our Apple Bundt Cake Recipe or try making Creamy Pepperoncini Chicken Skillet. You can also enjoy Cheesy Baked Fajita Chicken for a savory treat!
For additional baking tips, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice on achieving the perfect cupcake texture.
Print
Funfetti Cupcakes: 14 Colorful Delights for Every Celebration
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 14 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Funfetti-style cupcakes loaded with rainbow sprinkles and topped with a lightly tangy vanilla cream cheese buttercream.
Ingredients
- 1 and 2/3 cups (209g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream or plain yogurt, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 6 Tablespoons (60g) rainbow sprinkles (not nonpareils)
- 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 ounces (113g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) confectioners’ sugar
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- salt, to taste
- optional for garnish: rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a medium bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract until combined, then whisk in the milk.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is mostly smooth. Fold in the sprinkles.
- Pour/spoon the batter into the liners, filling only 3/4 full.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the butter and cream cheese together until creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream/milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and top with sprinkles if using.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days and in the refrigerator up to 5.
Notes
- This recipe yields 14 cupcakes.
- Use a cupcake carrier for storing and transporting decorated cupcakes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
