Who doesn’t love a cupcake that’s bursting with color and fun? Funfetti cupcakes are the ultimate treat for birthdays, celebrations, or just because you want something sweet and cheerful. These cupcakes are soft, moist, and packed with rainbow sprinkles, making them a nostalgic favorite for both kids and adults.

Originating from the classic Funfetti cake mix that Pillsbury introduced in 1989, these cupcakes have become a staple in homemade baking. The best part? You don’t need a box mix to make them! With a few simple ingredients, you can bake your own batch of fluffy, sprinkle-filled cupcakes from scratch.

These cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also have a rich vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with a smooth and creamy buttercream frosting. Whether you’re baking for a party or just to brighten up your day, Funfetti cupcakes are guaranteed to bring joy.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delightful cupcakes from scratch:

For the Cupcakes:

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups (210g)
Baking powder	2 ½ tsp
Salt	½ tsp
Unsalted butter (softened)	½ cup (113g)
Granulated sugar	¾ cup (150g)
Large eggs	2
Vanilla extract	1 ½ tsp
Whole milk	½ cup (120ml)
Sour cream	¼ cup (60g)
Rainbow sprinkles (jimmies)	½ cup (60g)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (226g)
Powdered sugar	3 cups (360g)
Heavy cream or milk	2-3 tbsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Pinch of salt	—
Extra sprinkles for topping	As needed

Notes on Ingredients:

Sprinkles: Always use jimmies (rod-shaped sprinkles) instead of nonpareils (tiny round ones), as nonpareils tend to bleed into the batter.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness to the cupcakes. If unavailable, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute.

Equipment Needed

Muffin tin
Cupcake liners
Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Wire cooling rack
Piping bag and frosting tip (optional)

These tools help ensure even mixing, smooth frosting application, and a professional-looking finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix in the sour cream, then add half of the dry ingredients, stirring gently.
Pour in the milk and mix briefly before adding the remaining dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well.
Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
If the frosting is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Frost and Decorate

Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag with a decorative tip (or spread with a knife).
Pipe or spread the frosting on each cooled cupcake.
Sprinkle extra rainbow sprinkles on top for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Variations

Want extra fluffy cupcakes? Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
For a flavor twist: Add a touch of almond extract or swap vanilla for cake batter extract.
Gluten-free option: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-free version: Substitute butter with vegan butter, milk with almond or oat milk, and sour cream with dairy-free yogurt.
Colorful frosting: Divide the frosting into bowls, add different food colors, and swirl them together for a rainbow effect!

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or even casual get-togethers. Serve them with:

A glass of cold milk for a classic treat.
Vanilla ice cream to enhance the creamy texture.
Chocolate drizzle or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Display them on a tiered cupcake stand with colorful liners for a festive touch.

Pairings

Pair Funfetti cupcakes with:

Vanilla latte for a cozy, sweet balance.
Strawberry lemonade for a fresh, fruity contrast.
Sparkling wine if serving at a celebratory event—bubbles complement the light texture.

Storage and Reheating

At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the fridge: Keep for up to 5 days, but bring them to room temperature before eating.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~290
Carbohydrates	38g
Protein	3g
Fat	14g
Sugar	30g
Sodium	130mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Funfetti cupcakes are the perfect treat to bring joy to any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a celebration, or simply a way to brighten your day. Their soft, moist texture, combined with the delightful bursts of color from the sprinkles, makes every bite a fun and delicious experience. The homemade vanilla buttercream adds a rich and creamy finish, perfectly complementing the light and fluffy cake. Best of all, they’re easy to make from scratch, requiring simple pantry ingredients that come together effortlessly.

No matter how you choose to decorate them, Funfetti cupcakes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy them with a cup of coffee, a refreshing lemonade, or as a festive dessert centerpiece, these cupcakes are a guaranteed way to spread happiness. So, grab your mixing bowl, whip up a batch, and share the joy of homemade Funfetti cupcakes with your loved ones!