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🌈 Rainbow Cupcakes Recipe

A rainbow cupcake sliced in half, showing colorful cake layers inside and swirled frosting on top
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These rainbow cupcakes are fluffy, fun, and full of vibrant color! With soft vanilla cake layers dyed into a rainbow and swirled buttercream frosting on top, they’re perfect for birthdays, Pride, or any day that needs a splash of joy. Easy to make from scratch or with a box mix shortcut!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cupcakes:

  • 1 white cake mix (optional shortcut base)

  • OR:

    • 2–5 eggs (see notes)

    • 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

    • 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk

    • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

    • 1/2–1 cup unsalted butter, softened or melted

    • 2 1/3 cups granulated sugar

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour

    • 4 tsp baking powder

    • 1/2 tsp baking soda

    • 1/2 tsp salt

    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract (use clear vanilla for white batter)

    • Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)

For the Frosting:

  • 1–1.5 cups unsalted butter (2–3 sticks)

  • 4–6 cups powdered sugar (sifted)

  • 3–5 tbsp milk or heavy cream

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp coconut extract (optional)

  • Pinch of salt

  • Gel food coloring (for tinting)

  • Gold sprinkles or glitter stars (optional)

Instructions

  • Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

  • Mix Batter: Prepare white cake batter (from mix or scratch). Divide into 5–6 bowls and tint each one a different color using gel food coloring.

  • Layer: Spoon small amounts of each colored batter into liners, one color at a time. Don’t swirl—just layer!

  • Bake: Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.

  • Make Frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add sifted powdered sugar, milk, and extracts. Mix until fluffy. Divide and tint with food coloring.

 

  • Decorate: Pipe swirled frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Top with glitter or sprinkles if you’re feelin’ fancy!

Notes

  • For brightest colors, always use gel food coloring, not liquid.

  • Want fewer dishes? Use one bowl and wash between colors.

  • Use only egg whites for whiter batter.

  • These freeze beautifully! Store unfrosted in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: rainbow cupcakes, rainbow cupcake recipe, colorful cupcakes, rainbow cupcakes with frosting, pastel rainbow cupcakes

Find it online: https://batchrecipes.com/rainbow-cupcakes/