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Funfetti Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

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4.9 from 142 reviews

Delight in these colorful and festive Funfetti Cupcakes topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Perfect for celebrations or brightening up any day, these cupcakes have a light, fluffy texture with a sweet burst from sprinkles baked inside and on top.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcakes

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 3/4 cups cake flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 to 2/3 cup jimmies sprinkles

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3–4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream or milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Sprinkles, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners. Set aside for later use.
  2. Whisk Egg Whites: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whisk the 4 egg whites until stiff peaks form. Set them aside carefully to fold in later.
  3. Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure a light batter.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy, about one minute. Add the granulated sugar and continue creaming for another minute until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
  5. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
  6. Combine Ingredients Alternately: Add the dry ingredients and buttermilk mixture alternately to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  7. Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until just combined to add moisture and richness.
  8. Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated, preserving the airiness.
  9. Add Sprinkles: Gently fold in 1/2 to 2/3 cup sprinkles until evenly distributed in the batter.
  10. Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Tap the pans firmly on the counter to release trapped air bubbles.
  11. Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 19-22 minutes or until a tester inserted comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
  12. Cool: Allow cupcakes to cool completely in the pans before frosting.
  13. Make Frosting: Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with a mixer until light, fluffy, and pale yellow, about 2-3 minutes.
  14. Add Powdered Sugar: Add 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar and mix until combined.
  15. Incorporate Cream and Extracts: Add 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly.
  16. Adjust Consistency: If frosting is too thin, add the remaining powdered sugar; if too thick, add remaining heavy cream to reach desired consistency.
  17. Color Frosting (Optional): Add food coloring if desired and mix well.
  18. Frost Cupcakes: Using a piping bag or knife, frost the cooled cupcakes generously with the buttercream.
  19. Decorate: Top the frosted cupcakes with additional sprinkles for a festive finish.

Notes

  • Sifting dry ingredients avoids lumps and ensures a light cupcake texture.
  • Folding in the egg whites gently helps keep cupcakes fluffy and airy.
  • Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
  • Baking time may vary with oven type; start checking at 19 minutes.
  • If desired, almond extract in frosting adds a lovely complementary flavor but is optional.
  • Sprinkles can melt or bleed color if overmixed; fold them in gently.
  • For best results, use fresh sprinkles designated as ‘jimmies’ for baking to minimize bleeding.

Keywords: funfetti cupcakes, vanilla buttercream, sprinkles cupcakes, party cupcakes, festive dessert, birthday cupcakes

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/funfetti-cupcakes-with-vanilla-buttercream-recipe/