Rainbow Cupcakes

Name: Rainbow Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box white cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup sour cream (room temperature); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup milk (room temperature); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 6 bottles gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple (2-3 teaspoons of each color); 6 ounces pasteurized egg whites (from a box); 24 ounces powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; 24 ounces unsalted butter (softened)

Recipe By:

jesseca

Posted:

February 22, 2025

Updated:

February 22, 2025

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Rainbow Cupcakes are the sweetest way to brighten up any celebration! Imagine biting into a cupcake bursting with layers of vibrant colors, each layer a delicious surprise. These fun treats have an inviting appeal, making them a favorite for birthdays, parties, or just a delightful dessert at home. They’re not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly tasty, thanks to a moist, buttery base and a creamy frosting that simply melts in your mouth. Plus, with each cupcake being its own unique work of art, they’re bound to get everyone smiling. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s craft some Rainbow Cupcakes that will dazzle and delight!

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Why This Recipe Works

This Rainbow Cupcake recipe combines a classic buttery cupcake base with vibrant colors, creating a visually stunning and flavorful treat. The use of gel food coloring ensures that the colors remain bright even after baking, while the combination of sour cream and melted butter provides moisture and richness. Perfect for celebrations, these cupcakes not only impress with their appearance but also deliver on taste, making them a favorite at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Cupcakes

There’s something utterly magical about Rainbow Cupcakes. They bring a burst of color and joy to any occasion, captivating both kids and adults alike! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or simply indulging yourself, these delightful treats are not only fun to make but also to eat. Topped with creamy frosting and adorned with colorful sprinkles, each bite is a celebration of flavor and happiness.

Ingredients

1 box white cake mix (Duncan Hines recommended)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup sour cream (room temperature)
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup milk (room temperature)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
6 bottles gel food coloring: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple (2-3 teaspoons of each color)
6 ounces pasteurized egg whites (from a box)
24 ounces powdered sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
24 ounces unsalted butter (softened)

Preparing the Rainbow Cupcakes

Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line two cupcake pans with paper liners. This preparation makes it easier to remove the cupcakes later.

Mix the Cupcake Batter

In your stand mixer bowl, combine the white cake mix, flour, granulated sugar, salt, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and milk. Mix on low speed at first to combine everything gently, then increase to medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is nice and smooth.

Color the Batter

Now comes the fun part! Divide the batter evenly into six bowls. Using gel food coloring, dye each bowl one of the rainbow colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. You can adjust the amount to make the shades as vibrant as you’d like.

Layer the Colors

Start layering the batter into the cupcake liners, beginning with purple. Pipe or spoon about 1-1.5 tablespoons of each colored batter on top of the previous layer. This way, each cupcake showcases a beautiful rainbow that reaches right to the edges.

Bake the Cupcakes

Now it’s time to bake! Place the pans in your preheated oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready! Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Making the Easy Vanilla Buttercream

Combine Egg Whites and Sugar

In a clean stand mixer bowl, mix the pasteurized egg whites and powdered sugar at low speed. Gradually increase the speed to high and whip for about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the mixture to look shiny and ensure the sugar is dissolved.

Add Flavorings

To enhance the flavor, mix in the salt and vanilla extract. This will give your frosting that extra yummy kick!

Incorporate Butter

Here’s where the magic happens! Gradually add the softened butter, one piece at a time. Keep whipping until the mixture becomes fluffy and white, usually needing about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it no longer tastes buttery.

Final Touch for Creaminess

Switch to a paddle attachment and mix on low speed for an optional 15-20 minutes. This step is key for an ultra-creamy and bubble-free frosting that’s simply irresistible.

Assembling the Cupcakes

Pipe Frosting

Using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip, pipe a generous swirl of the vanilla buttercream onto each of your cooled cupcakes. The frosted tops make them look gorgeous!

Add Decorative Touches

For that extra special touch, cut rainbow strip candies into 3-inch segments. Place them on top of the frosting in an arch. To finish it off, sprinkle some gold or rainbow sprinkles for a festive flair.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these vibrant Rainbow Cupcakes at birthday parties, school celebrations, or family gatherings. They pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing glass of lemonade, making your sweet spread even more delightful.

Tips for Success

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature; this ensures they mix together smoothly.
Using gel food coloring is crucial for vibrant and long-lasting colors.
Always allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.

Variations

Feel free to get creative! Substitute the vanilla buttercream with tangy cream cheese frosting for a unique twist. You can also experiment with adding flavored extracts or citrus zest to the cupcake batter for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage Tips

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container, whether they’re frosted or not, at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, freezing is a great option. Just remember to defrost them properly before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! While a white cake mix is ideal for showcasing the rainbow, other flavors will also work.

2. How can I make the colors more vibrant?
Stick with gel food coloring. Add a bit more until you achieve your desired brightness.

3. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Sure! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.

4. What’s the best way to frost these cupcakes?
Using a piping bag with a star tip creates lovely swirls. If you don’t have one, a Ziploc bag with a snipped corner can do the trick.

5. Are these cupcakes suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The vibrant colors and playful toppings make them perfect for kids’ parties and celebrations.

Rainbow Cupcakes are more than just a feast for the eyes; they’re deliciously moist and flavorful. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe offers an inviting challenge that results in vibrant, whimsical treats. Each cupcake filled with colorful layers is a celebration in itself, perfect for sharing joy with loved ones. From birthdays to casual get-togethers, these cupcakes will surely take center stage, spreading smiles and happiness. So roll up your sleeves and make your next occasion memorable with these delightful Rainbow Cupcakes!

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Rainbow Cupcakes

Why This Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Cupcakes

Ingredients