Description
A vibrant and fun rainbow cupcake recipe made with white cake mix, colorful gel food coloring, and rich buttercream frosting. Perfect for parties, pride events, or anytime you want a dessert that wows.
Ingredients
1 white cake mix
2 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
Gel food coloring (various colors)
Frosting:
3 sticks butter (1 ½ cups, room temperature)
6 cups powdered sugar
5 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (or all vanilla extract)
Dash of salt
Optional:
Rainbow sprinkles
Airhead Extremes candy for rainbow toppers
Mini marshmallows
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners.
2. Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, and oil in a bowl. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then on medium-high for 3 minutes.
3. Divide batter evenly into 5 or 6 bowls and color each with gel food coloring.
4. Add 2 teaspoons of the first color into each cupcake liner. Spread gently with a wet fingertip.
5. Repeat with remaining colors in rainbow order, spreading each layer before adding the next.
6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
8. To make the frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
9. Add extracts, salt, and milk (1 tbsp at a time) until desired texture is reached. Beat for 2–3 minutes.
10. Pipe frosting using a ziplock or piping bag. Decorate with sprinkles or candy rainbows.
11. For double rainbow cupcakes, reserve 1/3 cup white frosting. Tint the rest blue, frost the top, then pipe white frosting clouds. Insert rainbow candy between clouds.
Notes
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Always cool cupcakes before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American