Rainbow Cupcakes are a fun and colorful treat perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion. These vibrant cupcakes are made with a rich and moist white cake mix, layered in a spectrum of colors, and topped with a luscious, fluffy buttercream frosting. Follow these instructions to create a dazzling and delicious dessert that will impress everyone!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 white cake mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- Food coloring (gel colors recommended for vibrant hues)
For the Frosting:
- 3 sticks (1 1/2 cups) butter, room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (or use all vanilla extract)
- Dash of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, sour cream, milk, and vegetable oil. Mix until well incorporated (about 30 seconds), then beat on medium-high speed for 3 minutes.
- Divide the batter evenly into separate bowls based on the number of colors you want to use (typically 5-6 colors). Use food coloring to dye each portion of the batter to the desired intensity. Gel colors are recommended as they provide bright colors without thinning the batter.
- Layer the Batter:
- Spoon a small amount of each colored batter into the cupcake liners one at a time, layering them to create a rainbow effect. The batter is thick and won’t spread on its own. Use a damp finger to gently spread each layer evenly.
- A tip for even layering: Determine the total amount of batter needed for each cupcake by using a measuring spoon and water. Divide this by the number of colors to find out how much of each color to use. For five colors, approximately 2 teaspoons of each color works well.
- Bake:
- Bake the cupcakes according to the package directions, usually 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract, coconut extract (if using), and a dash of salt. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the milk, beating for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy. You may not need all the milk, so add it slowly until you reach the desired consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with your prepared frosting. For a neat and decorative look, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off.
- Optionally, add rainbow-colored sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
- For Double Rainbow Cupcakes:
- Reserve about 1/3 cup of white frosting and dye the remaining frosting blue.
- Frost the cupcakes with the blue frosting.
- Place the reserved white frosting in a resealable bag and pipe “clouds” on top of the blue frosting.
- Cut Airhead Extremes candy strips in half and place them as rainbow arcs in the clouds.
Tips
- Coloring the Batter: Gel food coloring works best as it provides vibrant colors without altering the consistency of the batter.
- Layering: Use a damp finger to spread each layer of batter evenly in the cupcake liners.
- Baking: Be careful not to overbake the cupcakes to keep them moist and tender.
- Frosting: For a smooth and creamy frosting, ensure the butter is at room temperature before starting.
Enjoy these delightful and eye-catching Rainbow Cupcakes, sure to bring smiles and joy to any gathering!
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