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Rainbow Cupcakes

Rainbow cupcakes are a joyful dessert featuring vibrant layers of fluffy vanilla cake and rich buttercream frosting, making them perfect for celebrations or anytime you need a smile.

  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
  • 1 cup water or milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (just the dry mix, do not prepare)
  • Gel food coloring in rainbow colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream or milk
  • 34 cups confectioners' sugar
  • Rainbow sprinkles or sour rainbow candy belts for decoration

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  • Mix the cake mix, water or milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and dry pudding mix until smooth.
  • Divide the batter into 6 bowls and tint each with different gel food colors.
  • Layer the colored batter into muffin cups, starting from purple to red without swirling.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes and cool completely.
  • Beat the butter and vanilla, add sugar and cream gradually until fluffy.
  • Frost the cooled cupcakes with vanilla buttercream and add sprinkles or candy.

Notes

Use high-quality gel food coloring for the best vibrancy.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cupcakes fluffy.
Ensure cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.

  • Author: Rachael
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20
  • Sodium: 200
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 38
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 3
  • Cholesterol: 40