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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Rainbow Cupcakes

    Published: Jul 17, 2021 · Modified: Jul 27, 2023 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    Rainbow Cupcakes are soft cupcakes that are brightly colored and topped with a sweet frosting. Summer is here and the weather is perfect for celebrating with a rainbow of delicious cupcakes.  I'm going to show you how easy it is to make layered vanilla cupcakes that are not only delicious, but also so pretty in rainbow colors, that your family will never forget they were homemade!

    Rainbow Cupcake with paper liner open. Topped with a swirl of frosting and sprinkles.

    The best way to make any summer party or tailgate special is with a batch of cupcakes. I'm going to show you how to make these for your next summer party! They are so colorful, festive and fun you can't help but smile when you eat one!

    Don't worry we won't judge you if you decide to make these delicious cupcakes just to brighten your day. I think we should celebrate every day with cupcakes. Don't you? These cupcakes are so fun to make that even the kids can get into the kitchen and help you bake them.

    single colorful cake with a swirl of frosting on the top.

    Can you freeze rainbow cupcakes

    Yes, you can make the batter and freeze them after they are baked. For best results freeze your cupcakes unfrosted. I like to wrap my cupcakes with two layers of plastic wrap before freezing and then I freeze my cupcakes in a freezer safe bag.

    To thaw, place your cupcakes on the counter and allow them to come to room temperature. Once they are room temperature then you frost them.  These cupcakes can be frozen for up to three months.

    How do I store rainbow cupcakes

    Store your cupcakes in a cool dry place. Be sure they are stored at room temperature and not refrigerated because the frosting will harden.  Be sure to store them in an airtight plastic container.

    Single Layered Vanilla Cupcake on a white table topped with round sprinkles and white frosting

    Can I use a different type of cake mix

    Yes you sure can! However, using a cake mix that is not white will change the color of your cupcakes. If you want a vibrant cupcake you will need to use a white cake mix. Homemade white cake mix would work well for these Rainbow Cupcakes.

    Can I make these layered vanilla cupcakes ahead

    Yes, you can make the layered vanilla cupcakes a day ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely and then package them up in an airtight container. Be sure to keep your layered vanilla cupcakes away from heat sources so that your frosting does not melt.

    single small cake on a table with white frosting swirl and green, purple and blue sprinkles.

    Can I use different colors to make rainbow cupcakes

    Absolutely you can use any colors that match your event. I think these cupcakes would look amazing as red, white and blue. Or even orange and black for Halloween. The options for different colors are only limited by your imagination.

    What kind of food coloring should I use to make these

    I find that you can't go wrong with a gel food coloring. Gel food coloring will give you more vibrant colors than liquid food coloring.  That's not to say that liquid food coloring can't be used. It can. Gel just gives a brighter and better color.

    close up image of a rainbow colored layered vanilla cupcake topped with white frosting and sprinkles

    Ingredients for Summer Rainbow Cupcakes

    • white cake mix, prepared according to box directions
    • food coloring of your choice
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • ½ cup butter, softened
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2-3 tablespoon milk
    • sprinkles of your choice

    How to Make Summer Rainbow Cupcakes

    Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.

    Step 2. Place liners in a cupcake pan.

    Step 3. Prepare white cake mix batter according to package directions.

    Step 4. Split batter between three bowls. Add one color to each bowl and stir well until desired color is reached.

    Step 5. Transfer each color of batter to a zip-lock bag. Cut a small corner of the bag off.

    Step 6. Squeeze a layer (about ½-inch thick) of color 1 into each cupcake liner. Repeat with colors 2 and 3.

    Step 7. Bake cupcakes according to the time given on the box.

    Step 8. To prepare frosting, beat powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and milk together. If it is too thick, add a little milk. If it is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

    Step 9. Transfer frosting to a zip-lock bag and cut a small corner off of the bag.

    Step 10. When cupcakes are cooled, pipe frosting onto cupcakes.

    Step 11. Add desired sprinkles and enjoy.

    rainbow layered vanilla cupcake cut in half to show the inside of the colorful cupcake

    It's summertime and that means it is time to enjoy the beautiful weather, sunshine, outdoor activities, and of course all the delicious food. What better way to celebrate summer than with a rainbow cupcake? No matter if you make these fun cupcakes for a party or just because your entire family will love them.  Don't forget about us in the comments below so we can see what fun things you're up to.

    More Delicious Cupcake Recipes

    Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

    Andes Mint cupcakes

    Nutella Stuffed Chocolate Cupcakes

    Caramel Apple Cupcakes

    Summer Cupcake Recipes

    Rainbow Cupcakes

    Karin and Ken
    Rainbow Cupcakes are vanilla layered cupcakes that are a sweet and delicious summer time treat. These cupcakes can be made in a variety of colors to fit your occasion.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24 Cupcakes
    Calories 43 kcal

    Equipment

    • Muffin Tin

    Ingredients
      

    • white cake mix prepared according to box directions
    • food coloring of your choice
    • 2 cups powdered sugar
    • ½ cup butter softened
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 2-3 tablespoon milk
    • sprinkles of your choice
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
    • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
    • Place liners in cupcake pan.
    • Prepare white cake mix batter according to package directions.
    • Split batter between three bowls. Add one color to each bowl.
    • Stir well until desired color is achieved and color is uniform.
    • Transfer each color of batter to a resealable bag.
    • Cut a small corner of the bag off. Squeeze a layer (about ½-inch thick) of color 1 into each cupcake liner.
    • Repeat with the second color.
    • and the third color.
    • Until cupcakes are full.
    • Bake cupcakes according to the time given on the box.
    • Remove from oven when toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

    Frosting

    • To prepare frosting, beat powdered sugar, butter, vanilla and milk together. If it is too thick, add a little milk. If it is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
    • Transfer frosting to a resealable bag and cut a small corner off of the bag. When cupcakes are cooled, pipe frosting onto cupcakes.
    • Add desired sprinkles.
    • Enjoy every bite!

    Notes

    Are you looking for a delicious cupcake recipe? Check out our Summer Cupcake Recipes for so many yummy ideas. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 24servingsCalories: 43kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 6mgPotassium: 9mgSugar: 10gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword Layered Vanilla Cupcakes, Rainbow Cupcakes
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    blue, pink and yellow rainbow cupcake topped with white frosting swirl and round sprinkles.

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    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

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