Description
Delight your guests with these irresistible Glitter Frosting Cupcakes, featuring moist vanilla cupcakes topped with smooth, fluffy buttercream frosting and decorated with sparkling edible glitter for a magical touch. Perfect for celebrations or any time you want to add a little sparkle to your dessert table.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Glitter Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp whole milk (more if needed for consistency)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Edible glitter or shimmer powder (for decoration)
- Optional: Food coloring (for colored frosting)
Instructions
- Make the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Evenly divide the batter among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed for an even mix.
- Finish Frosting: Add milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat on high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Color Frosting (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until you reach your preferred shade.
- Frost Cupcakes: Once cool, frost the cupcakes generously using a piping bag or butter knife.
- Decorate with Glitter: Sprinkle edible glitter or shimmer powder liberally over the frosted cupcakes for a beautiful sparkling finish.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh sparkle or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix the cupcake batter to keep the cupcakes light and tender.
- Use edible glitter specifically made for food to ensure it is safe for consumption.
- Colored frosting can be customized to match any party theme or occasion.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh, but avoid refrigeration to maintain frosting texture.