Dude.
I can’t stop with the rainbow sprinkles. It’s like someone gave me a bottle and it opened up a whole new part of my soul I never knew existed before. I’m sprinkling them on everything from chocolates to broccoli and just can’t stop myself.
I admittedly went through an entire bottle in a week and then just two days ago, bought a brand new one at the store.
I’m armed with sprinkles and you can’t stop me.
May I humbly present you with a plate of these funfetti cupcakes though? They’re the best thing that’s ever come out of a rainbow sprinkle jar, and I spiked both the cupcake batter and the frosting with lots of fresh vanilla bean.
Hit me.
Oh yeah, and I stuck this somewhat creepy ballet dancer girl in the center of my cupcake just because.
Do you ever start to talk to yourself in the kitchen? I do.
Would it be wrong to also tell you that I want to bathe in this vanilla bean buttercream?
I really, really do.
It’s probably the best buttercream I’ve ever made to date and I can’t stop licking the whisk.
I made these cupcakes, naturally, for our fried chicken dinner party because I couldn’t think of a better ending to a greasy meal than more butter.
I also made these cupcakes because I feel for you, vanilla lovers. I’ve been very chocolate heavy in the past month and wanted to win back your love and affection. Even though I’m a self-professed chocoholic in every way, I actually don’t like chocolate frosting OR ice cream.
So let’s be friends again, vanilla people. I feel you. I know you.
Funfetti Cupcakes with Vanilla Bean Buttercream
makes about 12 cupcakes
1 stick butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
buttercream:
1 stick butter, softened
2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
For the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350. Cream together the butter and sugar and add the eggs one by one, beating after each addition. Mix together the dry ingredients in a large bowl and in another bowl, mix together the milk and vanilla bean seeds. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk/vanilla to the batter. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in rainbow sprinkles.
Pour batter into greased (or lined) cupcake tins. Bake for twenty five minutes. Let cool thoroughly before frosting.
For the buttercream, beat the butter and vanilla bean seeds on high until soft. Add the confectioner’s sugar and beat well. Add milk and vanilla extract and beat on high for about six minutes, until very light and fluffy. Pipe buttercream on cupcakes and top with more sprinkles.
Don’t get used to this though—I’ve got another chocolate recipe coming at you soon enough.
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{ 102 comments… read them below or add one }
If you’re on a sprinkles and funfetti kick, you better watch out for the rainbow chip frosting. Millions of women everywhere have been known to consume an entire container in one sitting.
I’ve been addicted to rainbow chip frosting for twelve years. I’m okay with this.
Errrm…what’s rainbow chip frosting? It sounds like I should know
Aw how pretty. Those would make the best kids cupcakes for a birthday party!
homemade funfetti?! you win
OMG. I am making these. ASAP. And thank God for rainbow sprinkles.
I can’t even take it. I’m a sprinkles addict. This will not go over well in my kitchen. Stretchy pants, let’s get it on!
I talk to myself all the time. My husband will ask “who are you talking to?” Um, me of course. Love the cupcakes!!!!
i am a vanilla person!
Oh, my goodness! This fun vanilla frosting heavy concoction really has me wishing I was a better baker. In your hands these look incredible…just my thing. Perhaps I could persuade you to offer a giveaway of these
you can totally do it!!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jenna…I dunno. (I am absolutely obsessed with this creation!)
My mom always said that it is okay to talk to yourself as long as you know who you are talking to!
I love chocolate too but was always partial to vanilla cupcakes— until I had a MOCHA cupcake at a local bakery. Moist chocolatey cake topped with fluffy mocha icing– I challenge you to try it, your love of vanilla may take a backseat.
Mmmmmm, there’s nothing quite like homemade butter cream icing!
I wish I could take off work at this moment to go home and bake these cupcakes…so fun.
I love funfetti! And vanilla bean buttercream? yum yum yum!
On a side note, I just got the williams sonoma tools and techniques cookbook as a Christmas gift. It has a recipe for traditional buttercream, which is different than what I’ve always thought it was. I can’t remember exactly, but I know it involved the stove. Any thoughts on what a traditional buttercream icing actually is?
These cupcakes make me smile! I love rainbow sprinkles too – they’re probably my favorite topping, along with whipped cream
These cupcakes are PERFECT for the kiddie party I’m going to next week
Looks Amazing!!
I am soooo a vanilla person. And these just seem to be calling my name right now.
I love that photo with the ballet dancer! Even though I have to agree that doll is just a little creepy. I feel like it could be an illustration in a book about an obsession with thinness or something like that.
Two words. Yumm-y.
yum!! my boyfriend LOVES funfetti and always begs for it. this looks better than boxed…obviously!
Ha! This was such a fun post. I am cracking up.
funfetti is my favorite. and i’m 25. sigh… it’s just SO GOOD!
YES! Vanilla lover over here loving you for this recipe.
haha, you like sprinkles ALMOST as much as this lady bug does…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkr0VYcZ-eY&feature=share
Hahahhahahahahaha! That is hilarious! And so cute! I am still laughing at it.
My kids LOVE the rainbow sprinkles {and so do I} Totally craving a cupcake now!
Something about the little bean flecks just makes vanilla taste thaaaaat much better
And now…a friendly warning for all of you: I would advise you NOT to eat an entire jar of the sprinkles in one sitting. It was one of those “Lessons Learned” from college. Bad things happen. Just trust me
hehe
Ok two things ..
First .. I didn’t know that you could MAKE your own funfetti. I thought that the dough boy held the market on it.
Second .. I actually did laugh out loud when I read the sprinkles on your broccoli.
I sometimes write LOL when I am not really laughing out loud .. so occassionally I feel the need to say that I actually did laugh out loud when it really matters. Ha. LOL. See .. I didn’t really laugh out loud at that,
There is absolutely NOTHING WRONG with rainbow sprinkles. I fully support this new obsession.
AM
I loved funfetti cake from a box when I was a kid. I’ve attempted making them from scratch before, but they just don’t taste the same! I’ll have to give these a try
They look fantastic! So colorful !
You had me at “funfetti”
Wow, these look so beautiful! I love funfetti, and your homemade version sounds wonderful.
Give it to me!!! Omg the buttercream. I would gladly help you lick the bowl!!!
cupcake batter and the frosting with lots of fresh vanilla bean = delish!!!
and the little ballerina on top. and the sprinkles. oh, my.
My grandma always used to put sprinkles and ballerinas or fairies on top of cupcakes, so i am especially partial to these
my sister has always been obsessed with funfetti, i never loved it but they do look pretty!
Funfetti was my favorite type of cake growing up. How’d ya know I wanted a box-free version? This is great.
I almost licked my monitor but, since I’m at work, restrained myself.
You didn’t really put sprinkles on broccoli right?
These are some of the cutest cupcakes I’ve ever seen. I don’t like chocolate cake or ice cream, either!
Jenna—this sugar filled recipes are giving me a sugar comma. Im def. not complaining though
I almost jumped through my computer screen for this.
I’m one of those people who prefers vanilla over chocolate. I was wondering what to do with my leftover vanilla beans and now I know….it was the vanilla sugar idea or these and I think I choose these cupcakes!
i love funfetti. my best friend is a cake designer (? i think thats what you call it? like ace of cakes style cover everything in fondant GORGEOUS cakes, like the thing this girl can do with no training at 20 years old is crazy) and i always told her for my wedding she’s making me a gorgeous cake..a gorgeous, funfetti cake. aha i should pass this recipe along to her. love it.
I know what you mean about rainbow sprinkles! I kind of grew out of them I guess until I ate them again in ice cream a few years back. I have rediscovered a true love! They make everything more delicious
.
I don’t care for chocolate frosting, ice cream, or cake much either. LOVE the vanilla. And you can’t go wrong with buttercream.
I definitely agree, not so much for chocolate but vanilla and buttercream with sprinkles….so delicious!!!
DUDE.
Those look amazing.
jenna- is there any way to make both the cupcakes and the frosting without one of those fancy mixer things?!
thanks!
I was wondering the same thing…I am lacking a fancy mixer thing too!
Is there anything better then funfetti?!
My son is all about the Christmas sprinkles lately. He’s had me sprinkling them on his french toast in the morning. I make it with whole wheat bread and flax to counterbalance the sugar!
You are so cute!!! I love the sprinkles and kids know what they’re doing when they always go for the sprinkle donuts. They’re my favourite (cupcakes too).
this is adorable…thanks for validating sprinkles! (and funfetti!!)
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
While I love actual chocolate, I HATE chocolate ice cream/frosting/cake. Yuck. There’s something just bad about it.
You found Funfetti! It is absolutely the best thing ever
OMG I am not the only person who would secretly like to bathe in cream!!!
I’m a bit crazy for rainbow sprinkles too! When I was a teenager I would have them mixed into my frozen yogurts. Sometimes I still do! Takes me back to the early 90s haha!
Cute pics! The question is why would you NOT top funfetti cupcakes without a creepy ballerina dancer. Nothing says fun and delicious the like 5 cent toys [possibly containing lead]! hahaha
Never been a big sprinkles fan – too messy
What is a ‘stick’ of butter equivalent too? I buy the tubs of butter….
4 ounces, or half a cup
Thank you! I didn’t expect a response
Um, yes, you and Katie would be BFFs for sure
These are simply too adorable. I have a sprinkle collection that is taking over a cupboard…because it’s important to have appropriate sprinkles for every occasion. It’s so nice to know there are others with similar issues….
These were always our favorite cupcakes! Still are!
Love rainbow sprinkles. I can’t get enough! These cupcakes look amazing.
“i’m armed with sprinkles and you can’t stop me.”
best . line. Ever.
hehehehe
made my day! : )
oh yum! I love funfetti!
Ah the Funfetti! Such an underrated way to eat a cupcake. Love the homemade version you created!
These look so good! I am definitely saving the recipes! Sprinkles are seriously under rated. They add such a nice crunch and are so fun looking!
I made the vanilla buttercream this afternoon to go with some sugar cookies and oh.my.goodness. Delicious! Thanks again for another fantastic sweet-post!
I am beyond obsessed with sprinkles. My advice: buy in bulk. Much cheaper way to feed the addiction.
1 tsp vanilla extract, seeds scraped out
1 vanilla bean
*Does this mean 1 tsp of extract plus the seeds from 1 bean for the frosting?
Yum, by the way.
yes m’aam! it’s super vanilla-y!
There’s a typo. You don’t scrape the beans out of the extract, you scrape them out of the bean.
ooopsies! thanks!
Must leave house now, and purchase a container of sprinkles. This looks amazing.
OK, these look AMAZING but I have a guilty confession to make. What do I use if I don’t have/have no clue how to use actual vanilla beans?!
two teaspoons of vanilla extract will do just fine!
or…just buy a vanilla bean, slice it down the middle with a knife and then run a spoon down the center to get out the “seeds”. You only use the seed part in the recipe!
These look mouthwateringly delicious! I’m half tempted to get out of my cozy bed and go make these right now!
Fantastic! Funfetti is my husband’s favorite cake flavor–it was the top of our wedding cake, and I make it for our anniversary every year
I’ll be sure to use your recipe next time! Thank you for sharing it~
There are few things in life that make me as happy as funfetti!
(By the way, your creepy ballerina cupcake totally looks like something my Mom made me for my 5th birthday. Except the eggs were most definitely not cage free then!)
These remind me of home, my mom used to make me a funfetti birthday cake with strawberry icing EVERY year for my birthday (from ages 3- 23!)! I think she still would if I asked! Maybe Ill make one for myself this year for old times sake!
Gorgeous!! Yay for the vanilla, much appreciated
Heidi xo
O.M.G. Funfetti is my absolute favorite… Homemade would be even better…I might start making this NOW for breakfast!
Jenna-
I made this frosting tonight, it was amazing! I’ve always been afraid to make buttercream and this was so easy! Thank you so much.
Another Jenna : )
Those cupcakes look ridiculously amazing! I will be making these in the very near future! Thanks for sharing!
I love the specks of colour in the sponge- so fun!
Just made this frosting (minus the vanilla bean)! Definitely the best I’ve ever made! Probably because I used the whisk attachment instead of the paddle for my mixer. I feel like recipes always said to use the paddle, but the whisk definitely made all the difference. Thanks
If you made this in cake form, how would you adjust the ingredients?
Or could you keep the same measurements & make it as a bundt cake?
I gave this recipe to my boyfriend, and he just made these for my birthday!
Funfetti is amazing, but I gave up on all boxed cake mixes after realizing they have partially hydrogenated oils.
mine came out a bit on the hard dense side… did i over beat them?? Frosting good of course.
NOTE: No one ever try “natural” sprinkles…. they will NOT keep their color when baked. 
Oh, my. I just made this buttercream, and it’s definitely my new favorite buttercream. Thanks for the recipe!
My boyfiend is going to love these!!
These look delicious! I’m planning on trying out this recipe for my sister’s baby shower next weekend. Is it possible to make the frosting ahead of time? Any tips on the best way to do that? She is a vanilla girl through and through, I know she’ll love it!
I made these! They are so cute and yummy. http://ooola-la.tumblr.com/post/18948909219/homemade-funfetti-cupcakes
I see you used all purpose flour for these cupcakes. What is the difference when using all purpose verses cake flour in cakes?
Hi Jenna! Long time lurker, first time commenter. I’ve mad a lot of your other recipes with major success and I’m going to try my hand at baking for the first time tonight. These are going to be perfect for two friends coming to visit me. One question (I’ve NEVER made cupcakes from scratch before): What do you mean by “cream together” the butter and sugar?
Put them both in a bowl together and beat until light and fluffy
This totally made me laugh with the ballerina thing! I adore rainbow sprinkles too! So pretty. and the talking to yourself in the kitchen? Well my friend, I’m afraid that sometimes it’s not just in the kitchen. I kid. I kid. {maybe}.
These look awesome!
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