• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Sweetest Menu

American-inspired recipes from an Aussie kitchen

  • HOME
  • About
    • FAQs
    • Work with me
  • Blog
  • Recipes
    • Bars and Slices
    • Breads and Muffins
    • Brownies
    • Cakes
    • Cheesecake
    • Chocolate
    • Christmas
    • Cookies
    • Cupcakes
    • Dessert Classics
    • Easter
    • Gluten Free
    • No Bake
    • Pies and Tarts
    • Truffles
  • Travel
  • INSTAGRAM

February 14, 2016

Funfetti Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

It has been cupcake mania here all week! But 36 cupcakes later and I have delicious Funfetti Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting to share with you. These will put you in a party mood. There are funfetti sprinkles inside the cupcake batter and all over the frosting and incidentally ALL over my kitchen floor.

But it is totally worth it because cupcakes make everything better. They are the perfect cake for a birthday party, baby shower or any fun-filled celebration. Sprinkles are just TOO fun.

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Vanilla cupcakes – they have brought me close to tears. Sometimes too dense, sometimes too dry but oh when they are done well, they are pure perfection. I am a chocolate lover through and through but vanilla is also a favourite – I am certainly not one of those people who put vanilla in the boring category.

In fact, I just finished a tub of Ben and Jerry’s vanilla ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough pieces and it was anything but boring. My vanilla extract constantly needs replacing because I am always using it in everything.

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

For these cupcakes, I decided to opt for the melted butter option as I found the results for the typical creaming method to be a little too inconsistent. Creaming butter and sugar is something that is done so much by feel and can depend on variables such as how soft your butter is and how fast your mixer is going.

But these cupcakes take all the guesswork out and are far more likely to produce the same results for you as they did for me. I also found they were far lighter and fluffier which is always a good thing in my books.

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Literally, the only thing you must remember is to be liberal with the sprinkles – this is an absolute must. Then you will end up with a little piece of chocolate frosted sugar coated heaven. This time around, I opted for small swirls of chocolate frosting rather than the tall mounds of frosting I usually do – my Death by Chocolate Cupcakes are the perfect example.

I just felt like the frosting wasn’t the star of the show but instead wanted to emphasis the sprinkles. But by all means go hard on the frosting if that’s your favourite part!

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

See that shot there (points up), I’m pretty excited about it. It’s certainly not perfect but it’s my first action shot with my fancy pants new remote control! I have wanted one for SO long because taking a photo while stretching your arm up over a camera and pouring chocolate sauce at the same time is HARD.

And really, a bit of a disaster waiting to happen. But I have managed to do it a few times (like here and here). When using my remote control for the first time,  I was a bit surprised that a) it’s still hard to do two things at once, even if one of them is just pressing a button and b) sprinkles are surprisingly hard to catch on camera. I will get better.

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

What did you get up to this weekend? I had a fun one. My husband and I went out for dinner at an Italian restaurant we had never been too and had a gorgeous meal. I had forgotten how much I love going out for a gourmet meal every now and then.

The decor actually reminded us of one of our favourite restaurants in New York, Balthazar – which brought back sweet sweet memories #Ineedaholiday. It was also my niece’s 6th birthday. I better get to work but ‘ll be back later this week with a triple chocolate treat! x

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Print
Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Funfetti Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

★★★★★ 5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Jessica Holmes
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 58 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 12 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American
Print
Pin

Description

Buttery vanilla cupcakes filled with sprinkles and topped with creamy chocolate buttercream.


Ingredients

Funfetti vanilla cupcakes

  • 175 grams (1 and 1/4 cups) plain flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 150 grams (3/4 cup) caster sugar
  • 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 120 ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk
  • 35 grams (1/4 cup) funfetti pieces

Chocolate frosting

  • 115 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 435 grams (3 and 1/2 cups) powdered or icing sugar
  • 3 or 4 tablespoons milk
  • 20 grams (1/4 cup) cocoa powder
  • Extra funfetti pieces for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C (360 F). Line a 12 hole muffin tin with patty cases. In a large mixing bowl, sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder and then add the sugar – give it a stir. Pop the butter into the microwave for a short burst, 10 seconds or so at a time, until it is JUST melted. Give it a stir with a fork to eliminate any lumps. In a separate mixing bowl, add the eggs, vanilla and butter and whisk together until smooth. Then add the wet mixture into the dry mixture, along with the buttermilk and gently fold until just combined. Then gently stir through the sprinkles. Try not to overmix so your cupcakes stay light and fluffy!
  2. Spoon the mixture into the prepared patty cases and pop into the oven. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until just cooked through. Set cakes out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely. Check them regularly as overbaking may make the cupcakes dry.
  3. To make the chocolate  frosting, add the butter to a large mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until pale and creamy. Gently sift in the icing sugar, one cup at a time. Add a tablespoon or two of milk to help loosen up the mixture.  Add  the cocoa powder and beat again. Add a tablespoon of milk if needed – I added about 4 tablespoons of milk in total but watch out that you don’t make the icing too wet as it will be harder to pipe. It should be nice and creamy but thick enough to hold its shape.  Pipe the icing onto the cupcakes using a piping bag and a large star tip. Top each cupcake with a handful of funfetti pieces.

Notes

For tips on piping check out my cupcake frosting post HERE.

Keywords: Cupcakes, Cake, Funfetti, Sprinkles, Chocolate

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @sweetestmenu on Instagram and hashtag it #sweetestmenu

Recipe Card powered by

Funfetti Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Filed Under: Cupcakes Tagged With: Chocolate, Cupcakes, frosting, Funfetti, Sprinkles, vanilla

Jessica Holmes
Hi there, I'm Jess. My life changed forever when my travels to the USA opened my eyes to wonderful things like smores milkshakes, red velvet cake and New York cheesecake. Now I love to spend my days creating American-inspired desserts. Read More.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarRebecca Pang says

    July 21, 2019 at 3:52 am

    Another fab recipie!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Jessica HolmesJessica Holmes says

      July 21, 2019 at 4:02 am

      So glad you like them Rebecca!

      Reply
  2. AvatarKatie says

    July 21, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    A crowd favourite at my son’s birthday party!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Jessica HolmesJessica Holmes says

      July 21, 2018 at 9:21 pm

      Aw so glad to hear that Katie! 😊

      Reply
  3. AvatarJosh says

    April 29, 2018 at 8:09 am

    Yum!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  4. AvatarBeeta says

    February 22, 2016 at 3:51 am

    These are so pretty! They remind me of the fun birthday cupcakes Mom would bring to class in elementary school for my birthday <3

    Reply
  5. AvatarLynn @ Fresh April Flours says

    February 21, 2016 at 12:26 pm

    HAHAHAHA, ohhh, the action shot!! Sometimes, I am in the most RIDICULOUS position to get an action shot, and every single time, I tell myself I need to get a freaking remote shutter. Either way, I think your photo is beautiful and I love your rule of being liberal with the sprinkles. That is DEFINITELY a must here!! So pretty, Jess!

    Reply
  6. AvatarDenise says

    February 17, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    These cupcakes look like pure happiness to me! Love the action shot! I need to get a remote, I am still contorting myself 😉

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 17, 2016 at 10:28 pm

      Thanks Denise! Oh so worth it! You must get one 😉

      Reply
  7. AvatarKezia @ Super Naturally Healthy says

    February 17, 2016 at 9:10 am

    Oh my these look DIVINE! Love the photography too 😉

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 17, 2016 at 10:28 pm

      Thank you Kezia!

      Reply
  8. AvatarAmy says

    February 17, 2016 at 5:12 am

    These photos are just gorgeous Jess! I just bought a remote control for my camera too! I haven’t tried it out yet though, but your photos are amazing! I love the sprinkle shot. I also LOVE funfetti. It’s under-appreciated here in Australia, so I am glad you are bringing the sprinkle party Down Under. I love these gorgeous cupcakes!

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 17, 2016 at 6:53 am

      Thanks so much Amy! I couldn’t agree more – funfetti is so underdone here! Let’s bring it Down Under together! 😉

      Reply
  9. AvatarKelly Kwok says

    February 16, 2016 at 8:43 pm

    Haha 36 cupcakes sounds awesome! Love that you made vanilla cupcakes, they are my favorite especially when you add sprinkles. So so pretty and adorable!

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 17, 2016 at 6:52 am

      Thanks Kelly! 🙂

      Reply
  10. AvatarAmanda says

    February 16, 2016 at 6:34 pm

    I am with you on using my vanilla extract religiously. 🙂 I put it in everything from desserts, my oatmeal, and I really like to stir it into plain Greek yogurt instead of buying the sugary vanilla flavored one in the store.
    These cupcakes are just darling! Sprinkles just make you smile. If someone came home and found these cupcakes there is no way they could be in a bad mood no matter how bad their day had been.

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 16, 2016 at 8:33 pm

      Yesss everything! Oh I never thought about putting it in greek yogurt, that is a brilliant idea! Thanks Amanda! 🙂

      Reply
  11. AvatarAnu says

    February 16, 2016 at 6:01 pm

    Perfect looking cupcakes, Jess! I was craving for some chocolate frosting, and I think this is the perfect recipe to try! 🙂

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 16, 2016 at 8:33 pm

      Thanks Anu, I hope you get a chance to try it! 🙂

      Reply
  12. AvatarSwah says

    February 16, 2016 at 7:03 am

    Oh these look so delicious! It’s funny how vanilla is the most basic cupcake flavour, but people get it wrong so often!! I’ll have to give it a try with sprinkles xx

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 16, 2016 at 8:33 pm

      Thanks Swah! 🙂

      Reply
  13. AvatarDanielle says

    February 16, 2016 at 1:56 am

    I can totally relate with the vanilla extract, I can buy a huge bottle and it’s gone in no time! These cupcakes look so perfect, Jess! Plus, who doesn’t love sprinkles? 😉

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 16, 2016 at 2:24 am

      Right? And it isn’t cheap either! haha

      Reply
  14. AvatarMary Ann says

    February 15, 2016 at 10:05 pm

    So FUN Jess! I love all the sprinkles, especially in the cake! Your photos are gorgeous!

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 16, 2016 at 2:24 am

      Thank you Mary Ann! 🙂

      Reply
  15. AvatarDemeter says

    February 15, 2016 at 4:53 pm

    Be liberal with the sprinkles: got it! 🙂 Jessica, I love how beautifully your Funfetti Cupcakes turned out. Wonderful, crisp photos as usual! I’ve got to try this recipe and some Cupcake Mania of my own some time. <3

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 16, 2016 at 2:24 am

      Thank you very much Demeter, that’s very kind! 🙂

      Reply
  16. AvatarLisa says

    February 15, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Oh it must have been pure torture eating those 36 cupcakes, Jess 😉 These are absolutely gorgeous. I’m exactly the same as you – I go through soo much vanilla essence and add it to more or less anything sweet! It’s just so delish, plus it smells amazing. I could seriously sniff the stuff all day long!

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 16, 2016 at 2:24 am

      Haha well you know how it is – it’s a food blogger’s burden to bear! 😉

      Reply
  17. AvatarJune @ How to Philosophize with Cake says

    February 15, 2016 at 5:32 am

    There’s really nothing like classic funfetti cake! These cupcakes look so fun, especially with those swirls of chocolate frosting 🙂

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 15, 2016 at 9:31 am

      Thanks so much June! 🙂

      Reply
  18. AvatarOlivia B says

    February 15, 2016 at 12:40 am

    LOVE these cupcakes! SO frikken adorable. And that action shot? Perfect. I need to get a remote control, it’s been on my list for a while. I have taken a few too many shots single-handedly and it is the opposite of fun! I look forward to many more action shots from you in the future ;).

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 15, 2016 at 9:30 am

      Aww your comment made me giggle. Thank you Olivia! Oh tell me about, we can master the remote control together! 🙂

      Reply
  19. AvatarCailee Joy says

    February 14, 2016 at 11:52 pm

    Oh my gosh! YUM! These cupcakes are perfect! SO yummy and pretty! Thanks for sharing! I hope that you had an awesome Valentines Day!

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 15, 2016 at 9:29 am

      Thanks so much Cailee! I hope you did too!

      Reply
  20. AvatarLucy says

    February 14, 2016 at 10:47 pm

    I love bright cupcakes… and chocolate icing is always the best thing!

    Reply
    • AvatarJessica Holmes says

      February 15, 2016 at 9:29 am

      Yesss! Chocolate anything is the best 😉

      Reply

Leave a Reply to Jessica Holmes Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SEARCH RECIPES

HI THERE, I’M JESS.

Jessica HolmesMy life changed forever when my travels opened my eyes to wonderful things like smores, banana pudding and red velvet cake. Meet Jess >

Never miss a recipe

Subscribe to Sweetest Menu

POPULAR POSTS

Cinnamon Apple Cake

Gingerbread Loaf

Perfectly Peppermint Chocolate Cookies

Footer

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
© 2019 Sweetest Menu
Privacy Policy | Work with me | Contact