There’s something undeniably magical about Glitter Frosting Cupcakes—they’re cupcakes that shine and sparkle like little jewels! Imagine the fluffiness of a perfectly baked cupcake, topped with a smooth, creamy frosting, and then finished off with a dazzling layer of edible glitter. It’s like eating a dessert that was made for a celebration—whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because you want something sweet that’s also Instagram-worthy! These cupcakes are not only delicious but look stunning on any dessert table. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been adding glitter to everything in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love Glitter Frosting Cupcakes
Sparkle and Shine
Let’s face it: who doesn’t love something that sparkles? These cupcakes are the definition of eye candy. The edible glitter gives them that magical touch, making them perfect for any special occasion.
Soft, Fluffy Cupcakes
The cupcakes themselves are super soft and light, with a perfectly moist texture. Combined with the creamy frosting, they’re an irresistible treat.
Simple to Make
While they look fancy, these cupcakes are surprisingly easy to put together. Whether you’re a baking pro or a newbie, you’ll be able to whip these up with ease. The glitter is just the fun finishing touch!
Customizable
You can easily switch up the frosting flavors, cake flavors, and even the glitter colors to match the theme of your party or event. Want to go for a pastel look? Or maybe a bold and bright vibe? The choice is yours!
Ingredients in Glitter Frosting Cupcakes
Here’s what you’ll need to make these sparkling cupcakes:
For the Cupcakes:
- Flour: This is the base of your cupcake batter, helping to create that perfect structure.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and gives the cupcakes that light, fluffy texture.
- Baking Powder: The leavening agent that helps the cupcakes rise and become perfectly airy.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cupcakes, keeping them soft.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the cupcakes their structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cupcakes.
- Milk: Helps to achieve the perfect consistency for your cupcake batter.
For the Frosting:
- Butter: The base of your frosting, giving it a smooth, creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar: For that perfect sweetness without being overly sugary.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds that familiar, comforting flavor to the frosting.
- Milk: Used to adjust the consistency of the frosting so it’s easy to pipe.
- Edible Glitter: This is the star ingredient! Choose a color that matches your theme or just go wild with sparkles.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some cupcakes that shine like stars? Let’s get started!
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cupcakes bake evenly and come out light and fluffy.
2. Prepare Your Cupcake Tin
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. This will make cleanup a breeze and ensure that your cupcakes don’t stick.
3. Make the Cupcake Batter
In a medium bowl, combine your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
4. Fill the Cupcake Liners
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. This gives the cupcakes room to rise without overflowing.
5. Bake the Cupcakes
Bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract and add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe easily.
7. Frost the Cupcakes
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip to frost the cupcakes. You can swirl the frosting or pipe it in a simple pattern—either way, they’ll look stunning!
8. Add the Glitter
While the frosting is still soft, sprinkle a generous amount of edible glitter on top of each cupcake. You can use a single color or mix and match for a more colorful effect. Let the glitter shine!
9. Let the Frosting Set
Let the frosting set for a few minutes before serving. This gives the glitter time to stay put and keeps everything looking gorgeous.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to enjoy the magic! Serve these Glitter Frosting Cupcakes at your next celebration, or just treat yourself to a little sparkle in your day. You’ll be the star of the show with these on the table!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 290
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 110mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 3g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding cooling time)
How to Serve Glitter Frosting Cupcakes
As a Showstopper at Parties
These cupcakes are perfect for any celebration—birthdays, holidays, or even a girls’ night in. Their sparkling beauty is sure to turn heads!
For Afternoon Tea or Brunch
Serve them alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a sweet, indulgent treat during a cozy afternoon get-together.
For Gifting
Pack these glittery cupcakes into cute boxes or gift bags for a fun, festive present that’ll delight anyone on your list.
Additional Tips
Play with Glitter Colors
You can find edible glitter in almost every color of the rainbow. Choose shades that match your party theme or go for a multicolored, sparkly effect.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Time
Make sure your cupcakes are completely cool before frosting them. If they’re still warm, the frosting might melt, and the glitter won’t stay put.
Make Your Own Glitter
You can make your own edible glitter by using a fine, food-safe sugar and adding food coloring. This way, you can create your own unique shades!
Keep It Simple with Frosting
If you’re not up for piping, just use a butter knife to spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes and then add the glitter. It’s just as gorgeous!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular glitter for these cupcakes?
A1: No, make sure to use edible glitter made specifically for food. Regular craft glitter is not safe to eat!
Q2: Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
A2: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost them the day you plan to serve them for the best results.
Q3: How long do these cupcakes stay fresh?
A3: These cupcakes will stay fresh for about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q4: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before frosting and serving.
Q5: Can I make the frosting without butter?
A5: You can make a dairy-free frosting by using vegan butter or shortening instead of regular butter.
Q6: How do I store leftover cupcakes?
A6: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
Q7: What can I do if I don’t have a piping bag?
A7: You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off as a makeshift piping bag. Or simply spread the frosting with a butter knife.
Q8: How can I make the frosting firmer?
A8: If your frosting is too soft, add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Q9: Can I use a different frosting flavor?
A9: Absolutely! You can use chocolate frosting, strawberry frosting, or any flavor you prefer. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the glitter.
Q10: Can I add sprinkles along with the glitter?
A10: Yes! Adding sprinkles along with the glitter will make your cupcakes even more fun and colorful. Go wild!
Conclusion
Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. With their soft, fluffy texture and shimmering frosting, they’ll bring a little sparkle to any occasion. So why not add a touch of magic to your baking? These cupcakes are sure to wow your friends, family, and your tastebuds. Let’s make your next dessert a celebration!
PrintGlitter Frosting Cupcakes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are fluffy, light, and topped with a smooth, creamy frosting and edible glitter for a sparkly finish! A showstopper for birthdays, parties, or any event that needs a little extra magic.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glitter Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then beat on high for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more milk if the frosting is too thick.
- If you want colored frosting, add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting and mix until you reach your desired shade.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a butter knife to frost each cupcake with a generous amount of frosting.
- To make them extra sparkly, generously sprinkle edible glitter or shimmer powder over the frosting. You can use one color or mix multiple shades for a more vibrant look.
- Serve:
- These Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are ready to dazzle your guests! Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Be sure to use edible glitter that is safe for consumption. Look for glitter labeled as “edible” or “food-grade” at specialty baking stores or online.
- You can make these cupcakes ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container until ready to serve. Frost just before serving for the best presentation.
- If you don’t want to use glitter, you can top the cupcakes with sprinkles, colorful sugar crystals, or other fun toppings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 37
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg