Description
Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are festive, moist vanilla cupcakes topped with a creamy, colorful frosting adorned with edible glitter or luster dust for a sparkling finish. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or any celebration, these American-style cupcakes combine classic flavors with a dazzling visual appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Edible glitter or luster dust (various colors)
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking the cupcakes.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which incorporates air for a tender cupcake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently just until all ingredients are combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cupcakes.
- Fill Muffin Tin and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cupcake liners and bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the tin or on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar. Add milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Add gel food coloring if a colored frosting is desired.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag. Finish by sprinkling edible glitter or brushing on luster dust to give the cupcakes a shimmering, festive look.
Notes
- Use different edible glitter colors to match specific themes or holidays for a customized look.
- Ensure the glitter you use is labeled “edible” and not just “non-toxic” to guarantee safety for consumption.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 2 days.
