Description
These Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are a delightful treat featuring moist, fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with a creamy, light, and fluffy buttercream frosting. Enhanced with edible glitter or shimmer powder, these cupcakes add a sparkling touch to any celebration. Perfect for parties or special occasions, they combine classic flavors with a dazzling presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
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). 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 to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for proper emulsification. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Make the Glitter Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, which establishes the base texture.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Add Milk, Vanilla, and Salt: Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add more milk if the frosting is too thick to achieve desired consistency.
- Add Color (Optional): If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or butter knife to frost each cupcake generously with the prepared frosting.
- Add Edible Glitter: Sprinkle edible glitter or shimmer powder liberally over the frosting to give the cupcakes a sparkling, dazzling finish.
- Serve: Serve these beautiful Glitter Frosting Cupcakes immediately, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
- For best results, use real unsalted butter for both the cupcakes and frosting to control salt content.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk gradually to reach desired consistency.
- You can customize the frosting color using food coloring to match your party theme.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature; refrigeration may dry them out.
- Use edible glitter specifically made for food to ensure safety.
