If you’re ready to add a touch of sparkle to your next celebration, Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are here to steal the spotlight! These tender, buttery cupcakes are topped with a swirl of dreamy buttercream and a generous sprinkle of eye-catching edible glitter. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash, baby shower, or just craving a little whimsy, these cupcakes deliver on both taste and style. Every bite is soft and sweet, with a pop of vanilla and a shimmer that’s impossible to resist. Prepare to wow your guests and make any gathering feel extra magical with these show-stopping treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! Each element in this recipe plays an important role, from creating a perfectly fluffy crumb to crafting a luscious, pipeable frosting. The edible glitter is the finishing touch that makes these cupcakes truly unforgettable and Instagram-worthy.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender base for your Glitter Frosting Cupcakes.
- Baking powder: Gives your cupcakes that irresistible lift and light texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet, buttery flavors in the cake.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Creamed with sugar for richness and a delicate crumb, and also forms the base of the frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes and helps them bake up moist and golden.
- Large eggs: Add structure and richness to the batter, ensuring a soft, cohesive crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, classic flavor to both the cupcakes and frosting.
- Whole milk: Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender—don’t substitute with lower-fat milk if you want the best texture.
- Edible glitter or luster dust: The star of the show, adding magical sparkle and color to your cupcakes’ finish.
- Food coloring (optional): For customizable, vibrant hues in your cake or frosting—gel is best for bold color without thinning.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, fluffy buttercream that holds its shape beautifully.
- Heavy cream or milk: A splash helps whip the frosting to that perfect, creamy consistency.
- Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness and makes flavors pop.
- Additional edible glitter or sanding sugar: For that final, dazzling touch just before serving.
How to Make Glitter Frosting Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 12-cup muffin tin with festive cupcake liners. This small step sets the stage for evenly baked, easy-to-remove cupcakes, and gives you a blank canvas for your glittery creations.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly, ensuring every cupcake rises to the occasion and tastes just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts: creaming traps air, which later expands in the oven for a tender, airy crumb. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, then stir in the vanilla extract for that dreamy aroma.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add your dry mixture to the wet in two additions, alternating with the milk. Gently mix until just combined—over-mixing can toughen your cupcakes. If you want a pop of color, fold in a few drops of food coloring now for a fun surprise inside!
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before you get to the best part: decorating!
Step 6: Make the Buttercream Frosting
With the cupcakes cooling, turn to your frosting. Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Beat until fluffy, adding a splash more cream if needed for a smooth, pipeable texture. If you’re using food coloring, blend it in now for a beautiful hue.
Step 7: Decorate with Glitter!
Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a simple spatula—swirls or peaks, it’s all up to you! Immediately sprinkle edible glitter or sanding sugar generously over the soft frosting so it sticks and sparkles. This is where Glitter Frosting Cupcakes truly come to life, dazzling everyone at first glance.
How to Serve Glitter Frosting Cupcakes
Garnishes
For maximum sparkle, finish your Glitter Frosting Cupcakes with an extra pinch of edible glitter or luster dust just before serving. You can also add a few edible pearls, tiny fondant stars, or pastel sprinkles for a look that’s as playful or elegant as your occasion calls for.
Side Dishes
Pair these cupcakes with fresh fruit platters, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a glass of sparkling lemonade for a complete party treat. The light, buttery crumb and sweet, creamy frosting balance beautifully with tart or tangy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Display Glitter Frosting Cupcakes on a tiered cake stand or in individual cupcake wrappers for a wow-worthy effect. For birthdays or showers, try arranging them in the shape of a number or initial, or use themed cupcake toppers to match your celebration. The glittery finish makes every display look like a centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Glitter Frosting Cupcakes (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge, but allow them to come to room temp before serving so the buttercream softens beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. For frosted cupcakes, freeze on a tray until solid, then wrap and store. Just wait to add the edible glitter until after thawing for the most dazzling effect.
Reheating
Bring cupcakes to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a slightly warm cake, you can microwave an unfrosted cupcake for 10–15 seconds. Avoid reheating frosted cupcakes, as the buttercream may melt.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
All-purpose flour works best for these cupcakes, but you can substitute with cake flour for an even softer crumb. Avoid bread flour, as it will make the cupcakes too dense.
Are Glitter Frosting Cupcakes safe to eat with edible glitter?
Yes! Just be sure to use food-grade edible glitter labeled as safe for consumption, not craft glitter. Always check packaging to ensure it’s intended for eating.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the buttercream up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge, then let it soften at room temperature and give it a quick whip before frosting your cupcakes.
What’s the best way to get vibrant frosting colors?
Gel food coloring is your best friend here. It delivers bright hues without watering down your frosting, so you can achieve those bold, party-ready colors.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed. These cupcakes are always a hit at parties, so making extra is a smart move.
Final Thoughts
There’s something simply magical about Glitter Frosting Cupcakes—each bite is a little celebration in itself! Whether you’re baking them for a special event or just because, don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe. Gather your ingredients, sprinkle on the sparkle, and get ready to wow your family and friends with these unforgettable treats!
Print
Glitter Frosting Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are delightful, colorful treats featuring a moist vanilla base topped with smooth buttercream frosting adorned with edible glitter, perfect for adding sparkle to any celebration.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- Food coloring (optional)
- Edible glitter or luster dust for decoration
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Food coloring (optional)
- Additional edible glitter or sanding sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which ensures a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, followed by mixing in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with the whole milk. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, adding extra cream or milk if needed. Add food coloring if desired.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Frost the cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula for even application. Immediately sprinkle edible glitter or sanding sugar over the frosting to add sparkle while the frosting is still soft.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the frosting consistency.
- Ensure the edible glitter used is labeled food-grade and safe for consumption.
- These cupcakes are ideal for birthdays, parties, or any themed events requiring a bit of sparkle.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
