Glitter Frosting Cupcakes Recipe
If you want to serve a sweet treat that truly sparkles (and makes everyone’s eyes light up), you need to try Glitter Frosting Cupcakes. These cupcakes are pillowy-soft and perfectly moist, topped with a dreamy swirl of cream cheese frosting, all finished off with a magical shower of edible glitter or shimmer sugar. Not only are they a show-stopper for birthdays, baby showers, or any festive gathering, they’re actually easy enough for a weekday baking adventure. These Glitter Frosting Cupcakes combine pure vanilla flavor with a luxurious, creamy cloud of frosting, making every bite a mini celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a handful of simple, well-chosen ingredients can produce truly dazzling results. Each element plays a unique role in creating the delicate crumb, rich flavor, and the sparkly finish that makes these cupcakes extra special.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cupcakes, ensuring structure and a tender, airy crumb.
- Baking powder: Gives the batter its lift for beautifully domed cupcakes.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds irresistible richness and helps create a moist texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens each bite and helps the cupcakes bake up soft.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to a luscious, velvety crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Layers in deep, classic cupcake flavor—don’t skip it!
- Whole milk: Makes the cupcakes extra moist with just the right amount of richness.
- Powdered sugar: The secret behind that fluffy, picture-perfect frosting.
- Cream cheese (softened): Provides tang and smoothness to balance the sweetness of the frosting.
- Edible glitter or shimmer sugar: The crowning touch—your cupcakes will literally sparkle!
- Gel food coloring (optional): Add a pop of color to match your party or mood before topping with glitter.
How to Make Glitter Frosting Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep Your Cupcake Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with your favorite cupcake liners. This simple step helps ensure the cupcakes come out perfectly formed, and the liners make cleanup a snap (plus, they help showcase your Glitter Frosting Cupcakes at their sparkling best).
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. A quick whisk ensures your leavener is evenly distributed, preventing any dense or uneven cupcakes later. It’s the behind-the-scenes work that makes for a flawless cupcake base.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air and helps dissolve the sugar, resulting in cupcakes that are tender and just sweet enough.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, savoring that classic aroma as it blends in—this is the moment your cupcakes start to smell like pure homemade comfort!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently until everything just comes together. Overmixing is the enemy of tender Glitter Frosting Cupcakes, so stop as soon as the batter looks smooth.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your 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. Once done, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Glitter Frosting
To make your sparkling swirl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar, then add vanilla. If needed, add a splash of milk to reach your desired fluffy consistency. For a playful touch, stir in a bit of gel food coloring—pastel, vibrant, or anywhere in between!
Step 8: Frost and Sprinkle with Glitter
Once your cupcakes are completely cool, generously frost each one. Now the fun part: shower them with edible glitter or shimmer sugar for an irresistible, sparkly finish. This step really brings the magic to your Glitter Frosting Cupcakes and guarantees smiles all around.
How to Serve Glitter Frosting Cupcakes
Garnishes
For extra pizzazz, try adding a swirl of colored frosting under the glitter or topping with tiny sugar pearls. These small details make your Glitter Frosting Cupcakes look straight out of a fancy bake shop—no one needs to know just how easy they were!
Side Dishes
Balance the sweetness with fresh fruit trays, a bowl of tart berries, or glasses of cold milk. At parties, these cupcakes also pair beautifully with light tea sandwiches or a zesty fruit punch, letting each Glitter Frosting Cupcake truly shine as the star dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, display the cupcakes on a tiered stand or staggered cake plates for a dazzling centerpiece. For special occasions, set up a cupcake decorating bar so guests can add their own sparkle—customizing their very own Glitter Frosting Cupcakes makes for a fun interactive experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cupcakes in the refrigerator, covered or in a sealed container, for up to three days. This keeps the cream cheese frosting fresh and the cupcakes moist. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to two months—simply wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature, then frost and decorate with glitter when ready to serve. For best results, freeze the frosting separately, or make it fresh on frosting day.
Reheating
There’s really no need to reheat Glitter Frosting Cupcakes, but if you’d like the cake extra soft, pop an unfrosted cupcake in the microwave for 5-10 seconds before frosting. For already frosted cupcakes, let them sit out for about 30 minutes or until the frosting softens slightly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! Just make sure your chosen glitter is labeled as edible and food-safe. There are lots of colors and types to choose from—go with your party theme or personal favorite.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly well for both the cupcake batter and the frosting. Just be sure to beat until smooth and fluffy, especially when creaming the butter and sugar.
Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Glitter Frosting Cupcakes, simply substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Most blends work well in this recipe—just check your packaging for any other adjustments.
Can I prepare the cupcakes in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can make the cupcakes a day or two ahead, then frost and add glitter the day of your event for that fresh, sparkling finish. Keep them chilled until party time.
Can I tint the frosting different colors?
Yes! Gel food colorings work best for bold, vibrant shades without thinning the frosting. Divide the frosting and use different colors for a rainbow effect, or coordinate with your celebration’s color scheme before sprinkling with edible glitter.
Final Thoughts
Bake a batch of Glitter Frosting Cupcakes and you’ll see just how much joy a sparkly, delicious treat can bring. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving something special, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. So grab your glitter and get ready to make something that truly shines!
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Glitter Frosting Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glitter Frosting Cupcakes are a dazzling and delicious treat that will add sparkle to any occasion. Moist vanilla cupcakes topped with a creamy, shimmering frosting, these cupcakes are perfect for birthdays, parties, or any celebration. The edible glitter adds a touch of magic to each bite, making them a true showstopper.
Ingredients
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
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
For the frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk, as needed
- edible glitter or shimmer sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the cupcakes: Divide batter among liners and bake for 18–20 minutes. Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until desired consistency.
- Frost the cupcakes: Once cooled, frost the cupcakes generously and sprinkle with edible glitter for a sparkling finish.
Notes
- You can color the frosting with gel food coloring before adding glitter for themed cupcakes.
- Edible glitter is available in baking aisles or online—check for food-safe labeling.
- Store cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
