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Perfect Sparkler Cupcakes

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Light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with a magical sparkle frosting that adds festive color and crunch, perfect for any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk (for frosting)
  • About 2 tablespoons simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, simmered until sugar dissolves)
  • Edible glitter (bright, food-grade, in favorite colors)
  • Assorted sprinkles (stars, nonpareils, or shimmering sugar crystals)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling about two-thirds full.
  7. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cupcakes should be springy and golden.
  8. Transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack and let cool completely before frosting.
  9. Prepare frosting by beating softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and cream or milk. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  10. Frost cooled cupcakes generously.
  11. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat the frosting surface with about 1 teaspoon simple syrup per cupcake.
  12. Sprinkle edible glitter and assorted sprinkles evenly over the syrup-coated frosting.
  13. Let cupcakes sit for 10 minutes to set the sparkle topping before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth batter. Do not overmix batter to keep cupcakes light and tender. Use simple syrup brushed on frosting to help edible glitter stick and prevent fallout. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to avoid melting. Adjust cream quantity in frosting for desired consistency. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted in recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: cupcakes, vanilla cupcakes, sparkle topping, edible glitter, festive cupcakes, easy cupcakes, party dessert

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/perfect-sparkler-cupcakes-recipe-easy-magical-sparkle-topping-tutorial/