Confetti Butterfly Cupcakes

Introduction & Inspiration

This recipe, “Confetti Butterfly Cupcakes,” is all about creating a fun, whimsical, and delicious treat that’s perfect for spring, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a touch of magic.

The inspiration came from the beauty of butterflies and the desire to create a cupcake that was both visually appealing and tasty.

The butterfly design is achieved by cleverly cutting and arranging the cupcake tops, making it a surprisingly easy decorating technique.

It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress, with its colorful confetti batter, creamy frosting, and charming butterfly shape.

Nostalgic Appeal

These cupcakes tap into the nostalgic appeal of classic vanilla cupcakes, a beloved treat for many.

The addition of sprinkles evokes memories of childhood birthday parties and celebrations. They add a fun element.

The butterfly shape adds a whimsical touch, reminiscent of fairy tales and springtime adventures.

It’s a recipe that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face, young or old. It’s pure joy.

Homemade Focus

I’m a strong believer in the joy and satisfaction of homemade baking. There’s nothing quite like the aroma and taste of freshly baked goods.

This recipe is all about embracing that homemade goodness. It’s relatively straightforward to make, even for beginner bakers.

Baking your own cupcakes allows you to control the ingredients and to ensure that you’re using high-quality components.

Plus, it’s a fun and creative activity that you can share with your loved ones. Baking together is quality time.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is a classic vanilla cupcake with a moist, tender crumb and a sweet, buttery flavor.

The vanilla extract is the key ingredient, providing that signature vanilla flavor that’s both comforting and versatile.

The frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess, complementing the cupcake base.

The optional sprinkles and strawberry jam add pops of color, texture, and flavor, enhancing the overall experience.

We’re aiming for a cupcake that’s both simple and delicious, a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s break down each ingredient:

For the Cupcakes:

• Granulated Sugar: This provides sweetness and contributes to the cupcake’s texture.
• Unsalted Butter (softened): This adds richness and tenderness to the cupcakes, creating a moist and flavorful crumb.
• Large Eggs (lightly beaten): These add structure, richness, and moisture to the cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: This is the key flavoring ingredient, providing that classic vanilla flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure for the cupcakes.
• Baking Powder: This is the leavening agent, helping the cupcakes to rise and become light and fluffy.
• Kosher Salt: This balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Sprinkles: These add a pop of color and a fun, festive touch to the cupcake batter.

For the Frosting & Assembly:

• Store-Bought Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: This provides a convenient and creamy topping for the cupcakes. You can also use homemade frosting if you prefer.
• Squeezy Strawberry Jam (optional): This adds a touch of fruity flavor and creates the butterfly’s body.
• Confectioners’ Sugar (for dusting): This adds a final touch of sweetness and a delicate, powdery finish.

The combination of these ingredients creates a cupcake that’s both flavorful and visually appealing.

Essential Equipment

Here’s the equipment you’ll need:

• Standard 12-cup muffin tins (2): For baking the cupcakes.
• Cupcake liners: To line the muffin tins and prevent sticking.
• Medium bowl: For whisking together the dry ingredients.
• Large bowl (or stand mixer bowl): For creaming together the butter and sugar, and mixing the batter.
• Stand mixer (with whisk attachment) or electric mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions.
• Small serrated knife: For cutting the tops off the cupcakes to create the butterfly wings.
• Ziploc Bag: For piping frosting.

That’s a pretty standard list of baking equipment!

List of Ingredients with Measurements

Here’s the ingredient list with precise measurements:

Cupcakes:

• ¾ cup (175 g.) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (175 g.) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (175 g.) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• 5 Tbsp. sprinkles, plus more for serving (optional)

Frosting & Assembly:

• 1 cup store-bought vanilla buttercream frosting
• Squeezy strawberry jam (optional)
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 320°F (160°C) and line 2 standard 12-cup muffin tins with liners.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In the large bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or in a large bowl using an electric mixer), beat the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Stir in Sprinkles: Stir in the sprinkles until evenly mixed.
7. Divide Batter: Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each liner about two-thirds full.
8. Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are risen, lightly golden, and springy to the touch.
9. Cool: Leave the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare Butterfly Wings: Use a small serrated knife to cut the round tops off each cupcake, creating 12 cake circles. Cut each circle in half to create two semi-circles (the butterfly wings).
11. Frost Cupcakes: Spoon a teaspoon of the vanilla buttercream frosting into the center of each cupcake.
12. Assemble Butterflies: Press two cake circle halves (the wings) on top of each frosted cupcake, leaving a small gap between them to resemble butterfly wings.
13. Add Butterfly Body (Optional): Squeeze a line of strawberry jam straight from the bottle between the wings to make the butterfly’s body.
14. Dust with Powdered Sugar (Optional): Dust the finished cupcakes with a little confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Troubleshooting

Here are a few potential issues and solutions:

• Cupcakes Sinking in the Middle: This can happen if the oven temperature is too low or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and mix the batter until just combined.
• Cupcakes Too Dry: This can happen if you overbake them or if you use too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and watch the cupcakes carefully while they bake.
• Frosting Too Stiff: If your store-bought frosting is too stiff, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
• Wings Falling Off: If your “wings” keep falling, add more frosting to secure.

Tips and Variations

Here are some ways to customize this recipe:

• Different Frosting Flavors: Use different flavors of frosting, such as chocolate, strawberry, or lemon.
• Different Sprinkles: Use different colors or types of sprinkles to match different themes or holidays.
• Different Jam: If using the jam, try other flavors besides strawberry.
• Add Extract to Frosting: Add a few drops of extract to the frosting.
• Add Food Coloring to Frosting: Tint all of the frosting one color, instead of just half.
• Add a Filling: Before frosting the cupcakes, use a small spoon or a piping bag to create a small well in the center of each cupcake and fill it with jam, lemon curd, or chocolate ganache.
• Make Mini Cupcakes: Use mini muffin tins and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Confetti Butterfly Cupcakes are perfect for:

• Birthday Parties: Their whimsical design and fun colors make them a perfect birthday treat.
• Spring and Summer Gatherings: They’re a light and festive dessert that’s perfect for warm-weather occasions.
• Baby Showers and Bridal Showers: Their delicate appearance and sweet flavor make them a great choice for these events.
• Tea Parties: The perfect addition.
• Everyday Treats: They’re a fun and delicious way to brighten up any day.

They pair well with milk, coffee, tea, or a glass of sparkling wine or lemonade.

Nutritional Information

These cupcakes are a treat, so they contain sugar and fat from the butter, sugar, and frosting.

The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use.

It’s best to enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It is okay to indulge sometimes.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Summary: Confetti Butterfly Cupcakes are vanilla cupcakes with sprinkles baked in, topped with vanilla frosting and cleverly cut cupcake tops to resemble butterfly wings. They’re a fun and festive treat for any occasion!

Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost and decorate them just before serving.

Q: How long do they last? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.

Q: Can I freeze them? A: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or container. Frost them after thawing.

Q: Can I use homemade frosting? A: Absolutely! Use your favorite vanilla buttercream frosting recipe.

Q: Is this recipe Gluten Free? A: No.