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    Home / Dessert

    Rainbow Cupcakes

    Published: Aug 1, 2018 / Updated: Sep 21, 2023 by Amy / 17 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    A rainbow marble cut in half to see the inside of the cupcake
    rainbow cupcakes on a plate

    Rainbow Cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties or any fun celebration! They make a surprisingly easy, but impressive dessert that your guests will love.

    A box of white cake mix, food coloring, frosting and some sprinkles are all you need to make these beautiful cupcakes!

    Rainbow marble cupcakes on a cakestand.

    Don't you just love when a recipe is easy and super impressive? If so, you've got to try these Rainbow Cupcakes!

    I made them for a rollerskating party, but you can use them for a rainbow party, a unicorn themed party or even a mermaid themed party.

    Just change the colors to go with whatever theme you've got!

    How to make rainbow cupcakes

    Start by mixing the white cake box mix according to package directions. Divide the batter evenly into separate bowls according to how many colors you would like to have in the cupcake.

    I used 4 colors: purple, blue, yellow and pink. Dye each bowl of batter to your desired color.(steps 1 and 2)

    Cake batter in a bowl with food coloring.
    Colored cake batter in muffin tins and cupcake with frosting.

    Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners and alternate dropping spoonfuls of each color into the liners until you run out of batter.

    Bake the cupcakes for the time instructed on your cake mix.

    Remove from the oven and let cool before frosting. Don't forget to add some sprinkles! (steps 3 and 4)

    Cut them in half to reveal the marbled cupcake inside!

    A rainbow marble cut in half to see the inside of the cupcake.

    Tips for succes

    Use white cake mix and white frosting so the colors will stay true and really pop.

    Make these cupcakes up to 2 days in advance and store the cupcakes in the fridge until ready to serve.

    Other dessert recipes to try:

    • Birds Nest Cookies
    • Easy Sugar Cookies
    • No Churn Homemade Ice Cream in 5 Flavors
    • Cookie Monster Oreo Balls
    • Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies Treats

    Did you make these rainbow cupcakes? RATE this recipe and leave a comment in the section below! I love hearing from you.

    rainbow cupcake cut in half

    Rainbow Cupcakes

    Amy Duska
    Easy and beautiful marbled cupcakes that you can make to impress your guests!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 24
    Calories 222 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 box white cake mix plus ingredients listed on back of box
    • food color of choice I used Wilton in Rose, Sky Blue, Violet and Lemon Yellow
    • sprinkles
    • package of white frosting

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
    • Prepare cake mix according to box directions and divide evenly into separate bowls. Add a different food color to each bowl and stir each one to fully incorporate the food color into the batter.
    • Begin filling the liners by layering a spoonful of each color on top of each other until the liner is ⅔ full.
    • Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the cupcake comes out clean. Let cool completely before icing.
    • Use food coloring to dye the buttercream the desired color. Put into a piping bag and pipe onto cupcakes. Add sprinkles and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

    Video

    Notes

    Make up to two days in advance and store in the fridge.
    These cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
    Use a white cake mix for the best color results.
    Keyword birthday party cupcakes, rainbow cake
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    Comments

    1. kelly says

      August 03, 2018 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      These are the CUTEST cupcakes ever! My daughter is having a rainbow themed party and these are perfect!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        August 03, 2018 at 10:07 am

        Thanks Kelly! I hope she enjoys them 🙂

        Reply
        • summer says

          January 27, 2020 at 5:07 am

          5 stars
          it was really nice

    2. Agness of Run Agness Run says

      May 24, 2017 at 12:47 pm

      These cupcakes are so fun and appetizing! Yummy! Just perfect for a party!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 24, 2017 at 12:48 pm

        Thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Renee says

      May 19, 2017 at 5:41 am

      5 stars
      These are so CUTE! I can tell these would be so much fun to make.

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 19, 2017 at 8:29 am

        Thanks Renee ?

        Reply
    4. Pretty says

      May 19, 2017 at 1:38 am

      5 stars
      These look so fun. My niece will love them, she is obsessed with the rainbow at the moment!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 19, 2017 at 8:29 am

        They are so easy to make!

        Reply
    5. Sandra says

      May 18, 2017 at 11:20 pm

      Love the vibrant bright colors! My co-workers would love these cupcakes if I brought them to share at our next potluck!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 19, 2017 at 8:28 am

        Thanks Sandra ?

        Reply
    6. Katherine|Wanderspice says

      May 18, 2017 at 9:02 pm

      5 stars
      These are sooo gorgeous. The color possibilities are endless.

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 19, 2017 at 8:27 am

        Thank you Katherine!

        Reply
    7. Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie says

      May 18, 2017 at 6:06 pm

      These are super cool! Great for a birthday party!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 18, 2017 at 6:37 pm

        Thanks Amy ?

        Reply
    8. Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says

      May 18, 2017 at 5:36 pm

      Those are so pretty and really look easy to make. Would be fun for a party!

      Reply
      • Amy says

        May 18, 2017 at 6:37 pm

        Thanks Stephanie!

        Reply

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