Introduction & Inspiration
This Confetti Butterfly Cupcakes recipe is a whimsical and delightful treat that’s perfect for spring celebrations, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of magic to your dessert table. I love the creativity of turning simple cupcakes into adorable butterflies – it’s a fun and easy decorating technique that’s sure to impress. It is very cute.
The inspiration came from a desire to create a dessert that was both visually appealing and delicious, something that would be a hit with both kids and adults. I wanted a cupcake that was light, fluffy, and bursting with color and flavor.
The combination of a classic vanilla cupcake base, a simple vanilla buttercream frosting, a touch of strawberry jam (optional), and the clever butterfly wing design creates a truly charming and memorable treat.
I’m excited to share this recipe because these cupcakes are not only beautiful but also relatively easy to make. They’re a great project to do with kids, and they’re guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Nostalgic Appeal
Cupcakes, in general, often evoke feelings of nostalgia and childhood celebrations. They’re a classic treat that’s often associated with birthday parties, school events, and happy memories.
These Confetti Butterfly Cupcakes tap into that nostalgia, offering a fun and whimsical twist on a classic dessert. The butterfly design adds a touch of childlike wonder and makes these cupcakes even more special.
The use of sprinkles also adds to the nostalgic appeal, reminiscent of childhood baking projects and decorated cakes. It’s a recipe that’s both familiar and exciting, a perfect way to relive those fond memories while also creating new ones.
And that’s the beauty of these cupcakes – they combine the familiar comfort of a classic cupcake with a playful and imaginative design, creating a treat that’s both nostalgic and delightful.
Homemade Focus
I truly believe in homemade baking. These cupcakes are fun and great.
Flavor Goal
The flavor is vanilla. The texture, soft and moist. The strawberry jam add fruity note.
Ingredient Insights
For the cupcakes: Granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, sprinkles. For the frosting: Store-bought vanilla buttercream frosting, squeezy strawberry jam, confectioners’ sugar.
Essential Equipment
Two standard 12-cup muffin tins, liners, medium bowl, whisk, stand mixer or electric mixer, small serrated knife.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Cupcakes
- 3/4 cup (175 g.) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (175 g.) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (175 g.) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 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

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 320° and line 2 standard 12-cup muffin tins with liners. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 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 butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in the sprinkles until evenly mixed.
- Bake: Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for about 20 minutes until risen, lightly golden and springy to the touch.
- Cool.
- Decorate

Troubleshooting
*Cupcakes sinking in the middle *Cupcakes too dry *Frosting too runny
Easy and fun.
Tips and Variations
- Different Extracts:
- Different Frosting:
- Add Zest:
- Make Mini Cupcakes:
Be creative and adapt.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Parties, celebrations.
Nutritional Information
Enjoy these cupcakes!
PrintConfetti Butterfly Cupcakes
This Confetti Butterfly Cupcakes recipe is a whimsical and delightful treat that’s perfect for spring celebrations, birthdays, or any occasion where you want to add a touch of magic to your dessert table
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 3/4 cup (175 g.) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (175 g.) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (175 g.) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 320° and line 2 standard 12-cup muffin tins with liners. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- 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 butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add dry ingredients and beat on low speed until just incorporated. Stir in the sprinkles until evenly mixed.
- Bake: Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake for about 20 minutes until risen, lightly golden and springy to the touch.
- Cool.
- Decorate
Recipe Summary and Q&A
A fun and creative treat.
Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time? A: Yes.
Q: Can I freeze the unfrosted cupcakes? A: Yes.