Description
Unicorn Rainbow Cupcakes are soft vanilla cupcakes baked with multiple vibrant colors inside, creating a rainbow effect when you peel the liner or take a bite. They are topped with rainbow-swirled buttercream frosting and decorated with playful elements like unicorn sprinkles, edible glitter, or candy pearls. The name “unicorn” represents whimsy, fantasy, and fun, while the rainbow symbolizes happiness and celebration.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
Gel food coloring (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
Rainbow Buttercream Frosting
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1½ tsp vanilla extract
Gel food coloring (same rainbow colors)
Decorations (optional but fun!)
Unicorn sprinkles
Edible glitter
Candy pearls
Mini unicorn toppers
Instructions
1. Make the Cupcake Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Mix in dry ingredients alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
2. Create the Rainbow
Divide batter evenly into 6 small bowls.
Color each bowl with a different gel food color.
Spoon each color into cupcake liners side-by-side or layered (don’t mix!).
3. Bake
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before frosting.
🧁 Rainbow Swirl Buttercream
Beat butter until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until fluffy.
Divide frosting into bowls and color each one.
Spoon each color into a piping bag side-by-side (or line a large bag with plastic wrap strips).
Pipe a swirl on each cupcake.
✨ Decorate & Serve
Top with sprinkles, glitter, or unicorn toppers. Serve with smiles and sparkle!
Notes
For extra unicorn magic, top these cupcakes with swirls of pastel buttercream, rainbow sprinkles, or edible glitter. You can also fill the centers with rainbow candy or vanilla cream for a fun surprise when you bite in. Perfect for birthdays, parties, or anytime you want to add a little color and joy to your dessert table!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: ~320 kcal
Keywords: unicorn cupcakes, rainbow cupcakes, colorful cupcakes, unicorn themed cupcakes, rainbow swirl cupcakes