Skittles Cupcakes Recipe
Skittles Cupcakes are vibrant, colorful, and full of fruity fun, perfect for parties, kids’ events, or when you want to turn a simple cupcake into a rainbow explosion.
These cupcakes feature a soft vanilla base with crushed Skittles baked inside and are topped with a rainbow swirl buttercream and extra Skittles on top.
In this guide, we’ll bake soft cupcakes with fruity bursts from the Skittles, whip up a naturally vibrant frosting, and decorate in rainbow candy style. You’ll crush, bake, color, and swirl—so let’s dive in!
Quick Snapshot
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 mins | 18–20 mins | ~45 mins | 12 | Easy |
Ingredients List
For Cupcake Base
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | Sifted |
| Baking powder | 1 ½ tsp | Essential for rise |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (softened) | Or neutral oil for lighter texture |
| Granulated sugar | ¾ cup | Adjust for sweeter taste |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature |
| Milk | ½ cup | Dairy or plant-based |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Boosts overall flavor |
| Skittles (crushed) | ½ cup | Freeze before crushing to avoid stickiness |
For Rainbow Buttercream Frosting
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup | Room temp |
| Powdered sugar | 2 cups | Adjust for consistency |
| Heavy cream or milk | 2–3 tbsp | For smooth texture |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Optional |
| Food color (rainbow) | As needed | See natural alternatives below |
Natural Coloring Alternatives
| Color | Natural Option | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Red | Beet powder, strawberry juice | Use small amounts |
| Orange | Carrot juice or paprika | Mild taste, great hue |
| Yellow | Turmeric or saffron water | Just a pinch |
| Green | Matcha or spinach powder | Earthy tone |
| Blue | Butterfly pea flower powder | Mild and vibrant |
| Purple | Purple sweet potato powder | Adds beautiful hue and nutrients |
How to Make Skittles Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 12-cup cupcake tin with liners.
This ensures even baking and clean removal from the pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Set aside.
This mix forms the dry foundation and ensures proper rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 mins).
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
This step traps air and builds cupcake structure.
Step 4: Add Milk and Combine
- Alternately add dry mix and milk to wet mixture, starting and ending with dry.
- Fold in crushed Skittles.
Tip: Lightly toss Skittles with flour to prevent sinking.
Step 5: Bake
- Spoon batter into liners ¾ full.
- Bake 18–20 mins, until tops spring back or toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely before frosting.
How to Make Rainbow Swirl Frosting
Step 1: Cream Base
- Beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy.
Step 2: Adjust Consistency
- Add vanilla and cream 1 tbsp at a time until spreadable.
Step 3: Divide and Color
- Divide frosting into 4–6 bowls.
- Tint each bowl a different color using food coloring or natural options.
Step 4: Pipe the Rainbow
- Lay out plastic wrap and place spoonfuls of each colored frosting side by side.
- Roll into a log, snip the end, and place inside piping bag.
- Pipe swirls on cooled cupcakes.
Decorate and Garnish
- Top each swirl with whole Skittles.
- Sprinkle with edible glitter or crushed candy for fun.
Tip: Only top with Skittles just before serving to avoid them dissolving from moisture.
Variations to Try
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Skittles Filling | Core cupcakes and fill with mini Skittles or jam |
| Skittles Syrup Glaze | Make a simple syrup by melting Skittles in water |
| Gluten-Free | Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend |
| Vegan Option | Use oil, flax eggs, and dairy-free milk |
| Skittles Cream Cheese Frosting | Use cream cheese instead of butter for tangy frosting |
Storage Tips
- Store frosted cupcakes in airtight container at room temp (1–2 days) or fridge (up to 4 days).
- Unfrosted cupcakes freeze well for up to 1 month.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Skittles sink in batter | Not coated or too heavy | Lightly flour Skittles before folding |
| Buttercream too thin | Too much liquid or warm | Chill frosting and beat in more powdered sugar |
| Dull color | Faded natural dye | Use freeze-dried powders for stronger tint |
Final Bite
Skittles Cupcakes are a colorful celebration in every bite—fruity, bright, and super fun to make. Whether you go with candy colors or natural tones, these cupcakes are bound to steal the show at any event.
Ready to swirl the rainbow?
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