These cheerful Easter Cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and topped with colorful frosting and fun decorations that kids absolutely love. Perfect for Easter Day desserts, classroom parties, or family gatherings, this easy cupcake recipe is designed for bakers of all skill levels. The simple vanilla base pairs beautifully with pastel buttercream frosting and festive toppings like mini eggs, jelly beans, or coconut “grass,” making them as fun to decorate as they are to eat.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Servings: 12 cupcakes
- Yield: 12 standard cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel colors recommended)
Optional Easter Decorations
- Mini chocolate eggs
- Jelly beans
- Shredded coconut (dyed green for “grass”)
- Sprinkles or candy bunny toppers
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- Mix dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Fill cupcake liners. Divide batter evenly, filling each liner about ⅔ full.
- Bake. Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the frosting. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla and milk, beating until smooth and fluffy. Add food coloring as desired.
- Decorate. Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with Easter-themed candies and toppings.
Tip: Let kids help decorate the cupcakes for a fun Easter activity—just set up bowls of toppings and let creativity shine!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 170mg
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
These Easter Cupcakes are a delightful way to celebrate the holiday with kids, combining a classic homemade cupcake with colorful, festive flair. Easy to bake, fun to decorate, and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to become a new Easter tradition at your table. Whether you keep them simple or go all out with decorations, these cupcakes are guaranteed to bring smiles to every bite.
