Plush Confetti Cupcakes

Plush Confetti Cupcakes deliver a joyful burst of color and flavor that brightens any occasion. With their soft, tender crumb and rich cream cheese topping, these delightful treats are perfect for parties, birthdays, or just a fun afternoon snack. You’ll love how easy this recipe is, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels. The bright and vibrant sprinkles not only enhance the visual appeal but add a delightful crunch, setting these cupcakes apart as a cheerful dessert option. Plus, they are completely vegan, making them a guilt-free indulgence!

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Why Make Plush Confetti Cupcakes

Plush Confetti Cupcakes are an excellent choice for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal mixing and no special equipment. Anyone, from beginners to seasoned bakers, can whip these up in no time.

Second, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of vanilla and almond extracts, paired with the light, fluffy texture, creates a delicious dessert that pleases everyone. The rainbow sprinkles elevate these cupcakes, bringing joy in every bite.

Finally, they are cost-effective. Using pantry staples and simple ingredients, you can create a batch of mouthwatering cupcakes without breaking the bank. These cupcakes also pack a fun surprise, making them perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers.

How to Make Plush Confetti Cupcakes

To make your Plush Confetti Cupcakes, begin by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll appreciate the simplicity of the process, as it involves combining dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are well incorporated, which is crucial for achieving the perfect rise. In a separate bowl, mix the non-dairy milk, oil, lemon juice, and extracts. This mixture provides moisture and flavor, resulting in a wonderfully soft cupcake.

Once you’ve combined your mixtures, stir in the rainbow sprinkles. This step adds the fun, colorful touch that makes these cupcakes feel festive. The batter is then poured into cupcake liners and baked until fluffy and golden brown. Allow them to cool before topping them with a creamy frosting made from non-dairy cream cheese. This frosting adds a rich, tangy finish to your delightful cupcakes.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

1 cup plus 7 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk (soy, almond, or oat)
1/3 cup neutral oil or melted vegan butter
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 to 1/3 cup rainbow sprinkles

For the Topping:

8 ounces non-dairy cream cheese
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place cupcake liners in a 12-cup standard tin.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Add non-dairy milk, oil, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract into the well.
Whisk until no lumps remain in the batter.
Stir in the rainbow sprinkles gently.
Divide the batter evenly between 12 cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
For the topping, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until lightly whipped.
Dollop about 1.5 tablespoons of frosting on each cupcake and swirl it out generously.
Finish with an extra pinch of sprinkles on top.
Store the cupcakes in the fridge to keep them fresh.

How to Serve Plush Confetti Cupcakes

When serving your Plush Confetti Cupcakes, consider pairing them with a refreshing beverage such as iced tea or lemon aid. These drinks complement the sweetness perfectly and keep the flavors bright.

For an added treat, consider serving them alongside fruit skewers for a burst of fresh flavor. Presentation can elevate your desserts, so arrange the cupcakes on a decorative platter and surround them with colorful fruits or additional sprinkles for that extra touch.

How to Store Plush Confetti Cupcakes

Store any leftover Plush Confetti Cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps them moist and prevents them from drying out. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, thaw cupcakes at room temperature and enjoy them as-is or pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up slightly.

Tips to Make Plush Confetti Cupcakes

Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have non-dairy milk, you can use regular milk without affecting the flavor significantly. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cupcakes instead of the fluffy texture you want.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cupcakes are done. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready.
Extra Flavor: Consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Chill the Frosting: For a firmer frosting, chill the cream cheese mixture for about 15 minutes before dolloping it on the cupcakes.
Fun Shapes: Use different liner colors and shapes to match the occasion for which you are baking. It makes the presentation fun!

Variations

Lemon Zest Cupcakes

Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a refreshing lemon flavor that complements the sweetness of the sprinkles.

Chocolate Chip Confetti Cupcakes

Fold in 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips along with the sprinkles for an extra indulgent treat.

Coconut Confetti Cupcakes

Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Plush Confetti Cupcakes a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What if I don’t have non-dairy cream cheese?

You can substitute it with any vegan frosting or even a whipped coconut cream for a different texture and flavor.

Can I use different sprinkles?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite sprinkles or even themed ones to match a specific occasion. The important thing is to enjoy the colorful addition to your cupcakes!