Simple Vanilla Cupcakes With Colorful Pastel Buttercream For Spring Celebrations

Pastel frosting and soft vanilla cake come together in these easy Easter cupcakes that feel cheerful without extra fuss. The batter mixes quickly with simple pantry ingredients, bakes fast, and cools into light, tender cupcakes ready for swirls of buttercream.

I love how the gentle colors make them look playful while the flavor stays classic and delicious. Decorating is half the fun, whether you keep the swirls neat or a little messy. These cupcakes are sweet but balanced, making them easy to enjoy more than one.

If you want a homemade treat that looks festive, tastes familiar, and doesn’t take all day, this recipe fits perfectly into spring baking plans. It works beautifully for relaxed celebrations, casual sharing, and bright dessert tables everywhere this season.

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Equipment You Will Need

• Muffin tin
• Cupcake liners
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Piping bags
• Star piping nozzle

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Easter Pastel Vanilla Cupcakes

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These Easter Pastel Vanilla Cupcakes are soft, sweet, and topped with dreamy swirls of colorful buttercream that instantly feel festive. They’re easy to bake, fun to decorate, and perfect for adding a pop of pastel joy to your Easter treats lineup.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Ingredients

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For the cupcakes:

1/4 cup softened butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon milk

For the icing:

1/3 cup softened butter

1 cup powdered sugar

1 drop food gel coloring

1/4 cup sprinkles

1 teaspoon milk (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a muffin tin with cupcake cases.
2. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add an egg and vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the flour and baking powder. Finally, mix in the milk.
3. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
4. For the icing, beat the softened butter until creamy and fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar, and if needed, incorporate a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Divide the icing into three bowls and add a drop of food coloring to each bowl. Transfer each colored icing into a piping bag with a star nozzle.
5. Once the cupcakes are cooled, pipe the colored icing onto each cupcake in a swirl pattern. Finish by sprinkling with your favorite sprinkles.

• Author: Little Party Pixie
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Sweet Treats

Step-By-Step Process

These pastel vanilla cupcakes are perfect for Easter celebrations, spring birthdays, or simple weekend baking. They’re easy to make ahead and fun to decorate with kids or friends. Don’t forget to explore the blog for more sweet treats and party food recipes that keep things simple and delicious.

If you love colorful desserts, check out Lemon Lavender Pound Cake and No Bake Mini Egg Easter Cheesecakes for more playful Easter-ready treats. They’re sweet, fun, and just as easy to make.

For even more inspiration, browse our collection of Bite-Sized Sweet Treats and Easy Easter Desserts. They’re packed with ideas when you want options without overthinking dessert.

© Little Party Pixie 2026