• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Peel with Zeal

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • GF Resources
  • Lifestyle
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • GF Resources
    • Lifestyle
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free Baking

    Published: Jun 13, 2022 · Modified: Jun 13, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    Gluten-Free Rainbow Cupcakes

    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email
    - Jump to Recipe -
    cupcakes on a platter
    cupcakes on a platter
    cupcakes on a platter
    cupcakes on a platter

    These gluten-free rainbow cupcakes with fluffy cloud-like vanilla frosting that is guaranteed to make anyone who sees them smile. These gluten-free cupcakes are perfect for birthday parties, St Patrick's Day, and Pride celebrations.

    cupcakes on a platter

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    These fun cupcakes are a kid-friendly gluten-free dessert and perfect for parties. I like to pair them with a richer dessert like our gluten-free chocolate cake with Bailey's butter cream. Or add them to a dessert platter with our gluten-free chocolate chip cookies and gluten-free sugar cookies.

    Jump to:
    • 📖Why This Recipe Works
    • 🧾Ingredient Notes
    • ⏲️How to Make Rainbow Cupcakes
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Baking Tips
    • 💭 Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cupcakes
    • 🔪Equipment
    • 🌡️Storage
    • More Gluten- Free Treats
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
    • 📖 Recipe

    📖Why This Recipe Works

    These cupcakes are perfect for bakers that are new to gluten-free. And while you can use any base GF vanilla or yellow cake recipe, I use a doctored-up gluten-free cake mix so we can get to the fun faster.

    Using gel, not water-based food coloring gives these rainbow cupcakes an intense color. This is also why I like them better funfetti cupcakes which tend to look pale and bland to me.

    And unlike when making a rainbow layer cake, no weighing out the batter for each color.

    A fluffy whipped white frosting and rainbow sprinkles complete the look.

    🧾Ingredient Notes

    For this recipe I used King Arthur's yellow cake mix (gluten-free). For the recipe I have included quantities for 22 ounce baking mixes and 15 ounce baking mixes. White cake mix is preferred for richer colors but is harder to find gluten-free.

    Regardless of the mix you choose you will need:

    • Butter-Always use butter even when the mix calls for oil for a more flavorful cupcake. Be sure to use softened butter.
    • Eggs- For extra richness you can add an extra yolk.
    • Milk- You can use plant based milk if avoiding dairy.
    • Vanilla- Store bought cake mixes need a boost of flavor. Add extra vanilla.

    • Food Coloring- Gel is preferred and will result in better colors but you can use powdered or water based if you prefer.
    • Cocoa Powder- Just a splash or cocoa powder in the red batter enhances the color.
    cupcake ingredients on counter

    Whipped Vanilla Frosting

    • Sugar
    • Egg Whites- Use one of the extra yolks in the cake batter.
    • Cream of Tartar- Used to stabilize the egg whites for a perfect consistency.
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Salt- Just a pinch but don't skip.
    frosting ingredients on counter

    See the recipe card for exact quantities.

    ⏲️How to Make Rainbow Cupcakes

    Before starting on the cupcake batter, preheat your oven to 350 F degrees. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

    Step 1- Make Batter

    Start by beating the butter until fluffy. This typically takes 2 minutes on high speed. Add the eggs, vanilla, and milk. Beat until smooth.

    Add the cake mix ⅓ at a time and blend on low until incorporated. Don't over mix.

    step by step process for making batter

    Step 2- Divide and Color

    Divide the batter into 6 bowls. It doesn't have to be exact (unlike if you were making a layer cake), so eyeballing it is fine.

    Add 6 drops of the gel color into the bowl and stir. Continue to add the food coloring until the desired color is acheived. Add cocoa powder to the red bowl for a deeper color.

    adding cocoa powder to red bowl to deepen the color

    For the red color layer, add 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder to the batter to achieve a deeper red color.

    Step 3- Bake

    Add one teaspoon of each color of batter to each cupcake line. Starting with purple on the bottom, top with blue, green, yellow, orange, and red on top.

    layering the batter to make a rianbow

    Let the cupcakes rest for 10 minutes before baking. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes. The cupcakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

    Cool for 30 minutes before decorating.

    Step 4- Whipped Frosting

    This frosting is cooked and requires a double boiler. It is essentially is a type of 7 minute frosting. To make a double boiler add water, at least an inch deep, to a medium sized saucepan.

    Bring the water to a simmer over medium heat. Place a metal bowl on top. This will create an indirect heat.

    Note: The bowl should not touch the water.

    step by step process for making gluten free 7 minute frosting

    Add all the ingredients to the bowl and use a hand mixer to beat on high for at least 5 minutes, but likely closer to 7 minutes. The frosting is done when stiff peaks form.

    Rest the frosting for 5 minutes before decorating the cupcakes. The frosting can be piped or spread on with a spatula.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Baking Tips

    • Use room temperature eggs, they incorporate into the softened butter better.
    • Add an extra yolk for a creamier texture.
    • Always rest gluten free batters before baking. The flours need to rehydrate.
    • Only fill every other space in your muffin tin. This creates a more uniform heating environment so you get a domed appearance.
    • Be careful not to overbake, it will dull the color of the cupcakes.
    cupcakes on a platter

    💭 Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Cupcakes

    This gluten-free recipe is easily made dairy-free by substituting vegan butter and non-dairy milk when making the batter. Most gluten-free cake mixes are dairy-free but always check the ingredient label.

    Our vanilla frosting recipe is naturally dairy-free.

    🔪Equipment

    For this recipe you need a mixing bowl and pan to make your double boiler. For baking I have been using a Kitchen Aid muffin tin. It heats so evenly.

    And to make the frosting you absolutely need to have a hand mixer. I recently purchased a new cordless hand mixer that I am obsessed with. It is so easy to use!

    🌡️Storage

    Store the decorated cupcakes at room temperature in an airtight container. Good for 2-3 days.

    Leftover cupcakes can be torn into pieces and layers with whipped cream for a fun trifle dessert.

    rainbow cake trifle in a cup

    More Gluten- Free Treats

    • Almond Flour Blackberry Muffins
    • Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten & Dairy Free)
    • Gluten-Free Banana Cake
    • Strawberry Lemon Bars (GF, DF)

    💬Frequently Asked Questions

    Are sprinkles gluten-free?

    Sprinkles are naturally gluten free and should not contain any gluten based ingredients. However, they may be manufactured on shared lines so always check the label.

    Can this recipe be used to make mini rainbow cupcakes?

    Yes! Bake for 12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the cupcakes comes out clean.

    If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave us a rating or a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with our food.

    📖 Recipe

    rainbow cupcake with white frosting and sprinkles

    Gluten Free Rainbow Cupcakes

    Recipe Created By: Jen Wooster
    Colorful rainbow cupcakes perfect for birthday parties, pride celebrations, or St. Patrick's Day. Easy to make and a dairy free option.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Cooling 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Baking, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 20
    Calories 95 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large mixing bowl
    • Muffin tin
    • Hand Mixer
    • Medium Saucepan

    Ingredients
      

    Rainbow Cupcakes

    • 1 box yellow cake mix ( 22 oz) gluten free, or use white cake mix
    • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
    • 4 eggs plus one yolk
    • ⅔ cup milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Gel food coloring Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple
    • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

    Whipped Frosting

    • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 egg whites at room temperature
    • ¼ cup cold water
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
    • Pinch kosher salt

    Instructions
     

    Rainbow Cupcakes

    • Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees. Line a cupcake tin with muffin liners.
    • In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter for 2 minutes. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
      ½ cup unsalted butter, 4 eggs, ⅔ cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Slowly add cake mix and mix until just combined.
      1 box yellow cake mix ( 22 oz)
    • Equally divide batter into 6 separate bowls. Add a 4 to 6 drops of gel color ( a different color in each bowl) and mix each batter until color is evenly distributed. Add more gel as needed to get a vibrant color. Add the cocoa powder to the red bowl for a richer color.
      Gel food coloring, 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Using a small spoon add a teaspoon of each color to the cupcake liners starting with purple and ending with red.
    • Bake at 350 degrees F for 16-20 minutes or until an inserted toothpick in the center comes out clean. Cool on rack.

    Whipped Frosting

    • Whisk the sugar, egg whites, water, vanilla, cream of tartar and salt in a large metal bowl set over a double boiler ( a mixing pan set over a sauce pan of simmering water).
      ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 2 egg whites, ¼ cup cold water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cream of tartar, Pinch kosher salt
    • While on the double boiler, beat with a hand mixer on high for 5 to 7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
    • Remove the bowl from the saucepan and let cool 5 minutes. Pipe or use a small spatula spread onto the cupcakes. Decorate with sprinkles.
      ¼ cup rainbow sprinkles

    Video

    Notes

    • For a 15 ounce box of cake mix use 3 eggs, ⅓ cup of butter, and ½ cup of milk.
    • To make this recipe dairy-free use vegan butter and non-dairy milk. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 95kcal | Carbs: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 0.02g
    Keyword dairy free cupcakes, funfetti cupcakes, gluten free birthday cupcakes, gluten free cupcakes
    Tried this recipe?Tag us @peelwithzeal so we can see your creation!

    Browse our gluten-free rainbow cake webstory.

    « Avocado Crema
    Serviceberry Muffins (Gluten-Free) »
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Join the Discussion Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome Friends!

    picture of Jen

    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

    Subscribe

    Seasonal Recipes

    • Crustless Tomato Pie
    • Grilled BBQ Chicken Thighs
    • Red, White, and Blue Jello Shots
    • Barbecue Chicken Zucchini Boats
    • Mangonada Popsicles
    • Gluten-Free Peach Crisp

    Popular Recipes

    • Parmesan Roasted Zucchini and Squash
    • Tanghulu
    • Creamy Summer Squash Soup (GF, Vegan)
    • Easy Dog Birthday Cake
    • Mezcal Paloma
    • Blueberry Frozen Dog Treats

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Us
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • Check out our new Web Stories

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Partnerships

    Copyright © 2022 Peel with Zeal