Name: Fruity Pebble Cupcakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cake flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup milk; 4 egg whites; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature); 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup rainbow jimmies; 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (at room temperature); 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; Fruity Pebbles cereal (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 61 reviews

If you are craving a fun, colorful, and irresistibly delicious treat, this Fruity Pebble Cupcakes Recipe is exactly what you need. These cupcakes combine a moist, tender crumb with delightful bursts of rainbow jimmies inside, all topped with a creamy, fluffy frosting sprinkled generously with Fruity Pebbles cereal to bring that perfect crunch and nostalgic pop of flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to brighten your day, this recipe promises a joyful baking experience and a sweet reward worth sharing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A single cupcake is shown on a round wooden board with a white marbled background. The cupcake has a light beige base with small colorful bits baked inside the cake. On top, there are three layers of smooth white frosting swirled high in a cone shape. The frosting is covered with bright, crunchy cereal pieces in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and pink, scattered both on the frosting and around the base on the board. A second cupcake blurred in the background has similar frosting and cereal topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial part in making your cupcakes shine. From the lightness of egg whites to the rich creaminess of butter and the vibrant surprise of rainbow jimmies, every component adds flavor, texture, or that wow factor of color.

3 cups cake flour: Provides the perfect soft and tender crumb for cupcakes.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps your cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
4 egg whites: Lighten the cupcakes and lend structure without heaviness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warm, comforting notes to the batter.
3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and tenderness to your cupcakes.
1 cup sugar: Sweeter with just the right level to balance flavors.
1/2 cup rainbow jimmies: These colorful sprinkles give vibrant fun and a little surprise in each bite.
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature) for frosting: Creates a luscious, creamy base for the frosting.
3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting texture.
2 tablespoons heavy cream: Lightens the frosting and makes it easier to pipe or spread.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses the frosting with a warm, classic flavor.
Fruity Pebbles cereal (for sprinkling): The crowning touch adding crunchy texture and fun color.

How to Make Fruity Pebble Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 12-cup standard muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy. Having this ready helps your batter go right into the oven without hesitation.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning so your cupcakes rise uniformly with perfect texture.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, gently whisk the milk, egg whites, and vanilla extract. These liquids bring moisture, lightness, and a deep flavor base to the batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the 3/4 cup of unsalted butter and sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is key for fluffy cupcakes as it incorporates air into the fat.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

With the mixer set to low, add the dry ingredients and milk mixture alternately into the creamed butter and sugar, starting and ending with the dry. Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes dense.

Step 6: Fold in Rainbow Jimmies

Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the colorful rainbow jimmies. They add fun specks of color and a subtle bite, making each cupcake feel joyful and celebratory.

Step 7: Bake the Cupcakes

Scoop the batter evenly into the muffin liners, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer cupcakes to a wire rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups of room temperature unsalted butter with the confectioners’ sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, roughly 1 to 2 minutes. Lower the speed and gradually add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Increase speed again and whip until the frosting is light and airy, about 1 to 2 more minutes.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Using a small offset spatula or piping bag with your favorite decorative tip, frost the cooled cupcakes generously. Top with a sprinkle of Fruity Pebbles cereal for that signature crunchy finish and vibrant look.

How to Serve Fruity Pebble Cupcakes Recipe

A single cupcake stands on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface. The cupcake has one layer of light-colored cake that contains small colorful bits baked inside. On top, there is a thick swirl of white frosting that forms two visible layers. Brightly colored cereal pieces scattered all over the frosting and around the cupcake on the board add texture and vibrant spots of red, yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The final touch is what makes these cupcakes truly special. Beyond the Fruity Pebbles on top, you can add a few extra sprinkles for color contrast or even a dollop of fresh whipped cream. These little details elevate your presentation and delight any sweet tooth.

Side Dishes

Serve these cupcakes alongside a cold glass of milk or a creamy hot chocolate to complement their sweet, colorful fun. Fresh fruit like strawberries or kiwi can add a refreshing contrast and keep your dessert table balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered dessert stand for a party-ready display, or wrap each in clear cellophane with a colorful ribbon for gifting. You could also pack them in decorative boxes for birthday parties or bake sales, where their vibrant look is sure to catch every eye.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Fruity Pebble Cupcakes Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store them in the fridge where they will keep for up to four days, just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze both unfrosted and frosted cupcakes. For unfrosted, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Frosted cupcakes freeze best on a baking sheet first; once firm, transfer to an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If your cupcakes have chilled or been refrigerated, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften the frosting. Avoid microwaving as it may melt the frosting unevenly, but a brief warm oven burst at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes can refresh the cupcake’s softness if needed.

FAQs

Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Using only egg whites keeps the cupcakes extra light and tender, but you can substitute whole eggs if needed—use 2 whole eggs for 4 egg whites. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.

What makes rainbow jimmies different from regular sprinkles?

Rainbow jimmies are longer, thinner sprinkles, offering a subtly different texture and aesthetic inside the batter. They hold shape and color nicely, adding a fun surprise in every bite.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make these cupcakes gluten-free, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Why is it important to let cupcakes cool completely before frosting?

Cooling ensures the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off. Warm cupcakes cause the butter in the frosting to soften too much, leading to a messy finish rather than a smooth, decorative one.

How do I prevent the frosting from getting too soft?

If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the frosting for a few minutes before piping. Also, chilling the frosted cupcakes briefly will help the frosting set and keep its shape longer.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the cheerful colors and sweet crunch of this Fruity Pebble Cupcakes Recipe to brighten your baking day. It’s a joyful fusion of nostalgic cereal fun with classic cupcake comfort, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or even just treating yourself. I absolutely encourage you to dive in, whip up a batch, and enjoy the smiles these cupcakes are sure to bring.