Log in
Skittles Flavor Extract Rainbow Cupcakes
Dolce Flav
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Skittles
Author:
Dolce Flav
Servings
12
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
These festive cupcakes start with a soft vanilla base boosted by Skittles Flavor Extract for a true “taste-the-rainbow” profile. The batter bakes up tender and moist, and the silky buttercream carries a second hit of Skittles flavor. For a rainbow look, divide the batter and tint with gel colors before swirling into the liners, then pipe a pretty buttercream swirl on top.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
-
1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
-
1 ½ tsp baking powder
-
¼ tsp baking soda
-
¼ tsp fine salt
-
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
-
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs, room temp
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1–1½ tsp Skittles Flavor Extract (adjust to potency)
-
½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, room temp
-
Optional: gel food colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
Skittles Buttercream
-
1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temp
-
3 ½–4 cups (420–480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
-
¼ tsp fine salt
-
1–2 Tbsp heavy cream or milk
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tsp Skittles Flavor Extract (plus ¼ tsp more to taste)
-
Optional: gel food colors; Skittles candies for garnish
Directions
Prep & preheat: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners.
Whisk dry: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
Cream butter & sugar: In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium-high 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Add eggs & flavor: Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping bowl. Mix in vanilla and Skittles Flavor Extract.
Finish batter: On low speed, add dry ingredients in two additions alternating with milk, ending with dry. Mix just until smooth—do not overmix.
Optional rainbow swirl: Divide batter into 4–6 bowls, tint each portion, then spoon random dollops into liners and lightly swirl with a skewer for a tie-dye effect.
Bake: Fill liners ⅔ full. Bake 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then cool completely on a rack.
Buttercream: Beat butter until creamy (1 minute). Add powdered sugar, salt, and 1 Tbsp cream; beat on medium-high 2 minutes until fluffy. Beat in vanilla and Skittles Flavor Extract; adjust cream/extract to taste and consistency.
Color & pipe: If desired, stripe a piping bag with rainbow gel colors, fill with buttercream, and pipe swirls. Garnish with Skittles (optional). Serve.
Recipe Note
10 Frequently Asked Questions
What is Skittles Flavor Extract?
A concentrated, rainbow-fruit flavoring designed to mimic the classic Skittles profile for baking and beverages.
How much extract should I use?
Start with 1–1½ tsp in the batter and 1 tsp in the buttercream; add more (drops at a time) to taste.
Can I bake this as a cake?
Yes—pour batter into an 8-inch round pan and bake 25–30 minutes (check at 24). Double for a 2-layer cake.
Do I have to add food coloring?
No—color is optional. The cupcakes taste the same without it.
How can I boost the tart, “sour Skittles” vibe?
Whisk ⅛ tsp citric acid into the frosting (taste and adjust). It adds a bright, candy-like tang.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
You can swap half the butter for neutral oil for extra moisture; flavor will be slightly less rich.
Make-ahead tips?
Baked cupcakes freeze well (unfrosted) up to 2 months; thaw, then frost fresh.
Room-temperature storage?
Frosted cupcakes keep 1–2 days at cool room temp or 4–5 days refrigerated (bring to room temp before serving).
Dairy-free option?
Use plant butter and a dairy-free milk in the batter and frosting; texture stays soft.
Can I use real Skittles too?
Yes—use them only as garnish; mixing candy into the batter can melt and create sticky pockets. Many high-ranking recipes either garnish with Skittles or extract flavor via syrup instead.