Rainbow Cakes!

Since it was the end of the semester, and I actually only had one class this semester that I had to show up to, I figured I could bake cupcakes to bring to the final. Thankfully, my teacher thought it was a great idea, so I went ahead and started baking. Now I have to admit, because I did actually have to study for the final, I didn't have as much time to come up with a creative recipe. I just decided to use a box mix for these. Don't judge, there's still an art to box cupcakes if you want them to taste amazing. Last semester, one of my classes did a potluck and I made rainbow cupcakes, so I figured since it was the same type of situation, I'd make rainbow cakes again.

I mixed everything together and then split the batter into five smaller bowls and added the food coloring.

Side Note: My roommate is moving in a week and has already packed her Kitchenaid Mixer that I was using. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to miss her terribly, but I'm in desperate need of my own mixer. I'd love to get this one in Ice [because it's Tiffany blue, my second obsession]. Feel free to give some donations. :]

decided to use neon colors this time for a brighter theme. Since the boxes only come with four colors, I just used the yellow from the original colors.

I decided not to do all of the cupcakes the same, so half started with the pink and half started with the purple. From there I just did opposite colors layered on top.

The cupcakes ended up being about 2/3 full, which worked out perfectly.

My secret is always checking the cupcakes a little sooner than the time says to make sure they aren't over cooked. I think I ended up baking them a minute less than what the box suggested and they were perfect. I used a simple vanilla buttercream frosting that seems to be popular. I'll include the recipe below.

They seemed to need a little extra, so I added some rainbow sprinkles!

The end result: lots of fun!

The class really enjoyed them, even though a few flipped over when I was driving. I think I'm going to make these an end of semester tradition.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

1 package powdered sugar [16 ounces]

1/2 cup butter, softened [1 stick]

3 tablespoons milk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions

Beat sugar, butter, milk, and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and well blended. If the frosting is too thick, slowly add an extra teaspoon of milk one at a time until the correct consistency is reached.