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Bubblegum Bliss: The Ultimate Recipe for Fun and Flavorful Cupcakes

Who could resist these delightful Bubblegum Cupcakes? Dressed in vibrant pink bubblegum buttercream frosting, generously dusted with colorful sparkling sugar, and crowned with a classic gumball, they promise to transform any ordinary day into a festive celebration!

Pink bubblegum cupcakes with gumballs on top.

For over a decade, these enchanting bubblegum-flavored cupcakes have been a staple in my kitchen, bringing immense joy to my children and their friends. There’s something undeniably magical about a treat that captures the whimsical essence of childhood’s favorite chewable candy. What’s not to love about the sweet, fruity aroma and the playful pink hue? In all my years, I’ve yet to encounter anyone who can truly resist the charm of bubblegum, especially when it’s baked into a soft, fluffy cupcake and crowned with luscious frosting.

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Crafting the Perfect Bubblegum Cupcake Base

My journey into the world of creative cupcake baking began years ago, fueled by an undeniable obsession with shows like “Cupcake Wars.” It was during this era that the idea of bubblegum cupcakes first sparked my imagination. I was determined to create a recipe that perfectly encapsulated that iconic flavor, and I wouldn’t rest until I found the secret ingredient. That’s when I discovered it: Bubblegum Extract.

It’s truly astonishing how a tiny bottle can hold such a potent and delightful bubblegum flavor. This extract is the key to infusing your cupcakes with that signature taste, making them an instant hit. For the cake base, you have flexibility. While a homemade white cake recipe is always an option for those who enjoy baking from scratch, I often opt for a convenient box cake mix. A standard white cake mix provides a neutral canvas that perfectly showcases the bubblegum flavor and allows the colorful sprinkles to truly pop.

To achieve a visually stunning “gumball machine” effect within the cupcakes, I incorporate brightly colored sprinkles directly into the white cake batter. This simple step adds an exciting burst of color that mirrors the vibrant hues of gumballs. If you’re looking for an even easier route, a Funfetti cake mix can also work wonderfully, though I find adding separate sprinkles gives you more control over the color distribution. Remember to follow the package directions for your chosen cake mix, adjusting only for the addition of the bubblegum extract and sprinkles.

Irresistible Bubblegum Buttercream Frosting

A truly unforgettable bubblegum-flavored cupcake wouldn’t be complete without the perfect frosting. My classic buttercream recipe serves as an excellent foundation, and by simply adding more of that wonderful bubblegum extract, we elevate the flavor profile to match the cake. This combination creates a harmonious blend of sweetness and that distinctive bubblegum taste in every bite.

Beyond flavor, presentation is key. For a bubblegum frosting, there’s really only one color that comes to mind: bubblegum pink! I consistently find that McCormick Neon Pink Gel Food Coloring delivers the ideal shade. Gel food coloring is fantastic because it’s highly concentrated, allowing you to achieve vibrant colors without diluting your frosting. I recommend adding it gradually while your mixer is running, stopping when you’ve reached your desired depth of pink. It’s always easier to add more color than to take it away!

Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled, and your frosting is ready, it’s time for the fun part: decorating! After expertly piping on the vibrant pink buttercream, I adore dusting the tops with Rainbow Sparkling Sugar. This adds a beautiful shimmer and a delightful textural contrast. But the ultimate crowning glory, much like a cherry on top, is a single gumball placed squarely on each cupcake. This playful touch not only enhances the bubblegum theme visually but also adds a fun element that kids and adults alike adore.

Do you have a favorite gumball color that you always hope for? I’ve always been partial to the classic white or the charming pink gumballs. The yellow ones? Ah, typically banana-flavored! While some might enjoy that, I personally prefer to stick to the more traditional bubblegum flavors for my cupcakes, leaving the banana for actual bananas. The variety of gumballs available means you can choose any color to complement your pink frosting, or even mix and match for an extra pop of color!

How To Make the BEST Bubblegum Cupcakes: A Simple Guide

Making these fun and flavorful bubblegum cupcakes is surprisingly straightforward, proving that delicious treats don’t have to be complicated. As mentioned, I often use a box white cake mix for convenience, which keeps the process quick and easy without sacrificing taste or texture. You’ll need the standard ingredients listed on your cake mix package—typically water, oil, and eggs—along with our star ingredient: bubblegum extract, to give the cake its unique flavor.

For that vibrant, internal “gumball machine” effect, I highly recommend incorporating Rainbow Jimmies into the batter. These add a delightful surprise when bitten into, creating a truly festive look. To enhance the presentation even further, baking them in brightly colored cupcake liners makes them visually appealing from the moment they come out of the oven. These small details contribute significantly to the overall fun factor of these bubblegum treats.

The bubblegum buttercream frosting recipe is equally simple to prepare, requiring just a few common pantry staples. You’ll need softened butter, powdered sugar for sweetness, milk to achieve the perfect consistency, and of course, more bubblegum extract to infuse it with that signature flavor. Pink food coloring gel is essential for achieving the iconic bubblegum pink hue. Finally, for decorating, have your gumballs and sparkling sugar ready to transform each cupcake into a miniature work of art. This recipe yields one dozen mouth-watering bubblegum cupcakes, perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!

This recipe makes one dozen perfect bubblegum cupcakes.

I particularly love how the sprinkles baked into the batter create the illusion of colorful gumballs nestled right inside the cupcake, adding another layer of visual delight to these already charming treats!

Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe!

If you’ve fallen in love with these whimsical bubblegum cupcakes, make sure to save them to your favorite Pinterest board! You’ll definitely want to remember where you found this fun and unique recipe for your next celebration or simply to brighten an ordinary day. Pin it now so you can easily come back to it whenever a craving for bubblegum magic strikes!

These bubblegum cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a conversation starter and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for a variety of occasions. They make a fantastic addition to family reunions, adding a playful touch to your dessert spread. For slumber parties, they’re the ultimate sweet treat that kids will adore. And, of course, they are absolutely perfect for birthday parties, matching any vibrant theme. The versatility and undeniable appeal of these cupcakes make them suitable for virtually any gathering where fun and deliciousness are on the menu.

Even my oldest son, who usually claims, “I’m not much of a dessert guy,” specifically requested these for his college graduation party! That’s how you know a recipe is truly special—when it wins over even the most discerning palates. Their festive appearance and delightful flavor are simply irresistible, ensuring they’ll be a hit with everyone, from the youngest guests to the “dessert skeptics” among us.

Explore More Unique Cupcake Creations

Getting creative in the kitchen, especially with cupcakes, always fills me with joy. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of developing some truly delicious and wonderfully unique cupcake recipes that go beyond the ordinary. I thought I’d share a few of my personal favorites with you, hoping they inspire your next baking adventure!

Hamburger Cupcakes (pictured above) – These are cleverly designed to look exactly like mini hamburgers, complete with “buns,” “patties,” and “condiments” made from frosting and candies. They’re perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any gathering where you want to surprise and delight your guests with a savory-looking sweet treat!

Brightly colored Tie Dye Cupcakes – Bursting with a kaleidoscope of colors inside and out, these cupcakes are a vibrant celebration of fun and nostalgia. Each bite reveals a swirl of brilliant hues, making them a fantastic choice for kids’ parties or any event needing a splash of cheer.

Strawberry Daiquiri Cupcakes – For the adults in the room, these cocktail-inspired cupcakes offer a sophisticated twist. Infused with the fresh, fruity flavors of a classic strawberry daiquiri, they are a delightful indulgence for grown-up celebrations.

S’Mores Cupcakes with marshmallow buttercream frosting – Recreate the magic of a campfire favorite in cupcake form! These feature a graham cracker crust, chocolate cake, and a heavenly toasted marshmallow buttercream that will transport you straight to summer nights.

White Chocolate Truffle Center Cupcakes with white chocolate cream cheese frosting – These elegant cupcakes hide a decadent surprise inside: a creamy white chocolate truffle center. Paired with rich white chocolate cream cheese frosting, they are a luxurious dessert for special occasions.

Cake Batter Rice Krispy Cupcakes with marshmallow buttercream frosting – A playful fusion of two beloved treats! These cupcakes combine the fun crunch of Rice Krispies with the sweet, nostalgic taste of cake batter, all topped with fluffy marshmallow buttercream.

Neapolitan Cupcakes made with white cake, chocolate cake, and strawberry cake – Why choose one flavor when you can have three? These stunning cupcakes layer the classic Neapolitan ice cream flavors into a single, irresistible dessert.

Ready to infuse some fun and vibrant flavor into your day? Let’s get baking and create these unforgettable Bubblegum Cupcakes!

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Bubblegum cupcakes on a white platter and on a table

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 7 votes)

Print Recipe

Bubblicious Bubblegum Cupcakes with Bubblegum Buttercream Frosting

Who could resist these Bubblegum Cupcakes all dressed up with pretty in pink bubblegum buttercream frosting, dusted with colorful sugar, and topped with a bubblegum ball? They make any day a fun day!

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 20 mins

Cuisine: American

Keywords: Bubblegum Buttercream Frosting, Bubblegum Cupcakes, bubblegum extract, bubblegum flavoring, gumballs, how to make cupcakes that taste like bubblegum, pink cupcakes

Servings: 12 cupcakes

Calories: 240 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

FOR THE CUPCAKES
1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients called for on package)
1/8 teaspoon bubblegum extract
Brightly colored sprinkles (e.g., rainbow jimmies)
FOR THE FROSTING
4 cups powdered sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
3/4 teaspoon bubblegum extract
Bubblegum balls (for topping)
Sparkling sugar or additional sprinkles (for decorating)
Pink food coloring gel (e.g., McCormick Neon Pink)

Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare your cupcake liners in a muffin tin according to your white cake mix package directions. In a large bowl, prepare the cake mix as instructed on the package (usually adding water, oil, and eggs). Once mixed, stir in the 1/8 teaspoon of bubblegum extract. Gently fold in your brightly colored sprinkles until evenly distributed, taking care not to overmix. Fill your cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Bake according to package instructions until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
While the cupcakes cool, prepare the bubblegum buttercream frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream the softened butter on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Once all sugar is incorporated, add the 3/4 teaspoon of bubblegum extract and the milk. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Add the neon pink food coloring gel a few drops at a time, mixing after each addition, until you achieve your desired bubblegum pink shade. Be careful not to add too much at once. Once the frosting is perfectly pink and fluffy, transfer it to a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip. Pipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cooled cupcake. Decorate the tops with sparkling sugar or extra sprinkles, and finish by placing one gumball on top of each cupcake for the ultimate bubblegum treat. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally published on October 22, 2011. It was updated to improve user experience and re-published on May 12, 2020, with expanded content and further details.