When I was planning the desserts for our recent End-of-School Year Rainbow Cake party, I added cupcakes to the list because, truth be told, the rainbow cake is not the easiest thing to cut, and I would need at least two or three of them if everyone had a slice, so cupcakes are a perfect additional dessert. Last June, I made rainbow cupcakes, and loved them. The problem? They were just a little too labor intensive this go ’round since I had a long list of other things to make for the party as well.
What to do?
I remember seeing a picture somewhere of cupcakes that had a rainbow on top of them, using the Airheads candy as the rainbow. Brilliant! And super easy. Bonus? That I found packages of the Airheads in Target’s Dollar Spot the week before our party. Two packages were enough (with leftovers) for 36 cupcakes.
My cousin, Alexandra, was staying with us the party weekend, so I set her and Nick to work on making the frosting and putting together the cupcakes.
If you make these cupcakes, I have two notes for you. One, be careful if you’re using the frosting in warm weather because it gets real soft real quick. And two, the Airheads tend to be a little floppy. Originally we snipped the size we needed and inserted the ends into the frosting. Once I saw how floppy they were, for the remaining cupcakes, I made a small slit in the top of the cake and slid the end of the Airheads in for a little more stability. You may discover an even better way.
Beyond that, have at it! This frosting is super simple to make and perfect for fluffy white clouds on your rainbow cupcakes. Or any other cupcake or cake, for that matter. Enjoy!
July 7, 2011 – Bonus Photo
Spied a little glitter on my co-workers’ nails this morning – love this trend!
Marshmallow Frosting
Recipe courtesy of Every Day with Rachael Ray magazine
4 sticks (1 pound) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
One 16-ounce tub marshmallow cream (such as Marshmallow Fluff brand)
1.In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
2.Beat in one-fourth of the sugar until fluffy, then repeat with the remaining sugar.
3.Beat in the vanilla, then stir in the marshmallow cream until well blended.
Love those cupcakes! I’ll be marking that frosting for the next cupcakes I make since I know it will be a hit!
The last time I made marshmallow frosting, it involved a candy thermometer and corn syrup. I much prefer this recipe!
Sounds good…I think you worked out a cute idea to have your rainbows.
Her nails are pretty.