Favorite Birthday Cake Muffins (with Sprinkles!)

Favorite Birthday Cake Muffins (with Sprinkles!)

These party cake muffins are perfect to celebrate any ordinary day—or as a really fun way to start a child's birthday. Be gentle when stirring in the sprinkles to limit the color running.

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Servings (Makes 24 mini muffins)

Calories 123kcal

Author Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Ingredients

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2-4 tablespoons sprinkles (the classic kind, not nonpareil style)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan with nonstick spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. VERY gently fold In sprinkles. Do not over-mix or they may start to bleed.
Divide the batter among the prepared muffin pan, using about 1 1/2 tablespoons batter in each cup. Top with additional sprinkles if desired.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly. Transfer to a wire rack, using a knife around the edges to loosen if needed, and let cool.

Video

Notes

Once cooled, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days. Or you can freeze in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
You can gently fold the sprinkles into the batter in the bowl or use a toothpick or cake tester to stir some into each muffin cup. The latter option usually results in slightly less bleeding but both will work.
I usually top each muffin with extra sprinkles before putting into the oven.
I like the bright sprinkles from India Tree. You can also try their natural colored sprinkles (which work but aren't as bright).
To make as 12 standard size muffins, bake for 16-18 minutes.
Dairy-free: Use plain nondairy milk and a neutral oil like canola or avocado.
Egg-free: Omit the eggs and add an additional 1/2 cup milk. (So 1 cup total.) Or use your favorite egg replacer.
Gluten-free: Use 1:1 style gluten-free baking mix like the one from King Arthur Flour.
Whole-wheat: Omit the all-purpose flour and use whole wheat flour. Check for doneness 2 minutes sooner. The muffins may be darker in color.
Added-sugar-free: Omit the sugar.

Nutrition