Galaxy Cupcakes

These Galaxy Cupcakes are fun, colorful, surprisingly easy, and packed with a little cosmic magic (and a whole lotta deliciousness). Plus, we’re topping them with a Twinkies-flavored buttercream that honestly is delicious.

Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a sleepover, a graduation party, or just a weekday that needs a little sparkle, these cupcakes are a real show-stopper treat.

Galaxy Cupcakes (with Twinkies Flavored Buttercream Frosting!)

So, let’s get right into it, because once you taste that first bite, you’re going to wish you’d made a double batch.

Why You’ll Love These Galaxy Cupcakes

First of all, they are gorgeous. Swirls of pink, purple, blue, and black create this dreamy, starry look that’s super trendy and just plain FUN.

Second, they start with a cake mix and a pudding mix, which means they’re ridiculously soft, moist, and basically foolproof. (And listen, if a box mix makes my life easier and the result is delicious, I’m team box mix all day long!)

Third, the frosting. OH, THE FROSTING. It’s buttery, fluffy, and has just a hint of that sweet, nostalgic Twinkies flavor thanks to a genius little shortcut: Hostess Twinkies Coffee Creamer. You can find it at Walmart right next to the milk and trust me, it’s worth grabbing an extra bottle just for your coffee later.

Let’s Make Some Magic!

Directions for Cupcakes:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F.
Spray or line your muffin tin with those cute cupcake liners you grabbed.

Step 2: Mix It Up

In your big mixing bowl, add the cake mix and the lemon pudding mix. Using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you have one), add the water, oil, and eggs. Mix on medium speed until everything is nicely combined. The batter should look thick, creamy, and ready for some color action!

Step 3: Divide and Color

Now, separate the batter evenly into your 4 smaller bowls. Add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl, blue to another, purple to the third, and black to the fourth.
Give each one a good stir until the colors are rich and vibrant.
(Tip: Start with a little food coloring you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!)

Step 4: Create the Galaxy

Alternate spoonfuls of each color into your lined muffin tin. You don’t have to be perfect galaxies aren’t perfect either! Fill each liner about 2/3 full, and give them a tiny swirl with a toothpick if you want even more of that dreamy, cosmic look.

Pop them into your oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let those beauties cool completely before frosting. (I know it’s hard to wait, but it’s worth it!)

Directions for Frosting:

Step 5: Whip Up the Buttercream

In a large mixing bowl, beat your softened butter for about 2 minutes you want it light, fluffy, and dreaming of frosting greatness.

Step 6: Sweeten the Deal

Slowly add your powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, alternating with a tablespoon of that Twinkies coffee creamer. Mix until you get a creamy, thick frosting that holds stiff peaks (meaning when you lift your mixer, the frosting stands up and doesn’t flop over).

Note: If the frosting is too thick, add a tiny splash more creamer. If it’s too thin, a little extra powdered sugar will fix it right up.

Step 7: Prep for Frosting Glory

Fit your piping bag with a big star tip and load it up with your gorgeous buttercream.
No piping bag? No problem. Just snip the corner off a big Ziploc bag it’ll still look adorable!

Step 8: Frost and Sprinkle!

Once the cupcakes are fully cooled, swirl that frosting right on top like you’re painting the night sky. Top with galaxy sprinkles for the ultimate cosmic sparkle.

Tips for Out-Of-This-World Galaxy Cupcakes

• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid it gives you that bold color without watering down the batter.
• Don’t over-swirl the batter or the colors will get muddy. A little swirl goes a long way!
• Let cupcakes cool completely before frosting, or your buttercream will melt and slide right off (been there, done that… learned my lesson).
• Have fun with it! Every cupcake will look a little different and that’s the magic of a galaxy.

Party Time!

These cupcakes are the perfect addition to:

• Birthday parties (especially space-themed ones!)
• End-of-school celebrations
• Slumber parties
• Baby showers
• Or even just a weekend “baking with the kids” session. (Be warned: frosting sneak attacks are almost guaranteed.)

I love making these with my kids they get such a kick out of mixing the colors and adding ALL the sprinkles. And honestly? I get just as excited seeing their faces light up as I do eating the cupcakes themselves.

So grab those bowls, fire up the oven, and let’s bake a galaxy, one cupcake at a time.

View More Fun Cupcake Recipes

• UP Cupcakes
• Lawnmower Cupcakes
• Beauty and The Beast Cupcakes