I’ve been wanting to make the colorful rainbow cupcakes I’ve seen online for a long time, but I wasn’t sure the best method to use.  First, I turned to my friends on the Mommysavers forum for advice on how to make rainbow cupcakes.  There are a few different methods of doing it, but I make mine the old-fashioned way with adding a few drops of food coloring into four different bowls of batter:  red, yellow, green and blue.  My friend Shell also has a real cool cheater method of making rainbow color swirl cupcakes.  That may be my NEXT project!

First, I headed off to get my supplies.

• White box cake mix (I had eggs and oil at home already)
• Food coloring
• Frosting
• Cupcake liners

Plus, for a limited time you’ll be able to print a high-value coupon for the Cool Whip Frosting I used:

First, frosting.  This new Kraft Cool Whip frosting is available in ready-to-go in three different flavors:  vanilla, chocolate and cream cheese. My Walmart only carried the chocolate and vanilla, but the cream cheese flavor sounds wonderful.   I found mine at Walmart for $2.28.  Each container frosts one cake or a batch of 18-24 cupcakes.  While at the store, I also picked up a boxed cake mix, food coloring, muffin cup liners, and a magazine (not on my list- oops!).

First, prepare your cake batter according to package directions.  A white or yellow cake works best.

After you prepare your white cake batter, separate it into four separate bowls.  Add a few drops of food coloring into each bowl in rainbow colors you choose.

Place 18 cupcake liners in muffin tins.  Layer the batter according to the colors of the rainbow.  I first did blue, then green, yellow and red.  I added approximately one teaspoon of each color in the bottom of each cupcake liner.

Bake your cupcakes according to package directions and cool completely.

Since Cool Whip Frosting is a softer consistency than most frostings, make sure your cakes have thoroughly cooled before using it to prevent it from melting.  I also took the frosting out of the freezer to warm up for a few minutes before using it.  It was the perfect consistency for my piping bags.  It’s slightly firmer than regular Cool Whip whipped topping, but softer than a typical frosting.

To make frosting cakes and cupcakes easier AND more attractive, I use a basic Wilton cake decorating set coupler and tip.  You can get one for less than $10, and if taken care of will last forever.  Note:  Since the frosting is cream-based, you’ll need to make sure you keep them refrigerated.

My son LOVED them. He ate three right away and said, “The frosting is the best part!”

Frugal Tips:  You don’t need to purchase the fancy piping bags.  I just use a cheap-o sandwich bag like the one pictured above by cutting the tip off.  I can throw it away when I’m done, and wash my couplers for the next time I bake.

View my entire Rainbow Cupcakes with Cool Whip Frosting Photo Gallery on Google+.

Check out more awesome cupcakes & cakes on the Kraft Cool Whip Frosting Pinterest Board and more recipes at Kraft recipes.  Want to find out more about Cool Whip Frosting? Join the #CoolWhipFrosting Twitter Party on Wednesday, October 24 at 1pm EST if you are available!