Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Janell

If you are looking for fun Easter treats that the whole family will love, you’ve hit the jackpot. These Jelly Bean Cupcakes are the perfect way to use up that holiday candy in a simple Easter dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Easter is almost here, and if your house is like mine, there is an abundance of jelly beans everywhere! Last year I made jelly bean doughnuts, but this year I wanted to focus on Easter baking ideas that are a bit more classic. These cupcakes are one of my favorite Easter treats for kids because they are colorful, bite-sized, and sweet.

Whether you need Easter sweets ideas for a school party or you’re looking for Easter treats to sell at a local bake sale, these mini cupcakes are always a hit!

Jelly Bean Cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream

The perfect easy Easter treats for any spring celebration!

Prep time: 15 mins | Bake time: 10–15 mins | Yield: 36 mini or 18 regular

Vanilla Cupcake Ingredients

• ⅓ cup Milk
• ⅓ cup Sour Cream
• 1 Egg
• 3 Tablespoons Melted Butter
• 1 ½ tsp Vanilla
• 1 ½ cup Flour
• 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
• 1/3 tsp Baking Soda
• ⅓ cup Sugar
• 1 ½ cups Jelly beans (plus extra for topping)

Vanilla Buttercream Icing

• 1 ½ sticks butter, softened (12 Tablespoons)
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your pans with paper liners. This recipe makes about 36 mini cupcakes (perfect Easter treat ideas to sell!) or 18 standard cupcakes.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, sour cream, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
4. The “Fun” Part: Fold in your jelly beans. This is what makes these such fun easter desserts!
5. Bake: Bake mini cupcakes for 9–11 minutes or regular cupcakes for 14–16 minutes. Let them cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Whip the Buttercream

1. Cream the Butter: In a stand mixer, beat the softened butter for about 2 minutes until smooth.
2. Incorporate Sugar: Add 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 tbsp of cream, and 1 tsp of vanilla. Beat on low, then increase speed for 1 minute.
3. Final Mix: Add the remaining sugar, cream, and vanilla. Beat until the frosting is light, fluffy, and ready for your Easter sweets.

Step 3: Decorate

1. Prep the Bag: Fit a piping bag with a star tip.
2. Pipe: Start on the outside edge of the cupcake and work your way inward, overlapping slightly to create a swirl.
3. The Topping: Top each cupcake with a jelly bean.

Why We Love This Easter Dessert

If you are hunting for Easter party ideas, these cupcakes serve as both a snack and a decoration. They are good Easter desserts because they are portable and customizable—you can even use pastel-colored jelly beans to match your decor!

Between the fluffy sponge and the creamy frosting, these are the best Easter treats for any spring gathering. If you need more Easter treats ideas, try swapping the jelly beans for chocolate eggs for a different twist!