Spring is in the air, and Easter is just around the corner! It’s time to break out the pastel colors and decorate some delicious Easter cupcakes. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or looking for a fun baking project with your kids, these cupcakes are sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- Food coloring (optional)
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
For the cupcakes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- If using food coloring, divide batter into separate bowls and dye each bowl a different color.
- Spoon batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat butter until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- If using food coloring, divide frosting into separate bowls and dye each bowl a different color.
- Transfer frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes in desired design.
- Decorate with Easter candy or sprinkles.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 350
Fat per serving: 18g
Sugar per serving: 35g
Cooking Time
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Equipment
- Cupcake pan
- Cupcake liners
- Medium mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Piping bag
- Decorative tip
Serving Suggestions
These Easter cupcakes are perfect for any springtime celebration. Serve them alongside other Easter treats like sugar cookies, chocolate bunnies, or carrot cake.
Variations
Get creative with your cupcake flavors and frosting colors! Try making lemon cupcakes with lavender frosting, or chocolate cupcakes with mint green frosting.
Substitutions
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use milk or half-and-half instead. If you’re looking to make the cupcakes a bit healthier, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
Storage
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cupcakes for up to 3 months.
Tips
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before beginning.
- Don’t overmix your batter, or your cupcakes will be tough.
- If you’re not confident in your piping skills, you can simply spread the frosting on top of the cupcakes with a knife.
Notes
If you’re using liquid food coloring, be careful not to add too much or it will affect the consistency of your batter and frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a boxed cake mix instead of making the cupcakes from scratch?
A: Yes, you can use a boxed cake mix if you prefer. Just follow the instructions on the box and then decorate your cupcakes as directed.
Q: Can I use a different frosting recipe?
A: Of course! You can use any frosting recipe you like, or even use store-bought frosting if you’re short on time.
Personal Thoughts
I love decorating Easter cupcakes because it’s a fun way to get creative and add some color to your dessert table. These cupcakes are moist and fluffy, and the frosting is perfectly sweet. I like to use pastel colors and fun Easter candy to decorate mine, but the possibilities are endless!
Summarizing
These Easter cupcakes are the perfect addition to any springtime celebration. Moist and fluffy cupcakes are topped with sweet and creamy frosting, and then decorated with fun Easter candy or sprinkles. Get creative with your colors and designs, and have fun making these adorable treats with your family and friends!
Encouragement
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your Easter cupcakes! Experiment with different flavors, colors, and decorations until you find the perfect combination. Whether you’re making them for a party or just for fun, these cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.