Description
These delightful Snowman Cupcakes combine rich cocoa-flavored cake with creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. Topped with marshmallows and decorated with black icing, funfetti sprinkles, and orange fondant noses, they create an adorable wintry treat perfect for holiday parties and festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Frosting Ingredients
- 1½ cups unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 5½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons milk
Decoration
- 12 marshmallows
- Black icing
- Funfetti sprinkles or sugar pearls (to decorate)
- Orange fondant
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) or 140°C for a fan oven. Line a 12-cup cupcake or muffin pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Milk and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the milk, then gradually add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a slightly runny batter; avoid overmixing for tender cupcakes.
- Bake Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, transfer the cupcakes to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Using a mixer, whip the softened butter for about 2 minutes until light and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, increasing the mixer speed while mixing, whipping an additional minute for a smooth texture. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 teaspoons milk and mix until fully combined.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Add a rounded dollop of the prepared buttercream frosting to the top of each cooled cupcake, smoothing slightly.
- Top with Marshmallows: Place one marshmallow on top of each cupcake, slightly offset to create the snowman’s head shape.
- Decorate the Snowmen: Use black icing to draw faces and arms on the marshmallows, giving each snowman character. Add buttons using funfetti sprinkles or sugar pearls for an extra festive touch. Sculpt small noses from orange fondant and attach them to the marshmallow faces to complete the look.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Use softened butter for frosting to facilitate easy whipping.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer cupcake.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Orange fondant can be purchased or made at home for decorating the noses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
