M&M Cupcakes are a delightful and colorful treat that brings joy and a touch of whimsy to any occasion. These cupcakes are a vibrant twist on a classic dessert, featuring a tender, buttery cake studded with colorful M&M’s and topped with a luscious layer of creamy frosting, also adorned with even more M&M’s for a playful finish.
The base of these cupcakes is a soft and fluffy vanilla cake that is both light and moist. The batter is enriched with the sweet and buttery flavors of creamed butter and sugar, and enhanced with a hint of vanilla. As the cupcakes bake, the M&M’s mixed into the batter soften slightly, adding bursts of chocolate and color throughout each cupcake. This combination creates a delightful surprise in every bite.
Once baked to a golden perfection, the cupcakes are cooled before being generously frosted with a rich and creamy buttercream. The frosting is a sweet and velvety layer that complements the light texture of the cake, providing a perfect balance of flavors. The crowning touch is a scattering of M&M’s on top of the frosting, which not only adds a pop of color but also a bit of crunch and additional chocolatey goodness.
These M&M Cupcakes are ideal for celebrations, birthdays, or just as a fun and festive treat to brighten up any day. Their cheerful appearance and delicious taste make them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to your face and a burst of joy to your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup M&M’s (plus extra for topping)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup M&M’s (for decoration)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper cupcake liners.
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup of M&M’s.
- Fill and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting:
- In a medium bowl, beat the butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Frost and Decorate:
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the buttercream using a piping bag or a knife.
- Decorate with additional M&M’s on top of the frosting.
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better texture.
- Even Baking: For evenly sized cupcakes, use an ice cream scoop to divide the batter into the liners.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter until just combined to prevent dense cupcakes.
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
Enjoy your fun and colorful M&M Cupcakes, perfect for parties or a sweet treat any day!
