Name: Popcorn Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 18 Vanilla Cupcakes; 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 1 bag mini marshmallows

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Hello, fellow baking lovers! I’m Riley Sloane, your baking bestie with a passion for mixing and measuring, creating delicious and beautiful treats that warm your heart. Today, we’re diving into a fun and whimsical recipe that’s perfect for kids’ parties, movie nights, or any occasion where you want to spread some sweetness and joy. Yes, we’re making Popcorn Cupcakes! These delightful little treats bring the flavor of movie-time popcorn into a fluffy vanilla cupcake, topped with a creamy frosting and mini marshmallows. Trust me, once you make these cupcakes, you’ll feel like a baking superstar!

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you whip up a batch of Popcorn Cupcakes? Well, first off, who wouldn’t want to combine two beloved snacks into one? They’re not just tasty; they’re also a feast for the eyes! Picture this: a beautiful, fluffy cupcake topped with creamy frosting and sweet marshmallow “popcorn” that makes you want to dive right in and savor every bite!

Making these cupcakes is a fun project, whether you’re baking with your kiddos or needing a sweet pick-me-up for yourself. It’s a bit of whimsy, a dash of creativity, and a whole lot of joy rolled into one cupcake. Plus, baking together can be an excellent way to create memories. You can chat, laugh, and get flour everywhere, all the while forging those special moments that you’ll cherish long after the cupcakes have disappeared.

And let’s not forget, they’re highly Instagrammable! You’ll want to snap a pic and share it with friends or on social media, because these cupcakes look as amazing as they taste. So get ready to create a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Delicious popcorn cupcakes topped with popcorn and frosting

How to Make Popcorn Cupcakes

Ready to create this sugary masterpiece? Let’s dive into the steps to make those delicious Popcorn Cupcakes!

Ingredients:

18 Vanilla Cupcakes (we love our Lazy Girl Easy Vanilla Cupcake Recipe)
1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
1 bag mini marshmallows

Directions:

Bake the Cupcakes: Start by following the Lazy Girl’s Vanilla Cupcake recipe or grab a box cake mix and whip them up according to the instructions. Once you’ve got your cupcakes baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Take a deep breath and enjoy that smell, baking is pure magic!
Prepare the Marshmallow Popcorn: While those cupcakes cool, empty the bag of mini marshmallows into a large bowl. Using scissors, snip the top half of each marshmallow in three to four spots. This little trick will help create the look of freshly popped popcorn kernels. Set those prepped marshmallows aside, they’ll be the “popcorn” that tops our cupcakes.
Make the Frosting: In a standing mixer, combine the softened butter, powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream. Mix until you reach stiff peaks, and the frosting is creamy and ready to go. I like to let it mix for a while to really blend the flavors together.
Pipe the Frosting: Scoop that luscious frosting into a piping bag fitted with a medium star tip. We’re going to make these cupcakes look like they came from a gourmet bakery!
Decorate: Now for the fun part! Pipe the frosting onto each cupcake, creating a swirl of delectable goodness on top. Then, take those little marshmallow “popcorn” and stick them onto the frosting, piling them high to resemble a mound of popcorn.
Add Some Flair: To finish off, you can add a tiny bit of edible yellow spray to some marshmallows to mimic butter drizzled on popcorn. It’s all about that extra touch!

How to Serve Popcorn Cupcakes

When it comes to serving up your Popcorn Cupcakes, the world is your oyster! You can present these cupcakes on a colorful cake stand, or line them up on a pretty platter. If you’re serving these at a party, think about placing each cupcake in its own cute cupcake liner or box to make them extra special.

Pair them with a cozy movie night, some popcorn, and perhaps a homemade hot chocolate or refreshing lemonade, and you’ve got the perfect treat for guests or family!

How to Store Popcorn Cupcakes

If by some miracle you have leftovers (highly unlikely!), storing Popcorn Cupcakes is quite straightforward. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you have any cupcakes with extra frosting or mini marshmallows on top, it’s best to store them in the fridge to maintain freshness. Just let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving so they’re at their most delicious!

Tips to Make Popcorn Cupcakes

Piping Techniques: If you’re not familiar with piping frosting, don’t stress! Start simple. If you’re not confident about your piping skills, use a spatula to spread the frosting on top instead. It’ll still look adorable!
Flavor It Up: Want to switch up the flavor a bit? Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt to the frosting for a sweet and salty combo that mimics the classic flavor of popcorn!
Mix and Match: You can also use different flavors of cupcakes, chocolate or even funfetti work great! Have fun with it and use what flavors you love best!

Variations

There are so many ways to make these Popcorn Cupcakes your own! Consider adding a bit of caramel drizzle to the frosting or using different colored edible sprays to mimic different flavors of popcorn. You can even incorporate flavored icing, like buttercream or cream cheese, to give the frosting a new twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use ready-made frosting instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, grab a jar of your favorite store-bought frosting. Just remember, nothing beats homemade!

2. How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

To make gluten-free Popcorn Cupcakes, use a gluten-free cake mix for the cupcakes. Most brands now have delicious options that taste just as good as the traditional ones!

3. Can I add real popcorn on top?

Sure! You can sprinkle some real popcorn on top of the marshmallows for added texture. Just keep in mind that real popcorn may not look as pretty or stay fresh for as long, so save this option for day-of serving.

So, there you have it! Delicious, fun, and whimsical Popcorn Cupcakes that will make you feel like a bakery wizard. Happy baking, my friends! You’ve got this!