Dive into the delights of the cosmos with these stunning Galaxy Cupcakes. Perfect for space-themed parties or any occasion that calls for a bit of celestial magic, these cupcakes feature a vibrant, galaxy-inspired swirl of colors topped with a sprinkle surprise inside. Not only are they a feast for the eyes, but their rich flavors make them a hit at any event.
Ingredients:
For the Cupcake Batter:
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup whole milk, room temperature
- Food gels in black, teal, fuchsia, and purple
For the Frosting and Decoration:
- Butter and powdered sugar for frosting (amounts as desired)
- Cream and vanilla extract for flavoring the frosting
- Colorful sprinkles for the filling
- Edible glitter stars and themed icing decorations for topping
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a cupcake tin with plain white liners.
- Make the Batter: In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Incorporate the oil and vanilla, then add the eggs one at a time. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Color the Batter: Divide the batter into four bowls and color each one with a different shade using the food gels.
- Bake: Spoon the colored batter into the cupcake liners until each is ¾ full. Bake for 20-23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting: Whip butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide and color as desired.
- Assemble: Core each cooled cupcake and fill with sprinkles. Pipe the frosting in swirling patterns on top to resemble a galaxy.
- Decorate: Add edible glitter stars and themed icing decorations to enhance the galactic appearance.
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature for smoother mixing and even baking.
- Frosting Colors: Mix colors gently to achieve a galaxy effect without overblending into a single hue.
- Adding Sprinkles: Insert sprinkles just before adding the frosting to keep them from coloring the batter.
FAQs:
- Can I make these cupcakes in advance? Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Add the frosting and decorations on the day of serving.
- How do I store leftover cupcakes? Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover lightly with plastic wrap to keep the frosting from drying out.
Conclusion: Galaxy Cupcakes are the perfect way to bring a touch of wonder to your dessert table. These eye-catching treats, with their colorful swirls and sweet surprise inside, are sure to captivate and delight guests of all ages. Enjoy creating these little pieces of the cosmos for a truly out-of-this-world dessert experience!