When it comes to cupcakes, there’s a delightful twist that takes them to a whole new level of indulgence – high hat birthday cake cupcakes. These whimsical treats combine the joy of sprinkles, the sweetness of buttercream icing, and the irresistible flavor of birthday cake melting chocolate. Imagine a sprinkle-filled cupcake dipped in a luscious coating of birthday cake-flavored chocolate – it’s a celebration in every bite.
The process of creating these high hat cupcakes might seem daunting at first, but fear not, it’s easier than you think. Once you experience the magic of turning a cupcake upside down and dipping it into warm, velvety chocolate, you’ll be hooked. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a sweet craving, these high hat birthday cake cupcakes are sure to bring a smile to your face and a burst of flavor to your taste buds.
Ingredients
Get ready to create these indulgent high hat birthday cake cupcakes by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Below are the lists of ingredients required for the cupcakes, marshmallow frosting, and chocolate coating.
For the Cupcakes
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
For the Marshmallow Frosting
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 3 egg whites
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil or shortening
Equipment Needed
For creating these high hat birthday cake cupcakes, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Cupcake tin
- Cupcake liners
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Piping bags
- Round piping tip (9PT tip from Bakery Crafts recommended)
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Pastry bag
- Microwave
Having these tools ready will ensure you can smoothly proceed with making these delicious and visually appealing high hat birthday cake cupcakes. Now, let’s move on to the next steps in preparing these delightful treats.
Prep the Cupcakes
To begin preparing the high hat birthday cake cupcakes, the first step is to preheat the oven to the specified temperature as per your cupcake recipe. This ensures that the cupcakes bake evenly and turn out perfectly moist.
Next, line the cupcake tin with paper liners. This step not only prevents the cupcakes from sticking to the tin but also adds a decorative touch to the final presentation.
Gather all the necessary ingredients for the cupcake batter, such as flour, sugar, cocoa powder, buttermilk, and chocolate chips. Having everything ready and measured out makes the mixing process smooth and efficient.
In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and then add the wet ingredients, following the specific recipe instructions. Mix the batter until it is smooth and free of any lumps, ensuring a light and airy texture for your cupcakes.
Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This allows room for the cupcakes to rise and avoids overflowing during baking.
Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake according to the recipe’s recommended time. Keep an eye on the cupcakes towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking.
Once the cupcakes are baked and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the next step of decorating with the marshmallow frosting and chocolate coating.
Make the Marshmallow Frosting
To make the marshmallow frosting for the high hat birthday cake cupcakes, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Use a candy thermometer to heat the mixture until it reaches 240°F (115°C).
- While the sugar mixture is heating, in a clean and dry mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches 240°F (115°C), remove it from the heat. Slowly pour it into the whipped egg whites while the mixer is running on low speed.
- Increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating the mixture until it becomes thick, glossy, and holds stiff peaks. This will take about 7-10 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated.
- Your marshmallow frosting is now ready to use. Transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a round piping tip for decorating the cupcakes.
Now that the marshmallow frosting is prepared, you are ready to assemble your high hat birthday cake cupcakes.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating
After preparing the fluffy marshmallow frosting for the high hat birthday cake cupcakes, the next step is to coat them with a decadent chocolate layer. This final touch not only adds a rich cocoa flavor but also creates a beautiful contrast to the fluffy topping.
- Gently Melt the Chocolate: Begin by gently melting the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir the chocolate until it is completely melted and smooth.
- Mix in the Oil: Once the chocolate is melted, add the coconut oil to the bowl. Stir the oil into the chocolate until well combined. Let the chocolate mixture cool for about 15 minutes to reach the ideal consistency for coating the cupcakes.
- Coat the Cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the refrigerator, where they have been chilling with the fluffy marshmallow topping. Dip each cupcake’s vanilla fluff topping into the melted chocolate, ensuring an even coating on top.
- Alternative Drizzling Method: If preferred, place the cupcakes on a wire rack and drizzle the melted chocolate over the fluffy topping. This method creates a visually appealing drizzled effect on the cupcakes.
- Set the Coating: Allow the chocolate coating to set completely before serving the high hat birthday cake cupcakes. For additional decoration, consider adding edible gold leaves while the chocolate is still setting for an extra touch of elegance.
By following these steps to prepare the chocolate coating, you will elevate the high hat birthday cake cupcakes to an irresistible and visually stunning dessert option for any celebration.
Assemble the Cupcakes
To assemble the high hat birthday cake cupcakes, follow these final steps to create a visually stunning dessert for your celebration.
- Dip Cupcakes in Chocolate Coating: Once the chocolate coating has set on the cupcakes, carefully dip each cupcake into the prepared chocolate mixture. Ensure that the cupcake is fully coated with the chocolate.
- Set the Coating: Allow the excess chocolate to drip off the cupcakes before placing them in the refrigerator to set the coating. This will help the chocolate coating firm up and create a smooth finish.
- Optional Decorations: For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding optional decorations such as edible gold leaves or colorful sprinkles on top of the chocolate-coated cupcakes. These decorations will enhance the visual appeal of the cupcakes and make them perfect for a birthday celebration.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate coating has fully set, your high hat birthday cake cupcakes are ready to be served. Enjoy these delicious and visually stunning cupcakes with your friends and loved ones on any special occasion.
Storing and Serving Tips
After creating these delightful high hat birthday cake cupcakes, it’s essential to know how to store and serve them to ensure they stay fresh and delicious. Here are some tips to help you preserve and present these delectable treats:
Storing Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness.
- Refrigeration: If you need to store them for longer, refrigerate the cupcakes in the same airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Presentation: Before serving, allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to enhance their flavors.
- Decorations: Add a final touch to the cupcakes with edible gold leaves, colorful sprinkles, or any other decorations to elevate their appearance.
- Plating: Serve the cupcakes on a decorative cake stand for a visually appealing presentation that will impress your guests.
- Pairing: These cupcakes pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.
Conclusion
Creating high hat birthday cake cupcakes is a delightful way to add a touch of elegance and fun to any special occasion. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily make these visually stunning treats with sprinkles, buttercream icing, and birthday cake-flavored chocolate. From preparing the marshmallow frosting to coating the cupcakes in chocolate and adding decorative touches, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests. Remember to store them properly and allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best experience. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk, these high hat birthday cake cupcakes are a perfect addition to any celebration.