Craving a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat? Look no further than these M&M cupcakes! This simple cupcake recipe is a burst of color and flavor, inspired by the whimsy of Disney. If you’re in the mood for an easy dessert that’s sure to impress, these cupcakes are a must-try.
Using a cake mix as the base, these cupcakes are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. The secret to their moist and decadent texture? A surprising combination of yogurt and pudding. With chocolate on chocolate and vibrant M&M toppings, these cupcakes are a true delight for both the eyes and the taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes
- 3/4 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup pudding mix
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 eggs
- Mini M&Ms for filling
For the Frosting
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks) at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 2/3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- A pinch of milk or heavy cream (if frosting is too thick)
- Mini M&Ms for topping
Equipment Needed
For this delightful M&M cupcake recipe, you will need a few essential items to help you create these delicious treats. Here is the equipment you will need:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cupcake tin
- Cupcake liners
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Cooling rack
- Piping bag
Having these tools on hand will make the cupcake-making process smooth and enjoyable. Now that we are equipped and ready, let’s move on to the next steps in creating these delightful M&M cupcakes.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide on how to create these colorful and delicious M&M cupcakes inspired by Disney.
Preparing the Batter
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) for a standard oven or 160°C (320°F) for a fan-forced oven.
- Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for the batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and baking powder. Then, add the sugars to the mixture.
- Soften the butter by microwaving it for short bursts of about 10 seconds until very soft but not completely melted. Stir to remove any lumps.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter until smooth. Combine this wet mixture with the dry ingredients, along with the buttermilk, and gently fold until just mixed.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling them about ¾ full.
Baking the Cupcakes
- Place the cupcake tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the cupcakes are just cooked through.
- To check for doneness, insert a cupcake tester or skewer into the center of a cupcake. If it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready. If not, bake for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Carefully cut out a hole in the middle of each cupcake and fill it with mini M&Ms for a burst of color and flavor.
- To prepare the icing, add softened butter to a large mixing bowl.
- If you are making chocolate-flavored icing to match the cupcakes, ensure that only unsalted butter is used for the best consistency.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the butter until smooth.
- Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or heavy cream to achieve your desired frosting texture.
- Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe or spread the frosting over the tops of the cupcakes using a piping bag or a spatula.
- For an added touch, top each cupcake with colorful M&Ms to complement the flavor profile.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy these delightful M&M cupcakes that are sure to be a hit at any gathering or special occasion.
Assembling the Cupcakes
Frosting Application
To begin assembling the cupcakes, prepare the frosting by blending 1 cup of M&M Candies until they form a coarse dust. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of room temperature butter with 3 cups of powdered sugar. Beat the butter and sugar together until smooth, then mix in the blended M&M dust for a colorful and flavorful frosting.
Adding M&Ms and Other Decorations
Using a knife, carefully remove a small portion from the top center of each cupcake to create a well for the M&Ms. Fill the wells with a generous amount of mini M&Ms. Replace the cake circles back on top of the cupcakes. Pipe the prepared frosting onto the cupcakes using a piping bag with a tip for a decorative finish. Sprinkle additional M&Ms on top for a festive touch. Your vibrant and delicious M&M cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed at any celebration or gathering.
Additional Tips
Baking Tips
When baking these M&M cupcakes, be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature as indicated in the recipe. This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly and rise properly. Additionally, make sure to fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full to allow room for the cupcakes to expand while baking. Keep an eye on the cupcakes towards the end of the baking time to prevent overbaking, resulting in dry cupcakes.
Frosting Tips
For the perfect frosting consistency, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted before preparing the frosting. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter while mixing to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth texture. If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency. When frosting the cupcakes, use a piping bag with a frosting tip for a neat and decorative finish. Top each cupcake with a few extra M&M candies to add a pop of color and flavor.
Storage and Serving
How to Store
After baking and decorating your delicious M&M cupcakes, it’s essential to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Once the cupcakes have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. For added moisture retention, you can include a piece of bread in the container, which will help keep the cupcakes moist for several days.
Best Serving Practices
To enjoy your M&M cupcakes at their best, serve them at room temperature. This allows the flavors to come alive and ensures the frosting has the perfect texture. If you’ve stored the cupcakes in the refrigerator, remember to take them out in advance to reach room temperature before serving. Consider adding extra M&M candies on top just before serving for a colorful and delightful presentation that will impress your guests.
Conclusion
Creating these M&M cupcakes is a fun and delicious way to add a pop of color and flavor to any event. The unique blend of ingredients in the recipe ensures a moist and flavorful cupcake base that is sure to impress both kids and adults alike. With the helpful tips provided, you can confidently bake and frost these cupcakes to perfection every time. Remember to store them properly to maintain their freshness and serve them at room temperature for the best taste experience. Adding extra M&M candies as a finishing touch not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an extra burst of sweetness. Whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these M&M cupcakes are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating these delightful treats and watch as they bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
