PEEPS Cupcakes

PEEPS Cupcakes

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about making PEEPS Cupcakes. I remember the first time I laid eyes on those colorful marshmallow treats; they instantly brought a sense of joy and whimsy. It was during Easter, surrounded by family and friends, when we all gathered to celebrate with sweets and laughter. As the years went by, I decided to bring that excitement into the kitchen, and thus, the idea for PEEPS Cupcakes was born. These cupcakes are not just delicious; they’re a canvas for creativity and fun, perfect for any spring gathering or festive occasion.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
30 mins
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
290 kcal
Protein:
3 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
13 g
Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Blender, Mixing Bowl

Why This PEEPS Cupcakes Shines

They’re Fun and Colorful

One of the highlights of making PEEPS Cupcakes is the vibrant colors. The cupcakes are a blank canvas, and the toppings allow you to unleash your creativity. Whether you opt for pastel shades or bold hues, each cupcake can represent your artistic side. Kids love them, and adults can’t resist the nostalgic charm of those iconic marshmallow shapes.

Perfect for Spring Celebrations

These cupcakes are the ideal treat for spring celebrations, especially Easter. With their festive decorations and delightful flavors, they embody the spirit of the season. They’re great for sharing at family gatherings, picnics, or even just a cheerful treat to brighten your day.

Easy to Make

Don’t worry if you’re not a baking expert—these PEEPS Cupcakes are simple to whip up! Using a standard cake mix means you get delicious results without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, the frosting is a breeze to prepare, making this a stress-free baking experience.

Customizable Toppings

What’s more fun than choosing your own toppings? The recipe allows for a variety of options, from colorful sprinkles to chocolate eggs. You can let your imagination run wild and even create themed cupcakes for different occasions, making each bite a surprise!

Great for Kids

Making these cupcakes is a fantastic way to involve the kids in the kitchen. They’ll love decorating their cupcakes with PEEPS, sprinkles, and candies. It’s a wonderful bonding experience that creates lasting memories while introducing them to the joys of baking.

Deliciously Sweet

Finally, let’s not forget the taste! The combination of fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and sweet toppings makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re having a sweet tooth moment or celebrating a special occasion, these cupcakes are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

What You Need for PEEPS Cupcakes

PEEPS Cupcakes

When it comes to creating delicious PEEPS Cupcakes, the quality and combination of ingredients are essential. Each ingredient plays a unique role, ensuring that the cupcakes are fluffy, moist, and full of flavor. From the cake mix to the delightful PEEPS, every component contributes to the overall deliciousness. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 15 ounce cake mix – Standard size box cake mix, any flavor; just use the dry mix without following the box directions.
  • 1 cup sugar – Sweetens the cupcakes and enhances the flavor.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour – Helps achieve the perfect cupcake texture.
  • 1 cup water – Adds moisture to the batter.
  • 3 eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
  • 1 cup sour cream – Keeps the cupcakes moist and adds a slight tang.
  • 1 cup butter, softened – Creates a rich, buttery frosting.
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Again, for that lovely vanilla flavor in the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon whipping cream – Makes the frosting creamy and easy to spread.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances the sweetness.
  • Food coloring – Customize the frosting to your desired shade.
  • Marshmallow Peeps – The star topping for each cupcake!
  • Sprinkles – For an extra pop of color and crunch.
  • Candy eggs or jelly beans – Additional fun toppings for decoration.

Putting Together PEEPS Cupcakes

PEEPS Cupcakes

Making PEEPS Cupcakes is a delightful process that brings joy to both the baker and the eater. Follow these steps to create your own colorful and delicious treats:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. This is a crucial step, as a well-heated oven ensures even baking.
  2. Line cupcake pans with 24 cupcake liners. Choose fun colors or patterns to make your cupcakes even brighter.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the cake mix, sugar, and flour. Mix them well until they’re evenly combined.
  4. Add in the wet ingredients: water, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Using an electric mixer, mix the batter on medium speed for about two minutes until it’s smooth and well combined.
  5. Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners. Fill them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  6. Place the cupcake pans in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the center springs back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on cooling racks. This is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.
  8. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the butter until it’s light and fluffy. This will create a great base for your frosting.
  9. Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing well to combine. Gradually add the second vanilla extract and whipping cream, continuing to mix on medium speed for about two minutes, or until smooth.
  10. If desired, add food coloring to the frosting, mixing until you achieve your preferred shade.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with your delicious buttercream.
  12. Top each cupcake with Marshmallow Peeps, sprinkles, and any additional candy eggs or jelly beans to finish off your delightful creations.

Things Worth Knowing

Things Worth Knowing

  • Check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer for best results. Oven temperatures can vary, affecting the baking time.
  • Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
  • Feel free to mix and match decorations to create themed cupcakes for special events.

Making Adjustments

PEEPS Cupcakes

Making PEEPS Cupcakes can be a fun and creative experience. Here are some tips to help you adjust and perfect your cupcakes:

  • Storage: Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you live in a very humid environment, refrigeration may be necessary.
  • Freezing: You can freeze un-frosted cupcakes. Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw completely before frosting.
  • Variations: Experiment with different flavors of cake mix for unique cupcakes. Chocolate or lemon flavored mixes provide delicious alternatives.
  • Serving Size: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider making mini cupcakes. They’re perfect for guests who want to sample a variety of flavors!
  • Presentation: Use fun and colorful cupcake liners and decorative trays to enhance presentation when serving. It adds a festive touch!

How to Enjoy PEEPS Cupcakes

These PEEPS Cupcakes are a treat that can be enjoyed in many ways:

  • Perfect for Easter: Serve these at your Easter brunch or dinner as a sweet ending to your meal.
  • Birthday Parties: Their colorful design makes them a hit at children’s birthday parties, bringing a sense of festive fun.
  • Spring Celebrations: Ideal for any spring gathering, be it a picnic or a family get-together, they are sure to please everyone.
  • Decorative Touch: Use these cupcakes to add a cheerful vibe to your dessert table during celebrations.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cupcakes a day in advance. Just frost them on the day of the event to save time.
  • Sharing is Caring: Package them in cute boxes or cupcake holders for sharing with friends and neighbors.

FAQ

You can use any flavor of cake mix for your PEEPS Cupcakes. Whether you prefer classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or even fruity options, the choice is yours! Each flavor brings its unique twist to the cupcakes, allowing you to match them to your taste or the theme of your event. Just remember to stick with the dry mix as specified in the recipe, and enjoy the deliciousness that comes with every flavor!

Absolutely! To make gluten-free PEEPS Cupcakes, simply use a gluten-free cake mix. These mixes are widely available in most grocery stores and can easily replace traditional cake mixes in your recipe. The process remains the same, ensuring you still get the same delightful results. Just be sure to check the labels to confirm that all your additional ingredients are also gluten-free!

To store leftover PEEPS Cupcakes, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your environment is particularly humid, you might want to refrigerate them to maintain their freshness. When storing, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other; instead, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to three months!

Yes! One of the best parts of making PEEPS Cupcakes is the ability to customize your toppings. While Marshmallow Peeps are the star of the show, feel free to get creative with sprinkles, chocolate chips, or even fresh fruit. You can even create seasonal themes by changing the toppings according to holidays or events. The possibilities are endless, so have fun and make each batch unique!

Conclusion

In summary, PEEPS Cupcakes are a delightful and colorful treat that brings joy to any gathering. Their fun decorations, fluffy cake, and creamy frosting make them a standout dessert that everyone will love. I encourage you to try making these cupcakes for your next celebration, whether it be Easter, a birthday, or just as a treat for yourself. Trust me, they’ll be a hit!

PEEPS Cupcakes

PEEPS Cupcakes

The ultimate spring treat, PEEPS Cupcakes are a fun and colorful way to celebrate any occasion. With their fluffy cake and creamy frosting, they're sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Make these delightful cupcakes for Easter or any gathering, and bring smiles to everyone’s faces!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

  • 15 ounce cake mix Standard size box cake mix, any flavor; just use the dry mix without following the box directions.
  • 1 cup sugar Sweetens the cupcakes and enhances the flavor.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Helps achieve the perfect cupcake texture.
  • 1 cup water Adds moisture to the batter.
  • 3 eggs Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
  • 1 cup sour cream Keeps the cupcakes moist and adds a slight tang.
  • 1 cup butter Creates a rich, buttery frosting.
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract For that lovely vanilla flavor in the frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon whipping cream Makes the frosting creamy and easy to spread.
  • 1 pinch of salt Balances the sweetness.
  • food coloring Customize the frosting to your desired shade.
  • Marshmallow Peeps The star topping for each cupcake!
  • Sprinkles For an extra pop of color and crunch.
  • Candy eggs or jelly beans Additional fun toppings for decoration.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying Pan
  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. This is a crucial step, as a well-heated oven ensures even baking.
  2. Line cupcake pans with 24 cupcake liners. Choose fun colors or patterns to make your cupcakes even brighter.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the cake mix, sugar, and flour. Mix them well until they're evenly combined.
  4. Add in the wet ingredients: water, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Using an electric mixer, mix the batter on medium speed for about two minutes until it's smooth and well combined.
  5. Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners. Fill them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
  6. Place the cupcake pans in the oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when the center springs back when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on cooling racks. This is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.
  8. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the butter until it's light and fluffy. This will create a great base for your frosting.
  9. Add the powdered sugar and a pinch of salt, mixing well to combine. Gradually add the second vanilla extract and whipping cream, continuing to mix on medium speed for about two minutes, or until smooth.
  10. If desired, add food coloring to the frosting, mixing until you achieve your preferred shade.
  11. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with your delicious buttercream.
  12. Top each cupcake with Marshmallow Peeps, sprinkles, and any additional candy eggs or jelly beans to finish off your delightful creations.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Any standard size cake mix can be used.
  • Tip 2: Color frosting as desired, in any shade or intensity, and top with whatever candy you like.

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