Preparation time: 35 minutes Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Candy corn cupcakes
A fun, festive treat for the Halloween season. These simple cupcakes are not only inexpensive to make but bring a pop of color to your dessert table. Plus, they’re super delicious!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 cup (approx. 200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (approx. 113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons (approx. 10ml) vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (approx. 187g) all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons (approx. 8.5g) baking powder
- 1/2 cup (approx. 120ml) milk
- Food coloring: orange and yellow
- 1/2 cup (approx. 115g) vanilla frosting
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (approx. 180°C).
- In a medium bowl, cream together the sugar and butter. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Gradually pour in the milk until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter into two equal parts. Add orange food coloring to one half and yellow food coloring to the other half. Mix each half until the color is fully incorporated.
- Line a muffin tin with paper liners. First, spoon a layer of the orange batter into the bottom of each liner. Then carefully add a layer of yellow batter on top of the orange layer. Fill the liners 2/3 full to allow for rising.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting.
- Spread or pipe the vanilla frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. If desired, you can add a small piece of candy corn on top for decoration.
Enjoy this colorful treat during your Halloween festivities! Remember, easy recipes can provide delicious results too.
A healthier take on candy corn cupcakes
For a healthier spin on the traditional candy corn cupcakes, try substituting some ingredients.
Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour to add fiber and nutrients.
Use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of the usual granulated sugar for a less processed option.
Reduce the amount of butter in the frosting by combining it with Greek yogurt for a creamy yet healthier alternative.
Do remember that moderation is still key in enjoying these treats.
Proper storage of candy corn cupcakes
Once your delicious candy corn cupcakes are baked and cooled, store them properly to keep them fresh.
Should any cupcakes remain uneaten, place them in an airtight container. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to one week.
If you’d like to keep them longer, you can also freeze them. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Serving suggestions for candy corn cupcakes
Candy corn cupcakes are a standalone delight, but they could be made even more satisfying when paired with the right drink.
For a classic combination, pair them with a glass of cold milk. If you want something warm, a cup of coffee or hot chocolate would be great too.
These cupcakes could also work well with a dessert wine for an adult gathering. The sweet and rich flavors of these wines are the perfect companion to these cupcakes.
Quick and efficient candy corn cupcakes preparation
If you’re short on time but still want to make these tasty candy corn cupcakes, there are a few shortcuts you can take. First, consider using a box of vanilla cake mix instead of making the batter from scratch.
You can still follow the rest of the recipe closely while saving significant time. Also, if you’re out of time for frosting, simply dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar for a quick and beautiful touch.
Leftover candy corn cupcakes ideas
Rather than allowing leftover candy corn cupcakes go to waste, there are several creative ways to repurpose them. Crumble up leftover cupcakes and layer them with whipped cream or yogurt to create a sweet parfait. Use them as a base for a creative trifle packed with fresh fruits. They can also be used in making cake pops or simply enjoyed as a sweet treat with your morning or afternoon coffee.