Description
Delightfully whimsical cupcakes that capture the playful essence of cotton candy. Light and airy vanilla cupcakes are crowned with pastel-hued buttercream frosting and finished with a fluffy cotton candy topping, perfect for celebrations and special treats.
Ingredients
– For the cupcakes:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– For the buttercream frosting:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1-2 tbsp milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Few drops of pastel food coloring (pink, blue, or purple)
– For topping:
– Fresh cotton candy (to garnish just before serving)
– Optional: Sprinkles for extra decoration
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
8. For the frosting, beat the softened butter until smooth, gradually adding the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix in a few drops of pastel food coloring until you achieve the desired hue.
9. Frost each cupcake generously and top with a small tuft of cotton candy just before serving.
Notes
– Assemble the cotton candy topping immediately before serving to prevent it from dissolving.
– Adjust the food coloring to create your perfect pastel palette.
– Frosted cupcakes are best enjoyed the same day for optimal texture and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg