Description
Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are rich, moist chocolate cupcakes adorned with a stunning galaxy-themed frosting. Featuring swirls of blue, purple, black, and white buttercream, these cupcakes are perfect for any celestial celebration or chocolate lover’s treat. Each cupcake is topped with optional edible glitter or star sprinkles to mimic the beautiful night sky.
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
Galaxy Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (blue, purple, black, and white)
- Edible glitter or star sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine the dry components.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully mix in the boiling water until the batter is smooth and thin, which is normal for this recipe.
- Prepare for Baking: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each one about two-thirds full to ensure proper rise.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
- Make Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy, about 2 minutes, preparing the base for your frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Add Vanilla and Milk: Stir in vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk, adding more milk as needed to achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency.
- Divide and Color Frosting: Separate the frosting into four bowls, and add gel food coloring to create blue, purple, black, and white frosting colors to match the galaxy theme.
- Mix Colors: Stir each bowl well until the colors are evenly blended.
- Pipe Frosting: Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with a cut tip to apply a base layer of one color on each cupcake.
- Create Galaxy Effect: Add swirls of the other frosting colors on top, then gently swirl them together using a spatula or spoon back for a marbled, galaxy look.
- Add Decorations: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or star sprinkles on top to mimic stars of the Milky Way Galaxy.
- Set and Serve: Allow cupcakes to rest for a few minutes so the frosting can firm slightly before serving.
- Enjoy: These cupcakes are as visually stunning as they are delicious, perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself.
Notes
- Use boiling water carefully to avoid burns when mixing into batter.
- Thin batter is expected; do not be concerned about consistency.
- Gel food colors work best for vivid, bright frosting colors without thinning the icing.
- Frost cupcakes only when completely cooled to prevent frosting from melting.
- You can substitute dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Edible glitter and star sprinkles add a magical touch but are optional.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.