Easy Flower Cupcakes

The flower design on these cupcakes is created with marshmallows dipped in colorful sprinkles, so no piping skills are required. Even kids can master it!

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Calories: 400 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• 6 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 small eggs
• 8 large marshmallows
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup cream cheese, softened
• 6.5 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed
• 0.5 cup assorted colored sprinkles
• 8 candy-coated milk chocolate pieces (such as M&M's®)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 8 muffin cups or line with paper liners.

Step 2

Bake in the preheated oven until tops spring back when lightly pressed, about 14 minutes. Cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool, about 20 minutes. Cupcakes sink slightly after baking, which is fine as it creates a flat surface for the flowers.

Step 3

Make cupcakes: Combine butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a large bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla and mix until smooth.

Step 4

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl; add to egg mixture and beat for 5 minutes. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.

Step 5

Make frosting: Combine butter and cream cheese in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Beat in confectioners' sugar 1/4 cup at a time, mixing in vanilla after 1/2 of the confectioners' sugar is incorporated. Set aside.

Step 6

Add decoration: Pour colored sprinkles into separate small bowls. Cut each large marshmallow into 5 slices. Dip marshmallow pieces with the cut-side down into one of the colors so sugar will stick to marshmallow. Repeat with remaining marshmallow slices and different colors.

Step 7

Spread a layer of frosting over each cupcake. Arrange 5 marshmallow slices on each cupcake in the shape of flower petals. Place a candy-colored chocolate piece in the center.