Easy Flower Cupcakes

These delightful and easy flower-shaped cupcakes are a lovely idea for birthdays, Mother's Day, and Easter. The flowers are created with marshmallows, so no piping skills required.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 14 mins
• Total Time: 44 mins
• Calories: 400 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 6 tablespoons white sugar
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 2 small eggs
• 8 large marshmallows
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
• 6 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar, or as needed
• ½ 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

Combine 6 1/2 tablespoons butter, sugar, and vanilla sugar in a bowl; beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and beat until smooth.

Step 3

Mix flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl and add to the batter. Beat for another 5 minutes. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full.

Step 4

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 5

Combine 1/4 cup butter and cream cheese in a bowl and beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Add confectioner's sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. Beat in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract after half the confectioners' sugar is incorporated. Set aside.

Step 6

Pour colored sugar into different small bowls. Cut each large marshmallow into 5 slices. Dip marshmallow pieces with the cut side down into one of the colors so the sugar will stick to the marshmallow. Repeat with the other marshmallows 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 middle.