Description
Delight in these charming Bird’s Nest Cupcakes, perfect for spring celebrations or Easter. Soft, fluffy vanilla cupcakes are topped with rich chocolate frosting, crafted to resemble bird nests complete with candy eggs for a playful and festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2-3 tbsp whole milk
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
Decoration
- Chocolate shavings or crispy noodles (for nest)
- Candy eggs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to ensure easy removal after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, alternating with the milk and vanilla extract, usually starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined to prevent overmixing and tough cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove from oven and let cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, whip together cocoa powder, softened butter, confectioners’ sugar, and whole milk until the mixture is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust milk quantity to reach desired consistency.
- Frost Cupcakes: Generously frost the cooled cupcakes using a spatula or piping bag for a neat finish.
- Create Bird’s Nests: Using chocolate shavings or crispy noodles, sculpt nest shapes over the frosting to mimic a bird’s nest.
- Decorate: Place candy eggs delicately inside each nest to complete the look and add a whimsical touch.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to avoid melting the frosting.
- For extra moist cupcakes, you can substitute milk with buttermilk.
- Chocolate shavings can be made by shaving a bar of chocolate with a vegetable peeler.
- Use crispy chow mein noodles as an alternative for nests for added crunch.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
