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Perfect Sparkler Cupcakes with Popping Pop Rocks Frosting

sparkler cupcakes with popping pop rocks frosting - featured image
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These cupcakes feature a tender vanilla base topped with a light and tangy cream cheese frosting sprinkled with popping Pop Rocks candy for a fun and nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 small pack Pop Rocks candy per batch

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly grease.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift to avoid clumps.
  3. In a large bowl, beat 6 tablespoons softened butter with sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste until combined.
  6. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition.
  7. Spoon batter into cupcake liners, filling each about ⅔ full.
  8. Bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Transfer cupcakes to a cooling rack and cool completely before frosting.
  10. For frosting, beat ½ cup softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
  11. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low, then increase speed until fluffy.
  12. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  13. Frost cooled cupcakes by piping or spreading evenly on top.
  14. Just before serving, sprinkle a small handful of Pop Rocks candy on each cupcake’s frosting.

Notes

Use softened butter that yields slightly when pressed but is not oily or melted for best creaming results. Do not overmix batter after adding flour to avoid dense cupcakes. Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and loss of Pop Rocks fizz. Add Pop Rocks candy just before serving to preserve popping effect. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients as noted in the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: cupcakes, popping candy, Pop Rocks, frosting, vanilla cupcakes, fun dessert, party treat, easy cupcakes

Find it online: https://islatable.com/perfect-sparkler-cupcakes-with-popping-pop-rocks-frosting-recipe-easy-and-fun/