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Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 38 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are a visually stunning and delicious treat featuring moist chocolate cupcakes with a rich, creamy galaxy-themed frosting swirled in shades of blue, purple, black, and white. These cupcakes combine a perfectly balanced cocoa flavor with a buttery, sweet frosting decorated with edible glitter or star sprinkles, capturing the beauty of a starry galaxy. Perfect for celebrations or a whimsical dessert, they offer a fun baking experience with impressive results.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Make the Cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, which will take about 3 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to flavor the batter.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Add Boiling Water: Pour in the boiling water last and mix until the batter is smooth. Note that the batter will be thin, which is expected for moist cupcakes.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
  8. Bake the Cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool Completely: Remove the cupcakes and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the frosting.
  10. Prepare Frosting Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until it becomes creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
  11. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time while continuing to beat on low speed to prevent sugar clouds, then add vanilla extract and about 1 tablespoon of milk, adjusting the milk quantity to achieve a smooth, pipeable consistency.
  12. Divide Frosting for Coloring: Separate the frosting into four bowls, preparing one bowl for each color: blue, purple, black, and white.
  13. Color the Frosting: Add gel food coloring drops to each bowl, adjusting the amount until the desired shades are reached for each color.
  14. Smooth the Frosting Colors: Mix each colored frosting thoroughly until smooth and evenly tinted.
  15. Pipe Base Layer of Frosting: Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off, pipe a base layer of one color of frosting onto each cooled cupcake.
  16. Add Additional Colors: Add additional colors of frosting on top by piping swirls to create a marbled galaxy effect.
  17. Swirl the Colors: Using a spatula or the back of a spoon, gently swirl the various colors of frosting together to enhance the galaxy-inspired appearance.
  18. Decorate with Stars: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles on top of the frosting to mimic stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
  19. Set and Serve: Allow the frosted cupcakes to rest for a few minutes to let the frosting set slightly before serving.
  20. Enjoy: Serve and enjoy these delicious and visually stunning galaxy-themed cupcakes, perfect for any occasion.

Notes

  • Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and smoother batter.
  • The batter will be thin after adding boiling water; this is normal and ensures moist cupcakes.
  • Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning the frosting.
  • If you want a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
  • To achieve the galaxy effect, avoid fully mixing the frosting colors together; the gentle swirling will suffice.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Let refrigerated cupcakes come back to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

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Find it online: https://yummykitchenmagic.com/milky-way-galaxy-cupcakes-recipe/