Save Adorable chocolate cupcakes decorated to resemble a bunny burrow, perfect for spring celebrations or Easter gatherings. Moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with luscious chocolate buttercream, cookie crumb soil, and playful fondant bunny feet peeking out of the burrow.
This recipe brings a fun and creative twist to classic chocolate cupcakes that my family loves making every spring.
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Cupcakes: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 large eggs room temperature, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 2/3 cup (160 ml) whole milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- For the Chocolate Buttercream: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 1 3/4 cups (220 g) powdered sugar, 1/3 cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp (30 ml) milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- For Decorating: 6 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g. Oreos) crushed, 24 mini white marshmallows, Pink decorating gel or pink fondant, 1/2 cup (100 g) white fondant
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.
- Bake Cupcakes:
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder; beat until smooth. Mix in milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Frost Cupcakes:
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost tops with chocolate buttercream creating mounds to resemble earth.
- Decorate:
- Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies over the buttercream to simulate soil. Shape white fondant into small ovals for bunny feet and a round ball for the tail. Use pink gel or fondant to add paw pads to the feet. Place two feet and one tail on each cupcake so it looks like a bunny diving into its burrow. Optionally use mini marshmallows for extra tail fluff.
- Arrange:
- Arrange cupcakes on a tray to form a playful bunny burrow scene.
Save This recipe has become a beloved tradition that my family enjoys baking together for springtime celebrations.
Notes
Pair with a light fruity Moscato or berry lemonade for kids. Use gluten-free ingredients for dietary needs.
Required Tools
12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, sifter, piping bag or spatula, rolling pin (for fondant), small offset spatula or butter knife
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, and may contain soy (from cookies). Some decorations may contain artificial colors. Always check labels if allergies are a concern.
Save Enjoy this charming and delicious treat sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the bunny burrow effect?
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies simulate soil, while fondant shapes form bunny feet and tails, creating an adorable burrow look.
- → Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour and cookies with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → How is the chocolate buttercream prepared?
Butter is beaten until creamy, then powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt are mixed until smooth and fluffy.
- → What baking tools are needed for this project?
A 12-cup muffin tin, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, sifter, piping bag or spatula, and tools for handling fondant are recommended.
- → What is the bake time for the cupcakes?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
These contain wheat, eggs, milk, and may include soy from cookies. Some decorations may have artificial colors. Check labels if allergies are a concern.