Description
Delight in these charming Bird’s Nest Cupcakes, perfect for spring celebrations or Easter. Moist vanilla cupcakes are topped with a rich, fluffy chocolate frosting and decorated with a whimsical nest made from chocolate shavings or crispy noodles, complete with candy eggs for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 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
Frosting
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- Butter (amount not specified but typically ½ cup softened, estimated)
- Milk (estimated 2-3 tbsp for consistency)
Decoration
- Candy eggs
- Chocolate shavings or crispy noodles (for creating nests)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a good texture for the cupcakes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder into the mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes dense.
- Fill and Bake: Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, whip together the cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, softened butter (estimated ½ cup), and 2-3 tablespoons of milk until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable. Adjust milk quantity for desired consistency.
- Frost Cupcakes: Generously frost the cooled cupcakes with the chocolate frosting, creating a smooth top.
- Create Nests and Decorate: Using chocolate shavings or crispy noodles, fashion nest shapes on top of the frosting. Finally, place candy eggs into each nest to complete the decorative effect.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- For the frosting butter quantity is estimated to achieve proper consistency.
- Use either chocolate shavings or crispy noodles for creating the nests according to preference or availability.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
