Pastel Chick Friends Cupcakes are as sweet to look at as they are to eat! 🐣🧁
Ingredients:
For the vanilla cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
For the pastel buttercream frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring: pastel yellow, pink, blue, green
- Pinch of salt
For decorating the chicks:
- Candy eyes
- Orange jimmies or mini M&M’s (for beaks)
- Mini marshmallows (for wings, cut diagonally)
- Optional: edible markers, sprinkles, or fondant bows
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Directions:
Step 1: Bake the cupcakes
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth.
6. Divide evenly among liners and bake for 18–20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 2: Make the buttercream
1. Beat softened butter until light and creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, then milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy.
3. Divide frosting into bowls and tint each with pastel gel food coloring.
Step 3: Decorate the chick friends
1. Frost cooled cupcakes with a swirl of colored buttercream.
2. Add candy eyes and orange sprinkle/M&M beaks.
3. Use mini marshmallow halves or small candy pieces as chick wings.
4. Add extra features like sprinkle cheeks, fondant bows, or cute smiles using edible markers!
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Tips:
- Use piping bags fitted with star tips for a fun, feathery frosting effect.
- Let kids create their own “chick personalities” with different colors and accessories!
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Use lemon or strawberry extract in the buttercream for added spring flavour.