Description
Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are an enchanting treat inspired by the cosmic beauty of the galaxy. These chocolate cupcakes are moist and rich, made with a combination of cocoa powder and boiling water for a tender crumb. Topped with a vibrant, multi-colored galaxy swirl frosting made from buttercream dyed in blue, purple, black, and white, they capture the mesmerizing essence of the Milky Way. Optional edible glitter or star sprinkles add a magical stellar touch, making these cupcakes perfect for any space-themed party or as a stunning dessert to delight both the eyes and palate.
Ingredients
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
- Make the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly combine and aerate the dry mixture.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, which helps incorporate air for softness.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to emulsify and maintain a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing gently to just combine without overmixing to keep cupcakes tender.
- Add Boiling Water: Carefully stir in the boiling water last until the batter is smooth and thin, which enhances moisture and ensures a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Evenly divide the batter among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
- Bake: Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cupcakes: Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, ensuring the frosting does not melt.
- Make the Galaxy Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth, approximately 2 minutes for good texture.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to prevent sugar clouds. Once all sugar is incorporated, add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk, adding more milk if needed to reach desired frosting consistency.
- Divide Frosting by Color: Separate the frosting into four bowls, one for each color: blue, purple, black, and white.
- Color the Frosting: Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, adjusting amounts until you get rich blue, purple, black, and white shades, then mix each until smooth and uniform in color.
- Pipe Frosting: Using a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off, pipe a base layer of one color onto each cupcake.
- Create Galaxy Swirls: Add additional colors in swirls over the base layer, then gently swirl the colors together with a spatula or the back of a spoon to achieve a beautiful marbled galaxy effect.
- Add Decorative Elements: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles atop the frosting to mimic twinkling stars found in the Milky Way galaxy.
- Set and Serve: Let the decorated cupcakes set for a few minutes to allow the frosting to firm slightly before serving and enjoying these cosmic delights.
Notes
- The boiling water in the cupcake batter is essential for activating the cocoa powder and creating a moist, tender crumb.
- You can substitute milk with any dairy-free alternative to make the cupcakes dairy-free.
- Gel food coloring is preferred as it provides vibrant colors without thinning the frosting.
- Be sure to let cupcakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
- Edible glitter and star sprinkles are optional but add a stunning finishing touch that enhances the galaxy theme.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American