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Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe


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4.1 from 77 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prepare for baking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Fill Cupcake Liners: Evenly divide the batter among the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow space for rising.
  8. 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.
  9. Cool Cupcakes: Remove from the oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting, ensuring the frosting does not melt.
  10. Make the Galaxy Frosting: Beat the softened butter in a large bowl until creamy and smooth, approximately 2 minutes for good texture.
  11. 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.
  12. Divide Frosting by Color: Separate the frosting into four bowls, one for each color: blue, purple, black, and white.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. Add Decorative Elements: Optionally, sprinkle edible glitter or star-shaped sprinkles atop the frosting to mimic twinkling stars found in the Milky Way galaxy.
  17. 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