Pin Recipe 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 whimsical touch to any celebration, delighting both kids and adults with its fun bunny burrow design.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.
- Step 4:
- Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 5:
- For the buttercream: Beat butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder beat until smooth. Mix in milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Step 6:
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost tops with chocolate buttercream, creating mounds to resemble earth.
- Step 7:
- Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies over the buttercream to simulate soil.
- Step 8:
- 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.
- Step 9:
- 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.
- Step 10:
- Arrange cupcakes on a tray to form a playful bunny burrow scene.
Pin Recipe This recipe has created many joyful moments at family gatherings especially during Easter celebrations.
Notes
Pair with a light fruity Moscato or berry lemonade for kids to complement the rich chocolate flavors.
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.
Pin Recipe These bunny burrow cupcakes are a delightful treat that impress with both taste and appearance.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the cupcakes moist?
Using oil and milk in the batter helps maintain moisture. Be careful not to overbake by checking with a toothpick around 18 minutes.
- → What can I substitute for fondant decorations?
Mini marshmallows or candy pieces can be shaped or used as bunny feet and tails for a fuss-free alternative.
- → Can I prepare the buttercream ahead of time?
Yes, buttercream can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before frosting.
- → How do crushed cookies enhance the cupcakes?
They add a crunchy texture and create the illusion of soil, enhancing the bunny burrow theme.
- → Is there a gluten-free version option?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and ensure cookies are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.