Description
These adorable Bird’s Nest Cupcakes are a perfect treat for spring or Easter celebrations. Moist and fluffy vanilla cupcakes are topped with rich, creamy chocolate frosting and decorated with candy eggs nestled in edible chocolate nests. Easy to make and beautifully festive, they delight both kids and adults alike.
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
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
Decoration
- Candy eggs
- Chocolate shavings or crispy noodles (for 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 light and fluffy using an electric mixer or wooden spoon. This aerates the batter for a tender crumb. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to incorporate them well.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour and baking powder, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes tough. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly.
- Fill Cupcake Liners and Bake: Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Frosting: In a bowl, whip together the unsweetened cocoa powder, softened butter, whole milk, and confectioners’ sugar until the frosting is creamy and fluffy. Adjust consistency with milk or sugar if needed.
- Frost Cupcakes: Spread or pipe the chocolate frosting generously onto each cooled cupcake, covering evenly.
- Create Bird’s Nests and Decorate: Form nests on top of the frosting using chocolate shavings or crispy noodles to mimic twigs. Carefully place candy eggs inside the nests to complete the look.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Use fresh eggs for best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Substitute crispy noodles with shredded coconut or pretzel sticks for different textures in the nest.
- Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
