Save 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 became a family favorite at our Easter brunches with its cute presentation and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- Decorating: 6 chocolate sandwich cookies 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.
Save Our kids love helping us place the fondant feet and tail on each cupcake making it a fun family activity.
Notes
Pair with a light fruity Moscato or berry lemonade for kids to complement the dessert 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
Save These cupcakes are sure to bring smiles to your table and are perfect for any spring celebration.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve moist chocolate cupcakes?
Use a combination of vegetable oil and milk for moisture, and avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes tender.
- → What creates the ‘soil’ effect on the cupcakes?
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies are sprinkled generously over the buttercream to mimic soil texture and appearance.
- → How can I shape the bunny feet and tails?
Fondant is molded into small ovals for feet and round balls for tails; pink gel or fondant details add paw pads.
- → Can this be adapted for dietary restrictions?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and cookies to accommodate gluten sensitivities, and ensure all ingredients meet specific dietary needs.
- → What is the recommended baking temperature and time?
Bake the cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- → What tools are helpful for decorating these cupcakes?
A piping bag, spatula, rolling pin for fondant, and small offset spatula or butter knife facilitate frosting and shaping details.