Name: Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-482838H18M47S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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)

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Get ready to take your taste buds on a cosmic journey with these Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes! These little treats are out of this world, both in flavor and in beauty. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy cupcake, only to be greeted with layers of silky chocolate and sweet caramel, topped with a starry swirl of galaxy-colored frosting. With each bite, you’ll feel like you’re floating through the stars, and trust me—everyone at your next party will be asking for your “secret” recipe.

These cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat, with colors that evoke the vast beauty of the night sky. If you’re looking to create a show-stopping dessert that will dazzle your guests (or just make your own day a little sweeter), these Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are your go-to treat!

Why You’ll Love Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes

Out-of-This-World Flavor

These cupcakes aren’t just pretty—they’re packed with flavor. The rich chocolate cake is complemented by gooey caramel, making each bite a delightful mix of sweet, chocolatey goodness. It’s like the Milky Way in cupcake form.

Visually Stunning

The galaxy-inspired swirl of frosting looks so stunning that they might just steal the show at your next event. You’ll feel like a dessert artist when you create these!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, a party, or just a day when you need a little joy in your life, these cupcakes are the perfect way to impress and delight. Plus, they’re customizable for different colors or even themed parties.

Fun to Make

From swirling the frosting to adding your finishing touches, these cupcakes are a blast to assemble. Plus, they look so intricate, but you don’t need to be a pro to pull them off!

Great for Kids (and Adults!)

Who doesn’t love a bit of galaxy magic? These cupcakes are the perfect treat for kids’ parties, but adults will enjoy them just as much. No one can resist that sweet, caramel-chocolate combo.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes:

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

All-purpose flour: The base of your soft and fluffy cupcakes.

Cocoa powder: For that rich, deep chocolate flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda: To help the cupcakes rise and stay fluffy.
Salt: To balance out the sweetness.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes just right.
Butter: Adds moisture and richness.
Eggs: To give the cupcakes structure.

Vanilla extract: For a touch of warmth and flavor.
Milk: For a soft, tender crumb.
Boiling water: To make the batter smooth and even more moist.

For the Caramel Filling:

Caramel sauce: To fill your cupcakes with gooey, sweet caramel goodness.

For the Galaxy Frosting:

Butter: The base of the frosting—smooth and creamy.
Powdered sugar: To make the frosting light and fluffy.

Milk or heavy cream: To adjust the frosting’s consistency.
Vanilla extract: For flavor.
Food coloring: Blue, purple, and black (for the galaxy effect), plus a bit of white for some starry magic!

Star sprinkles or edible glitter (optional): For a sparkling, starry finish.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s jump into creating these galaxy-inspired beauties!

Step 1: Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners. In a large bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Finally, stir in the boiling water—this will thin out the batter and make it nice and moist.

Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 of the way full. Bake for about 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely before filling and frosting.

Step 2: Fill with Caramel

Once the cupcakes have cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to make a hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each hole with a generous amount of caramel sauce. You can use store-bought caramel or make your own—just make sure it’s gooey and delicious!

Step 3: Prepare the Galaxy Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until soft and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk or heavy cream until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Divide the frosting into three bowls and color each one with a different shade of food coloring: blue, purple, and black. Leave a little bit of white frosting for the “stars” and to mix in with the other colors.

Step 4: Swirl the Frosting

Now for the fun part—swirling! Using a piping bag with a star tip or just a regular piping bag, pipe the blue, purple, and black frosting onto each cupcake in swirls. Don’t worry about making them perfect—this is what gives the cupcakes that beautiful, galaxy effect.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

For that final touch of magic, sprinkle a few star sprinkles, or a little edible glitter, to make your cupcakes sparkle like the night sky.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes at your next celebration, or simply indulge in the beauty and flavor of the galaxy in the comfort of your own kitchen!

How to Serve Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes

At a Party

These cupcakes are sure to steal the spotlight at any party—birthday, space-themed, or just because. They’ll be the talk of the dessert table!

With a Cup of Hot Cocoa

Pair them with a cozy mug of hot cocoa or a latte for a perfect afternoon treat. The chocolate and caramel flavors are a perfect match!

For a Sweet Midnight Snack

These are also great for a sweet late-night treat when you need a little something indulgent to end the day.

Additional Tips

Make Ahead: You can bake the cupcakes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Frost them just before serving.
Caramel Filling: If you want extra gooey goodness, use a thicker caramel filling that holds its shape a little better.

Frosting Fun: Don’t be afraid to play with the frosting colors! Mix and match shades or add a little white to the colors for a dreamy, nebula-inspired effect.
Star Sprinkles: If you can’t find star sprinkles, regular sprinkles or edible glitter will give the cupcakes a magical, starry touch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Cupcake

Calories: 280
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g

Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g

Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 2g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a box cake mix instead of homemade?
A1: Yes! A chocolate box cake mix works just as well if you’re short on time or want to simplify things.

Q2: Can I make the caramel sauce at home?
A2: Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of richness and flavor. Just be careful not to burn it!

Q3: How can I make these cupcakes more “galaxy-like”?
A3: To enhance the galaxy look, add more colors or mix them together for a more marble effect. You can also add edible glitter for extra sparkle.

Q4: Can I use a different flavor for the filling?
A4: Of course! You can swap out the caramel for something like Nutella, chocolate ganache, or fruit jam for a different twist.

Q5: How can I store these cupcakes?
A5: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

Q6: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the un-frosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Just frost them when you’re ready to serve.

Q7: What can I use if I don’t have food coloring?
A7: You can use natural food colorings like beet juice, spirulina powder, or blueberry powder for a natural approach.

Q8: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour, and the rest of the recipe will work just the same.

Q9: Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
A9: Yes! Substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine, and use almond or oat milk for the frosting and cake.

Q10: How do I get the galaxy swirl effect?
A10: Just add different colors of frosting in separate parts of the piping bag, then swirl them as you pipe. It’s easier than it looks!

Conclusion

These Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are truly out of this world—delicious, beautiful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just treating yourself, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, get creative, and let your baking journey take you to the stars!

Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes