Description
These Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are out of this world! With their galaxy-inspired frosting and rich chocolate base, they make the perfect treat for any space or science fan, or just anyone who loves a fun and unique dessert. The cupcakes are topped with a shimmering, starry frosting that looks like the Milky Way itself—beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Galaxy Buttercream 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
- Make the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Finally, mix in the boiling water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin—this is normal!
- Divide the batter evenly between the 12 cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make the Galaxy Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while continuing to beat on low speed. Once combined, add the vanilla extract and 1 tbsp of milk (add more if necessary to achieve your desired consistency).
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls for each color (blue, purple, black, and white).
- Add a few drops of gel food coloring to each bowl, adjusting the amounts until you achieve your desired shades of blue, purple, black, and white.
- Mix each color of frosting until smooth.
- Frost the Cupcakes:
- Use a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off) to pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes. Start with a base layer of one color and then add additional colors in swirls to create a galaxy effect.
- Gently swirl the colors together with a spatula or the back of a spoon for a beautiful marbled look.
- Optionally, add edible glitter or star sprinkles on top to mimic stars in the Milky Way!
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Allow the cupcakes to set for a few minutes before serving to let the frosting firm up slightly.
- These cupcakes are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Enjoy the galaxy-inspired goodness!
Notes
- To make the cupcakes extra fun, you can add a surprise filling inside, such as a caramel or chocolate ganache, for a sweet surprise when you bite into them.
- If you’re making these for a party, consider using galaxy-themed cupcake toppers or star-shaped sprinkles for an extra touch!
- If you don’t have all the food coloring on hand, you can use just one or two colors to create a simplified galaxy effect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg