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Day of the Dead Cupcakes

Day of the Dead Cupcakes

  • Author: Anthony
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegan-friendly (with dairy-free frosting) and customizable to gluten-free

Description

Celebrate the vibrant and festive tradition of Día de los Muertos with these colorful and flavorful Day of the Dead Cupcakes. Featuring a moist chocolate-spiced base and decorated with bright cream cheese frosting mimicking traditional sugar skull designs, these cupcakes bring together rich textures, bold colors, and playful decorations. Perfect for themed parties, family activities, or any fall celebration, they are easy to customize and a delightful treat that honors loved ones with each bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup non-dairy milk

Frosting and Decorations

  • 1 cup cream cheese frosting (or dairy-free alternative)
  • Food coloring (various bright colors)
  • Edible decorations such as edible glitter, candy beads, and bright colored sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with festive liners. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This distributes the spices and leavening agents evenly for consistent texture.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk until smooth and creamy. This creates a moist and flavorful base for the cupcakes.
  4. Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cupcakes light and fluffy.
  5. Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  6. Decorate Festively: Prepare cream cheese frosting and tint with food coloring to create bright shades. Use piping bags to create intricate sugar skull designs, then add edible glitter, candy beads, or sprinkles to complete the festive look.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better batter consistency.
  • Sift dry ingredients to prevent clumps and ensure even rise.
  • Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to avoid melting decorations.
  • Experiment with piping tips to add dimension and detail to decorations.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Day of the Dead, cupcakes, sugar skull, festive desserts, vegan cupcakes, chocolate spice cupcakes

Find it online: https://homedishideas.com/day-of-the-dead-cupcakes/