King Cake Cupcakes Recipes

KING CAKE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Make cake mix as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Bake and cool as directed on box for cupcakes.
• In medium bowl, mix 6 oz of the cream cheese and 3/4 cup of the powdered sugar until well blended and smooth. Spoon mixture into decorating bag fitted with 1/2-inch round tip. Poke hole in top of each cupcake with tip; pipe small amount of mixture into center of cupcake. Smooth top.
• In large bowl, beat remaining 4 oz cream cheese, 1/3 cup butter, remaining 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar, the half-and-half and almond extract with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and spreadable. If necessary, stir in additional half-and-half, 1 teaspoon at a time. Frost cupcakes. Sprinkle with bands of purple, green and yellow sugar. Store covered in refrigerator.

KING CAKE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cup liners.
• Stir together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Cream butter, 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well combined. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately add half of the flour mixture, all the buttermilk, and remaining flour mixture, beating after each addition until just combined.
• Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full, and smooth tops with the back of a spoon.
• Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make frosting. Blend cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar to reach a spreading consistency.
• Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with luster dust and sanding sugars.