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 brings a fun and festive touch to family gatherings, and I love how the kids enjoy helping to decorate each cupcake as a little bunny burrow.
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 These cupcakes have become a family favorite, especially when decorating together and sharing smiles all around the table.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 310, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 46 g, Protein 3 g
Save These cupcakes are sure to delight your guests and add a whimsical touch to any gathering.
Recipe Guide
- → What makes the chocolate cupcakes moist?
The combination of vegetable oil and whole milk keeps the cupcakes tender and moist while baking.
- → How is the cookie crumb soil created?
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies are sprinkled over the buttercream to mimic the look of rich soil in the burrow.
- → What ingredients are used for the bunny feet decoration?
White fondant is shaped into small oval feet, with pink gel or fondant added for paw pads.
- → Can these cupcakes be adapted for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour and using gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for decoration.
- → What is the ideal oven temperature and baking time?
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- → Is there a recommended beverage to pair with these cupcakes?
Light, fruity drinks like Moscato or berry lemonade complement the chocolate and playful theme well.