Save to Pinterest 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 smile every time I make these cupcakes for family gatherings especially around Easter.
Ingredients
- For the 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
- For the 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
- For Decorating: 6 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g. Oreos) 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 to Pinterest I always enjoy watching my family’s excitement as they discover the playful bunny feet hiding in the cupcake burrow.
Notes
Pair with a light fruity Moscato or berry lemonade for kids. This dessert suits friendly gatherings and festive occasions.
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.
Save to Pinterest These cupcakes make a delightful centerpiece and treat for your spring table. Enjoy creating the bunny burrow magic!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What gives the cupcakes their moist texture?
The combination of vegetable oil, whole milk, and eggs creates a tender and moist crumb in these chocolate cupcakes.
- → How is the 'soil' effect achieved on the cupcakes?
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies are sprinkled over the buttercream to mimic the appearance of rich, dark soil.
- → What ingredients are used to make the bunny feet decorations?
White fondant is shaped into small ovals for the feet and a round tail, with pink gel or fondant added for paw pads.
- → Can these cupcakes be made gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour and sandwich cookies with gluten-free alternatives, you can prepare a gluten-free version.
- → What flavor profiles complement these cupcakes for serving?
Light fruity Moscato or berry lemonade pair wonderfully to enhance the chocolaty richness without overpowering it.