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 my holiday table, always delighting guests of all ages.
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 This recipe always brings the family together as we enjoy decorating and sharing these playful treats during Easter.
Notes
Pair with a light, fruity Moscato or berry lemonade for kids.
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 This delightful cupcake recipe combines fun decorations with rich chocolate flavors to make any occasion extra special.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve moist chocolate cupcakes?
Use a balanced mix of cocoa powder, sugars, oil, and milk. Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain tenderness.
- → What creates the soil effect on the cupcakes?
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies sprinkled over the buttercream mimic rich soil texture.
- → How are the bunny feet shaped and added?
White fondant is molded into small oval feet with pink gel or fondant for paw pads and placed on top to appear as if the bunny is burrowing.
- → Can I prepare the buttercream in advance?
Yes, chocolate buttercream can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, then brought to room temperature before frosting.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives for this dessert?
Substitute all-purpose flour and cookies with gluten-free versions to accommodate gluten-free diets.