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Dirt Cupcakes Recipe

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4.3 from 9 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Description

These Dirt Cupcakes are a fun and delicious treat perfect for kids and adults alike. Moist chocolate cupcakes are topped with a rich, creamy chocolate frosting and decorated with crushed Oreo cookies to resemble dirt and gummy worms for added playful charm. Ideal for parties or themed events, this easy-to-make recipe combines classic flavors with a whimsical presentation.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅔ cup (65g) cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (78ml) vegetable oil
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (at room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Frosting

  • ¼ cup milk chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened)
  • pinch salt
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder

Decoration

  • 10-12 Oreo cookies
  • 1 package gummy worms

Instructions

  1. Make Chocolate Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk gently until incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
  2. Bake Cupcakes: Line a cupcake tray with liners and fill each about ¾ full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  3. Prepare Chocolate Frosting: Microwave the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds, stir, then continue microwaving in 15-second intervals until smooth. Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the melted chocolate and mix well. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then set the frosting aside.
  4. Make Oreo ‘Dirt’: Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin or heavy object.
  5. Decorate Cupcakes: Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the chocolate frosting. Pipe a swirl on top of each cupcake. Sprinkle 1-2 spoonfuls of the Oreo crumbs over the frosting to create the appearance of dirt. Finally, decorate with gummy worms arranged on top for a fun, playful look.

Notes

  • Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter; it can cause dense cupcakes.
  • If you don’t have a piping bag, you can spread the frosting with a knife.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the best frosting texture and taste.
  • To crush Oreos without a food processor, place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush using a rolling pin.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/dirt-cupcakes-recipe/