Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Love Bug Cupcakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 24 servings

Description

These adorable Love Bug Cupcakes are a delightful chocolate treat perfect for parties or special occasions. Moist chocolate cupcakes topped with a rich chocolate buttercream frosting are decorated with fondant ladybug wings, candy eyes, and heart sprinkles to create a cute and festive look. Easy to bake and fun to decorate, these cupcakes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Cupcake Batter

  • 1 Box chocolate cake mix (15¼-Ounce)
  • 1 Cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅓ Cup vegetable oil
  • 1 Teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 Cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
  • 4 Cups powdered sugar
  • ½ Cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ Cup milk
  • 1 Teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Decorations

  • Fondant (white and red)
  • 48 candy eyes
  • Heart sprinkles
  • Frosting gel (white)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cupcake Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 24-count cupcake pan with paper liners to ensure easy removal of the cupcakes after baking.
  2. Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds to mix, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until smooth and well combined.
  3. Fill Cupcake Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the lined cupcake cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
  4. Bake the Cupcakes: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 14 to 18 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, the cupcakes are ready.
  5. Cool the Cupcakes: Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent melting.
  6. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter with a mixer until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until combined, then beat on high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  7. Frost the Cupcakes: Spread or pipe the chocolate buttercream evenly onto the cooled cupcakes using an offset spatula to smooth the tops.
  8. Prepare Fondant Decorations: Roll out the white and red fondant and cut circles using a 2½-inch cookie cutter. Cut each circle in half to form ladybug wings.
  9. Assemble the Ladybug Wings: Attach two fondant half circles to each cupcake on top of the frosting to create wings, using a small amount of white frosting gel as glue.
  10. Add Details: Decorate the fondant wings with heart sprinkles, adhering them with frosting gel. Place two candy eyes near the edge of the wings to form the ladybug’s face.

Notes

  • Ensure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
  • Use room temperature butter for fluffy and smooth frosting texture.
  • Fondant colors can be customized to create different ladybug designs.
  • If you don’t have frosting gel, a little bit of water or corn syrup can help attach decorations securely.
  • Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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