Description
Game-day spirit soars with these football cupcakes, combining chocolate cake and buttercream frosting in a playful sports-themed treat. Crisp white piping lines and rich brown colors craft the perfect touchdown for hungry sports fans.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Leavening Agents:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Frosting and Decoration Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ cup white icing or royal icing
- 1 piping bag or resealable bag with a small tip cut off
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the cupcake batter by combining dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
- Create a smooth mixture by incorporating vegetable oil, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Blend thoroughly until the batter achieves a consistent texture with no lumps.
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin pan. Carefully distribute the batter evenly, filling each liner approximately three-quarters full.
- Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, monitoring closely. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with no wet batter.
- Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This crucial step ensures the frosting will adhere properly without melting.
- Prepare the chocolate frosting by whipping softened butter until it becomes light and creamy in texture.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until it transforms into a smooth, fluffy consistency.
- Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a suitable tip for even application.
- Carefully frost each cupcake, creating a smooth surface for decorating.
- Using white icing, delicately pipe football lace details across the top of each frosted cupcake.
- Allow the decorative icing to set for a few minutes before serving, ensuring the intricate design remains crisp and clear.
Notes
- Moisture Maximizer: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, even batter that creates tender, soft cupcakes with perfect crumb texture.
- Flavor Booster: Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream for added richness and deeper chocolate taste that elevates the cupcake’s depth.
- Gluten-Free Hack: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make these cupcakes accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Bake cupcakes a day in advance and store in an airtight container to develop more intense chocolate flavor and save preparation time on game day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg