Description
Whimsical mermaid cupcakes sparkle with oceanic charm, blending pastel blues and iridescent toppings into a magical dessert. Sweet bakers can dive into this enchanting treat that brings underwater fantasy to their kitchen celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box vanilla or funfetti cake mix
- Ingredients from box (usually eggs, oil, water)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (optional)
- Cupcake liners
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups (360–480 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsps (30–45 ml) milk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- Food coloring (teal, purple, and pink for mermaid colors)
- Edible glitter or shimmer dust
- Mermaid tail toppers (store-bought or homemade with candy melts)
- Pearl sprinkles or colored sugar
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Set oven to 350F (175C) and line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
- Cake Mixture: Combine cake mix according to package instructions, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth.
- Baking Process: Carefully fill cupcake liners approximately two-thirds full, then bake for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean. Allow cupcakes to cool completely at room temperature.
- Frosting Creation: Whip butter until airy and light, gradually incorporating powdered sugar. Adjust consistency with milk and blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
- Color Transformation: Separate frosting into multiple bowls, introducing food coloring to craft oceanic-inspired pastel shades reminiscent of mermaid aesthetics.
- Piping Technique: Transfer multicolored frosting into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, arranging colors to create a mesmerizing swirled pattern.
- Decorative Finale: Generously pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes, using a circular motion to achieve a graceful swirl. Embellish with intricate mermaid tails, shimmering edible glitter, and delicate pearl sprinkles for an enchanting underwater-themed presentation.
Notes
- Select gel-based food colors for vibrant, intense mermaid-inspired shades without diluting frosting consistency.
- Practice steady hand movements when filling piping bag to achieve smooth, even color swirls without messy blending.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure perfect decorative design.
- Substitute standard cake mix with gluten-free or vegan alternatives for inclusive dessert options without compromising mermaid theme.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg