Save to Pinterest 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 cupcake tray was a delightful hit at our last family gathering, bringing smiles to both kids and adults with its cute bunny burrow design.
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 to Pinterest Preparing these cupcakes has become a cherished tradition in our family, especially around Easter when everyone looks forward to decorating together.
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 to Pinterest These cupcakes are sure to impress at any spring gathering and add a fun touch to your dessert table.
Ask About This Recipe
- → How do I achieve moist chocolate cupcakes?
Use a balance of oils and milk for moisture, and avoid overmixing the batter to keep cupcakes tender and soft.
- → What ingredients create the cookie crumb soil effect?
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, like Oreos, are sprinkled over buttercream to imitate soil texture.
- → How can I shape the fondant for bunny feet and tails?
Roll white fondant into small ovals for feet and round balls for tails, then add pink gel or fondant for paw pads.
- → Can I make this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, substituting all-purpose flour and sandwich cookies with gluten-free alternatives accommodates gluten sensitivities.
- → What is the best way to frost cupcakes for a burrow look?
Create mounds of chocolate buttercream on top, then gently press cookie crumbs to resemble earth surrounding the burrow.
- → Are there any recommended beverage pairings?
Pair with light, fruity beverages like Moscato or berry lemonade for a refreshing complement.