Save 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 recipe has always been a hit at our spring gatherings. I love how the fondant bunny feet add a whimsical touch that kids adore.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix until just combined.
- Fill and Bake:
- 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.
- Make Buttercream:
- Beat butter until creamy. Sift in powdered sugar and cocoa powder beat until smooth. Mix in milk, vanilla, and salt until fluffy.
- Frost Cupcakes:
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost tops with chocolate buttercream creating mounds to resemble earth.
- Add Soil:
- Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies over the buttercream to simulate soil.
- Shape Decorations:
- 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.
- Assemble:
- 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.
- Arrange:
- Arrange cupcakes on a tray to form a playful bunny burrow scene.
Save Our family loves gathering around these cupcakes during Easter they bring joy and smiles to everyone
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 These bunny burrow cupcakes are sure to delight your guests and add a festive touch to your celebration
Recipe FAQ
- → What ingredients create the bunny burrow effect?
Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies resemble soil, while fondant shapes form bunny feet and tails, adding a playful touch to the cupcakes.
- → How can I make the buttercream smooth and fluffy?
Beat softened butter until creamy, then gradually add sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing thoroughly before adding milk and vanilla for a light texture.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients to accommodate allergies?
Yes, gluten-free flour and cookies can be used to make a gluten-free version. Always ensure ingredient labels are checked for allergens.
- → What is the best way to bake the cupcakes evenly?
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with liners and distribute batter evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- → How can I enhance the chocolate flavor in these cupcakes?
Add chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness and texture without overpowering the moist crumb.