Description
Camp Fire Cupcakes are a fun and creative dessert inspired by the classic campfire experience. Moist French Vanilla cupcakes topped with a rich buttercream frosting are decorated with graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, pretzel rods, and mini marshmallows to mimic a cozy campfire scene. Perfect for parties, camping-themed events, or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcakes
- 1 box French Vanilla cake mix
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter
Campfire Base
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter (for frosting)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3–5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- Yellow gel food coloring
- Orange gel food coloring
Decorations
- Pretzel rods
- Mini marshmallows
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prepare for baking the cupcakes.
- Mix Batter: In a standing mixer, combine the French Vanilla cake mix, 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, 1 cup whole milk, and 3 large eggs. Mix on medium speed until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Scoop the batter into the lined cupcake pan, filling each cupcake liner about 3/4 full to allow space for rising while baking.
- Bake Cupcakes: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 21 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3-5 tablespoons heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, adjusting cream for consistency.
- Color Frosting: Divide the frosting evenly into two separate bowls. Add yellow gel food coloring to one bowl and orange gel food coloring to the other, mixing each until colors are vibrant.
- Mix Campfire Base: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. This mixture will simulate the dirt and ash around the campfire base.
- Assemble Marshmallows: Place two mini marshmallows on each toothpick to create marshmallow sticks that will be used as decoration on the cupcakes.
- Frost Cupcakes: Generously frost each cooled cupcake with plain buttercream, then dip or sprinkle the cupcake bottoms into the graham cracker and cocoa powder mixture to create a textured ‘campfire’ ground effect.
- Pipe Flame Design: Using a large piping bag fitted with a medium star tip, pipe alternating yellow and orange frosting in the center of each cupcake to resemble flickering flames.
- Decorate Campfire: Surround the piped flames with pretzel rods to mimic logs, then place the mini marshmallow sticks on top to complete the campfire look.
Notes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of frosting.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream in frosting to achieve desired piping consistency.
- The pretzel rods resemble campfire logs, but you can substitute with chocolate sticks or wafer rolls if preferred.
- Use gel food coloring to maintain vibrant colors without altering frosting consistency.
- Mini marshmallows on toothpicks add a playful touch but ensure they are securely placed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
