Description
These delightful cupcakes feature soft, moist cake bases topped with whimsical, handcrafted fondant decorations that add a burst of color and charm to any occasion. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or joyful gatherings, this easy recipe delivers a visually stunning and delicious treat with endless customizable creative possibilities.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk
Fondant Toppers
- Pre-made fondant (quantity as needed)
- Food coloring (natural or gel-based, as desired)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tray with paper liners. In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove lumps. In another bowl, combine sugar, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, and almond or vanilla extract until well mixed. Slowly add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing and achieve tender cupcakes.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare and Color Your Fondant: Knead store-bought fondant until soft and pliable. Divide into portions and knead in food coloring until you reach your desired shades, using gel or natural coloring for vibrant results without sticky mess.
- Shape Your Fondant Toppers: Use small cookie cutters, molds, or your hands to create fun shapes such as flowers, stars, animals, or letters. Ensure each topper is sized to rest comfortably on top of a cupcake without overwhelming it.
- Assemble Your Cupcakes: Optionally, spread a thin layer of frosting or jam atop each cupcake to help adhere the fondant toppers. Gently press your fondant decorations onto each cupcake, adjusting for the best fit and appearance.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help create an even crumb in your cupcakes.
- Don’t overwork the fondant as excessive handling heats it up, making it sticky and harder to shape.
- Keep fondant covered by wrapping unused portions tightly in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
- Work on a clean surface using a non-stick mat or powdered sugar to ease rolling out fondant without tearing.
- Customize with edible glitter or paint to add extra sparkle and detail to your toppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: cupcakes, fondant toppers, vegan cupcakes, gluten-free cupcakes, party desserts, decorative cupcakes