This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #addcolortoyourcup #CollectiveBias
Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes: The Ultimate Spring Delight with PEEPS® and International Delight®
Embrace the vibrant spirit of spring with these utterly charming and irresistibly delicious Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes. Featuring a moist vanilla cupcake base, topped with fluffy marshmallow buttercream, adorned with edible coconut grass, and crowned with an adorable pink bunny PEEPS® marshmallow, these treats are a celebration of all things sweet and joyful. Perfect for Easter, spring brunches, or simply bringing a smile to someone’s face, this recipe captures the essence of the season in every delightful bite.
Welcoming Spring with a Nostalgic Touch: The Magic of PEEPS®
For many, the arrival of PEEPS® chicks and bunnies in stores heralds the true beginning of spring. This delightful sight instantly transports me back to childhood, filled with a heartwarming sense of nostalgia and pure giddiness. Every year, a package of these iconic marshmallow candies found its way into our Easter baskets, a tradition I proudly continue with my own children today. There’s something truly special about these simple, sweet confections that transcends generations.
My recent trip to Walmart brought an extra layer of joy and excitement. As I strolled through the aisles, my eyes landed on a product that combined two of my favorite things: International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer! Imagine, the beloved marshmallow flavor of my childhood PEEPS®, now perfectly infused into my morning coffee. It was an instant moment of sheer bliss – a perfect blend of childhood wonder and adult indulgence.
This innovative creamer isn’t just for coffee; it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate your spring baking. If you’re eager to try the International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer yourself, it’s easily available. Just keep an eye out for it on your next grocery run or conveniently shop for it online at Walmart. It’s a delightful way to add a touch of spring sweetness to your daily routine, and as you’ll discover, it’s also the secret ingredient to these incredible Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes.
Crafting the Perfect Spring Cupcake: The Recipe Unleashed
My shopping cart quickly filled with the delightful International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer, alongside our family-favorite International Delight® Hershey’s Chocolate Caramel Coffee Creamer. Of course, no spring-themed baking spree would be complete without picking up an extra package of PEEPS® to surprise the kids and, more importantly, to feature prominently in our amazing Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes. Beyond simply enhancing my morning coffee, I knew this creamer would be the star of a truly magical dessert.
These Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes proved to be an absolute triumph, boasting a flavor profile that’s both unique and incredibly satisfying. The foundation is a luscious cupcake base, a harmonious blend of vanilla, almond, and marshmallow, ensuring each bite is moist, sweet, and perfectly balanced. This tender cupcake provides the ideal canvas for the vibrant coconut grass and the cloud-like marshmallow buttercream frosting.
Ingredients for the Dreamy Cupcake Batter
To create these enchanting cupcakes, you’ll need a straightforward list of baking essentials, elevated by our special ingredient. The batter calls for all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda for the perfect rise and texture. The liquid components include the star of the show, International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer, along with softened butter, granulated sugar, egg whites, and a touch of vanilla and almond extract to deepen the flavors. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a cupcake that’s light, fluffy, and bursting with spring essence.
The PEEPS® Surprise: A Sweet Centerpiece
Now, for the really fun part – adding the PEEPS® themselves! I took purple bunny PEEPS®, carefully cut them in half, and then popped them into the freezer. This freezing step is vital as it helps the marshmallow hold its shape during baking and prevents it from melting too quickly into the batter. This creates a delightful, gooey marshmallow center that’s a pleasant surprise with every bite.
To assemble, I spooned one scoop of cupcake batter into the bottom of each paper liner. For consistent sizing and even baking, I highly recommend using a medium cookie scoop. Then, I nestled a frozen PEEPS® half right into the center of the batter, ensuring it was well-positioned. Finally, I topped it with another scoop of batter, fully encasing the marshmallow surprise. This technique ensures that each cupcake has a secret, sweet core ready to be discovered.
After a swift 16-minute bake in a preheated oven, the cupcakes emerged, lightly golden brown and perfectly inviting. Once out of the oven, it’s crucial to let them cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to the frosting stage. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to perfect cupcakes!
Troubleshooting Common Cupcake Challenges
Why Did My Cupcakes Sink in the Middle?
It’s not uncommon for cupcakes, especially those with added fillings, to sink slightly in the middle. I experienced this with my Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes, and there are two primary reasons this might occur:
- Overmixing the Batter: When you’re incorporating the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, specifically alternating between the flour mixture and the International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer, it’s important to work quickly and gently. Overworking the batter develops too much gluten, which can cause the cupcakes to collapse or sink once they come out of the oven. Mix just until combined. If you’re confident you didn’t over-mix, then the sinking is likely due to the next point.
- The Marshmallow Center: The marshmallow itself can contribute to the sinking. As it heats up and then cools, it can create a slight cavity. But here’s the good news: IT’S ABSOLUTELY OKAY! This slight dip actually creates a perfect little nest for your adorable pink PEEPS® bunny and makes frosting even easier. The marshmallow filling provides a delightful texture contrast, so don’t let a small dip deter you from this delicious treat!
Crafting the Silky Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
Once your cupcakes have cooled completely, it’s time to create the dreamy marshmallow buttercream frosting. This frosting is the perfect complement to the vanilla cupcake, adding another layer of sweet, fluffy marshmallow goodness. To start, place room-temperature butter into the bowl of your stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl if using a hand mixer) and whip it on high speed until it’s light, pale, and incredibly fluffy – this can take about 5 minutes. This aeration is key for a light buttercream.
Gradually add half of the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase to medium until smooth. Next, slowly pour in the International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer along with the vanilla extract. Whip the mixture for another 2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fluffy and soft. Finally, incorporate the remaining powdered sugar a bit at a time, until your buttercream reaches the ideal consistency. This methodical approach ensures a smooth, lump-free, and beautifully airy frosting.
Achieving the Perfect Buttercream Consistency
Buttercream can be finicky, but these tips will help you get it just right:
My Buttercream is Too Stiff.
If your buttercream feels too dense or difficult to pipe, simply add more International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer (or a tiny bit of milk) one teaspoon at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition until your desired consistency is reached. Remember, the buttercream should be soft and pillowy, but still sturdy enough to hold its shape on the cupcake.
My Buttercream is Too Wet.
On the other hand, if your buttercream is too runny and doesn’t hold its form, gradually add more powdered sugar. Add a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the consistency thickens. Be careful not to add too much too quickly, as it can quickly become too stiff.
My Buttercream is Grainy.
A grainy buttercream usually indicates that your ingredients weren’t at the right temperature. For the smoothest, fluffiest buttercream, always start with room temperature butter and creamer. This allows them to emulsify properly with the sugar, creating a velvety texture. Cold ingredients can cause the butter to seize or the sugar not to dissolve completely, leading to a grainy result. Plan ahead and let your ingredients sit out for about an hour before you begin baking.
Assembling Your Adorable Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes
With your perfectly cooled cupcakes and luxurious marshmallow buttercream ready, it’s time for the final, enchanting touches. Pipe a generous swirl of the marshmallow buttercream frosting onto each cupcake. Next, gently roll the frosted cupcake edges in the vibrant green shredded coconut to create a charming “grass” effect. This adds both visual appeal and a delightful texture. Finally, carefully nestle a PEEPS® bunny into the center of each cupcake, settling it into the buttercream and coconut grass. If needed, you can add a little extra coconut around the base of the bunny to make it look like it’s happily hopping through a field. And there you have it – absolutely adorable Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes, ready to dazzle and delight!
Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes: The Quintessential Spring Celebration Treat!
These Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re a joyful expression of the spring season. The combination of moist vanilla cake, a surprise marshmallow center, fluffy marshmallow frosting, and the whimsical PEEPS® decoration makes them an unforgettable treat for any gathering. They are perfect for Easter Sunday, spring potlucks, birthday parties, or simply as a cheerful indulgence to brighten your day.
And let’s not forget the versatility of International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer! It’s not just for these cupcakes. It’s the perfect, festive addition to your spring brunch coffee bar or table. Its sweet, nostalgic flavor will bring a smile to every guest, making your spring celebrations even more special and memorable.
Remember, getting your hands on International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer is easier than ever. Whether you prefer to browse the aisles or utilize the convenience of Walmart Grocery Pickup, your spring baking and coffee creations are just a quick click or visit away!
Still hungry for more deliciousness?
Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for more delightful recipes!
Pin this recipe on Pinterest and save it for your next spring celebration!
Subscribe! Sign up for easy + delicious recipes delivered weekly—straight to your inbox!
PIN THIS RECIPE!
Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 12 servings
Marshmallow Bunny Cupcakes are the sweetest way to celebrate spring with a vanilla cupcake base, marshmallow buttercream, coconut grass and an adorable pink bunny PEEP marshmallow.
Ingredients
Cupcake Batter
- 1 package bunny PEEPS® candy, any color, cut in half and placed into freezer.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 egg whites, room temperature
- ¾ cup International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Green Coconut Grass
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 2 teaspoons water
- Green food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper baking cups.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), beat the ½ cup unsalted butter on high for 30 seconds until light and fluffy. Gradually add in the 1½ cups granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Beat in the egg whites, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon almond extract until just incorporated.
- Alternating, gradually add the flour mixture followed by the ¾ cup International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Repeat until both are incorporated, being careful not to over-mix the batter. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain.
- Place one scoop of batter into the bottom of each paper liner. Top with a frozen PEEPS® half, pressing it gently into the batter. Cover with one more scoop of batter, ensuring the PEEPS® is fully encased. Bake for 16-18 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the cupcake (avoiding the marshmallow center) comes out clean and the edges are lightly golden brown. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
- In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the ⅓ cup unsalted butter until fluffy and pale, about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add in half (about 2½ cups) of the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase to medium until smooth.
- Slowly add in the ½ cup International Delight® PEEPS® Sweet Marshmallow Coffee Creamer and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip on medium-high for 2 minutes or until the frosting is light and fluffy. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar, mixing until your desired consistency is reached.
Green Coconut Grass
- Into a large zip-top bag, add 2 cups shredded coconut.
- In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons water and a few drops of green food coloring. Add this mixture to the bag with the coconut and seal the bag.
- Shake the bag vigorously until the coconut is evenly coated in green coloring. Add more food coloring if a darker green is desired.
- Place the colored shredded coconut into a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Toast the coconut, stirring frequently, until it is slightly crispy and fragrant. Watch carefully, as coconut burns quickly. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assembly
- Pipe marshmallow buttercream frosting generously onto each cooled cupcake.
- Gently roll the edges of the frosted cupcakes in the green coconut grass.
- Nestle a PEEPS® bunny into the center of each cupcake. Add additional green coconut grass around the bunny, if needed, to complete the look. Serve and enjoy!
Courses Dessert
Cuisine American