Even with an easy, one-bowl cupcake and the best whipped cream-cheese frosting, these little beauties will be upstaged by the secret hidden treasure trove of candy in the center. Even if you want to make cheater cupcakes and just use a box mix and premade frosting, you will still get oooohs and aaaahs when your guests discover their little secret.
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Cupcakes (Makes 12):
Things You’ll Need
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1/2 cup softened butter
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3/4 cup sugar
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2 large eggs
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2/3 cup whole milk
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
Frosting/Filling:
Things You’ll Need
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1 cup sprinkles or small candy (I used mini M&Ms and star sprinkles)
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8 ounces cream cheese
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup powdered sugar
Tip
Make it easy! You can use a box cake mix and premade frosting to make this project super simple.
Step 1: Beat the Butter and Sugar
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Add the softened butter to a mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Add the sugar and beat until well combined.
Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs and vanilla until well combined. Then, add the milk and white vinegar.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle with the flour, baking soda and salt and stir until just combined.
Step 4: Scoop
Scoop the mixture into cupcake papers until 2/3 full (an ice cream scoop works well).
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely.
Step 6: Cut
Using a paring knife, cut a circle out of the center of each cupcake, making sure that the walls and bottom of the cupcake are still intact.
Step 7: Slice
Slice the bottom off the cake plug, keeping the top portion.
Step 8: Fill
Fill the hole with candy and/or sprinkles.
Step 9: Cover
Place the top of the cake plug back on the top of the hole.
Step 10: Beat the Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high until light and fluffy. This may take several minutes.
Step 11: Add the Cream
While the mixer is running on high, slowly add the cream a few tablespoons at a time until incorporated before adding more. Then, add the vanilla extract.
Step 12: Add the Powdered Sugar
Add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
Step 13: Add the Frosting to a Piping Bag
Fill a piping bag with the frosting. This works best if you put the piping bag in a large mug.
Step 14: Frost and Sprinkle
Frost the cupcakes and add sprinkles if desired.
Step 15: Serve
Serve the piñata cupcakes and watch smiles appear when their secret is discovered!
