Weddings are all about creating special moments, and what better way to do that than with wedding cake cupcakes? These bite-sized treats offer all the charm and flavor of a traditional wedding cake but with a modern twist. They’re easy to serve, customizable to fit your theme, and packed with delicious flavor.
Why We Love These Wedding Cake Cupcakes!
There’s something magical about the perfect wedding cake cupcake that brings both tradition and modernity together in a small, delightful package. First, these cupcakes are incredibly versatile. They retain all the flavors of a classic wedding cake but allow for greater flexibility in presentation and serving. Their individual nature makes them easy to distribute, which is especially beneficial for larger weddings.
Moreover, they offer a unique combination of textures: soft, tender cake with a creamy, luscious frosting on top. When you take a bite, it’s a moment of sheer bliss. The lightness of the cake contrasts beautifully with the richness of the frosting, creating a flavor experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
The ability to personalize wedding cake cupcakes is another reason they are so beloved. You can easily adapt them to suit your wedding theme, whether you choose delicate floral decorations, vibrant colored frosting, or even add a personalized message or topper for each guest. Plus, cupcakes are much easier to serve than a large cake, and they allow guests to enjoy individual servings without the need for slicing.
Ingredients for Wedding Cake Cupcakes
To make your wedding cake cupcakes a success, the ingredients must be of the highest quality. Below are the necessary components to create these elegant and moist cupcakes that everyone will love:
- Cake Flour – For Wedding Cake Cupcakes, cake flour is essential. It gives the cupcakes their tender texture and fine crumb. Substituting with all-purpose flour can result in a denser texture, making your Wedding Cake Cupcakes less delicate, often described as having a “cornbread” texture.
- Leavening (Baking Powder) – Baking powder is necessary for Wedding Cake Cupcakes to rise properly. It cannot be substituted with baking soda, as the two work differently and affect the texture and flavor of the Wedding Cake Cupcakes in distinct ways.
- Salt – While it may seem counterintuitive, salt enhances the overall flavor of your Wedding Cake Cupcakes without making them salty. It balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the cake.
- Unsalted Butter – For Wedding Cake Cupcakes, unsalted butter is ideal because it adds flavor and moisture. If you use salted butter, reduce the salt in the recipe by half to maintain the proper flavor balance in your Wedding Cake Cupcakes.
- Granulated Sugar – Granulated sugar adds the perfect level of sweetness and moisture to your Wedding Cake Cupcakes. Using white sugar is key to achieving the light color of traditional wedding cakes. Substituting it with brown or cane sugar could affect both the texture and color of your Wedding Cake Cupcakes.
- Vanilla Extract – Vanilla extract is a must for Wedding Cake Cupcakes. It imparts the signature flavor associated with wedding cake, helping to create that rich and familiar taste.
- Egg Whites – For the best Wedding Cake Cupcakes, use six large egg whites (about 180 grams or ¾ cup). The egg whites provide structure and a light, airy texture. Both carton egg whites and fresh egg whites work perfectly for this recipe.
- Milk – Whole milk is recommended for Wedding Cake Cupcakes to achieve the ideal moisture level and soft crumb. While lower-fat milk can work, it might lead to drier cupcakes that could lose some of the moistness and fluffiness.
Expert Tips for Perfect Wedding Cake Cupcakes
Room Temperature Ingredients Are Key: One of the most important steps to ensuring your wedding cake cupcakes turn out perfectly is to use room temperature ingredients, particularly eggs and butter. When these ingredients are at room temperature, they blend together more smoothly, creating a batter with a consistent texture. Cold butter can cause the batter to become lumpy, while cold eggs can result in uneven mixing. Allowing these ingredients to come to room temperature ensures that they emulsify properly, leading to a light and fluffy cupcake with a fine crumb. A good rule of thumb is to take your eggs and butter out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you begin baking.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: While it may be tempting to mix the batter thoroughly to ensure everything is fully combined, overmixing can actually harm the texture of your cupcakes. When you mix too much, you incorporate more air into the batter, which can lead to dense cupcakes. The key is to mix the wet and dry ingredients together just until they are incorporated. Once the flour is added, it’s best to fold the batter gently with a spatula or mix on low speed to avoid activating the gluten in the flour, which can make the cupcakes tough. A light hand is essential for achieving that airy, delicate crumb that everyone loves in a wedding cake cupcake.
Sift Your Dry Ingredients: Sifting is often an overlooked step, but it’s crucial for creating the perfect texture in your wedding cake cupcakes. Sifting your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter and free from clumps. This process allows the ingredients to integrate smoothly, preventing pockets of flour from forming in the batter and helping to achieve an even rise. Sifting also aerates the flour, which results in a lighter, fluffier cupcake. Though a simple step, it can have a significant impact on the final result.
Cool Completely Before Frosting: One of the most common mistakes when decorating cupcakes is applying frosting while the cupcakes are still warm. When you apply frosting to warm cupcakes, it can cause the frosting to melt, resulting in a runny mess that’s not only unappealing but also hard to work with. To prevent this
Always allow your cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before you start frosting. This ensures that the frosting will stay firm and hold its shape. Cooling also helps the cupcake set, which can improve the overall texture and flavor. Ideally, wait at least 30 minutes after baking before you begin frosting. This step will ensure your cupcakes are not only visually appealing but also have the perfect texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underbaking or Overbaking: It’s important to watch your cupcakes closely while they bake. Underbaking can leave them gooey in the middle while overbaking can make them dry and crumbly. To avoid both, check your cupcakes a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. Place a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cupcakes are finished baking!
Folding the Egg Whites Too Roughly: When adding the beaten egg whites to the batter, be gentle. Roughly mixing or stirring too hard can deflate the egg whites, which helps make the cupcakes light and fluffy. Fold them in slowly and carefully, using a spatula to maintain the airiness of the batter.
Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to become lumpy and prevent it from mixing properly. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes before you begin, so they blend seamlessly into the batter for a smooth, even texture.
Variations to Try
Lemon Wedding Cake Cupcakes: Add a bit of lemon zest to the cupcake batter for a fresh, citrusy twist. Pair with a lemon buttercream frosting for extra zing.
Chocolate Wedding Cake Cupcakes: Swap some of the cake flour for cocoa powder for a rich, chocolate-flavored version of your wedding cupcakes. A chocolate ganache frosting would complement the flavor beautifully.
Buttercream Flavor Combinations: Try experimenting with different flavor extracts in the frosting. Hazelnut, raspberry, or even lavender can add a unique flair to your cupcakes.
Serving Suggestions
Wedding cake cupcakes are wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. You can display them on a multi-tiered cupcake stand for a modern look, or arrange them on rustic wooden platters for a more relaxed atmosphere. For a classic touch, add decorative toppers or edible flowers that match your wedding’s color palette.
How to Store Wedding Cake Cupcakes
To store wedding cake cupcakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store them for a longer period, they can be refrigerated for up to 1 week. Always allow cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze cupcakes. Individually wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, store them in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cupcakes at room temperature before frosting.
FAQ: Wedding Cake Cupcakes
Are cupcakes ok for a wedding?
Absolutely! Wedding cake cupcakes offer a unique and modern twist on the traditional wedding cake. They can be personalized and are easy to serve, making them a great choice for a wedding dessert.
How many cupcakes for a 100 person wedding?
For a wedding with 100 guests, consider preparing about 120 cupcakes to ensure there’s enough for everyone, with a few extra in case guests want more.
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Wedding Cake Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 6 large egg whites
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Cupcake Batter
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin trays with paper liners, ensuring they’re ready to be filled with batter.
- In a stand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Soft peaks are when the tips of the egg whites gently fold over when the beaters are lifted.
- Gradually add ¼ cup of sugar to the egg whites, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This will give your cupcakes a light and airy texture. It will take around 1 minute to achieve this.
- Transfer the beaten egg whites into a separate bowl and set aside.
Mix the Butter and Sugar
- In the same stand mixer (no need to clean it), beat together the remaining ¾ cup sugar and 2/3 cup butter on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, which should take around 1 minute.
- Add in clear vanilla extract and almond extract, mixing them in until well combined.
Add the Dry Ingredients and Milk
- Use a separate bowl to sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together. This helps ensure a smooth and consistent batter.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients and milk into the butter mixture, alternating between the two. Begin by adding about ¼ of the dry ingredients, followed by ¼ of the milk, and continue alternating until everything is combined. Be sure to mix on low speed to prevent overworking the batter.
Fold in the Egg Whites
- Carefully fold ⅓ of the beaten egg whites into the batter. This lightens the mixture and makes it easier to incorporate the rest of the egg whites without losing volume.
- Once the first third is incorporated, fold in the remaining egg whites gently, ensuring that the batter remains light and fluffy.
Bake the Cupcakes
- Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin trays, filling each liner about 2/3 of the way full.
- Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool completely before frosting.
Make the Frosting
- In the stand mixer, beat 1 cup of softened butter on low speed until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar in increments of ½ cup, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Raise the speed to medium-high and beat for about 1 minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, then mix for another minute to get the perfect consistency.
Frost the Cupcakes
- Once your cupcakes are completely cool, pipe the frosting onto each one, creating a smooth, elegant swirl on top. You can use a simple round piping tip or get creative with a star tip for added texture.
Tell Us about your experience!
Thank you, This was easy to make and was delicious