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Perfect Sunflower Crown Leo Cupcakes

sunflower crown Leo cupcakes - featured image
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These cupcakes feature a moist buttery crumb topped with light, creamy frosting and decorated with cheerful sunflower crowns, perfect for celebrations and everyday joy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190g), sifted
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (7g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113g), softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • ½ cup whole milk (120ml), room temperature (can substitute almond or oat milk)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227g), softened (for frosting)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360g), sifted
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
  • Yellow gel food coloring, a few drops (optional)
  • Black licorice strings or chocolate sprinkles (for sunflower centers)
  • Yellow fondant or piped frosting petals (for sunflower crowns)
  • Edible gold dust or glitter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half the milk. Repeat, ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  6. Spoon batter into cupcake liners, filling about two-thirds full. This yields 12 cupcakes.
  7. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  9. For frosting, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until smooth and fluffy.
  11. Mix in vanilla extract and yellow gel food coloring until desired sunflower hue is achieved.
  12. Fill a piping bag fitted with a petal tip with frosting. Pipe sunflower petals starting from the center outward.
  13. Use black licorice strings or chocolate sprinkles to form the sunflower center. Optionally, dust with edible gold glitter.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cupcakes tender. Practice piping sunflower petals on parchment paper before decorating. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10 minutes before piping. Fresh baking powder ensures good rise.

Nutrition

Keywords: cupcakes, sunflower crown, frosting, baking, dessert, easy recipe, celebration, homemade cupcakes

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/perfect-sunflower-crown-leo-cupcakes-easy-recipe-for-radiant-treats/