Popcorn cupcakes are such showstoppers and the perfect addition to any circus-themed party you might have planned for the kids. Topped with marshmallows and some yellow color mist, these circus cakes are easier to make than you think.
Popcorn Cupcakes Recipe – Circus Cakes
I am such a fan of cupcakes. Cupcakes with cream fillings, maple bacon cupcakes, carrot cake cupcakes, black forest cupcakes, penguin cupcakes made with Oreos, gluten free cookies and cream cupcakes, strawberry cheesecake cupcakes… and more. I can go on and on!
Popcorn desserts are usually salty, but this treat is anything but. Ooey gooey and delicious with every bite, these delicious and adorable creations will have everyone falling in love with every detail. I mean – who doesn’t love marshmallows?
The best part is that these big top cupcakes don’t really look like they are made with marshmallows! Once assembled together, it really does look like a popcorn topper. Especially once you have the carnival cupcake holder underneath it. It truly does come together.
You can make your movie-themed cupcakes from scratch, but this post is more about decorating than it is about showing you a new recipe for cake. So, for your shopping list, throw in a box of cake mix and call it day.
Circus Cakes Ingredients:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 3 egg whites
- 1 1/4 C water
- 1/3 C canola oil
Vanilla Frosting Ingredients:
- 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 C powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2-4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
Popcorn Cupcakes Decorating Ingredients:
- 1 bag mini marshmallows
- Scissors
- Wilton yellow color mist
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Popcorn Cupcakes:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Using a standing mixer, mix all popcorn cupcake ingredients together until combined.
Follow the cupcake directions as listed on the back of the cake box. Fill liners 3/4 of the way and bake in the oven for 21 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Empty the bag of mini marshmallows into a large bowl. Begin making marshmallow “popcorn”. Using your scissors, snip the top half of each marshmallow 3 to 4 spots.
Doing this will make them look like freshly popped popcorn kernels. Set the prepped marshmallows aside.
Movie Themed Frosting Directions:
Using a standing mixer, combine all ingredients until creamy and stiff peaks form. Scoop into a piping bag with a medium star tip.
Pipe frosting onto the cupcakes. Begin sticking the “popcorn” onto the frosting to make it look like a mound of “popcorn”. Once done sticking on the popcorn, spray spots yellow to make it look like butter.
This popcorn dessert is so much fun and just perfect for the Dumbo movie.
Is Real Popcorn Used In These Cupcakes?
No! The popcorn is actually marshmallows! So much fun. But if you’d like, you could put a few pieces of popcorn on the cupcakes to give it that crunchy texture that popcorn lovers crave. It will just give this dessert an entirely different feel and taste.
Decorating Your Cupcakes: Bringing the Circus to Life
Here are ten suggestions for decorating cupcakes to match the popcorn theme:
- Marshmallow Popcorn Topping: Use mini marshmallows to mimic popcorn. You can snip them to look more like popcorn kernels.
- Yellow Food Coloring Spray: Lightly spray the marshmallows with yellow food coloring to give them a buttery appearance.
- Edible Glitter: Add some sparkle to your ‘popcorn’ with a touch of edible glitter.
- Red and White Cupcake Liners: Use liners that resemble popcorn bags for added effect.
- Circus Tent Toppers: Create or buy toppers that look like circus tents.
- Candy Accents: Use candy pieces to add color and fun.
- Circus Animal Toppers: Add small edible circus animal toppers for a playful touch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of melted chocolate over the top for a gourmet twist.
- Theme-Related Sprinkles: Use sprinkles in colors that match the Dumbo or circus theme.
- Customizable Flags: Insert small flags that can be personalized for a party or event.
These suggestions will help create a visually appealing and thematic cupcake that’s perfect for a circus-themed party or a Dumbo movie night.
Recipe Variations
- Flavored Popcorn: Try caramel or cheese-flavored popcorn instead of regular for a unique twist.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Use gluten-free flour and vegan substitutes for dairy and eggs to cater to dietary restrictions.
- Mini Cupcakes: Create bite-sized versions for easier serving at events.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add chocolate chips to the batter and top with chocolate drizzle.
- Fruit Infusion: Incorporate fruit flavors, like strawberry or lemon, into the cupcake batter or frosting for a fresh twist.
- Savory Twist: Experiment with a savory cupcake base, like cornbread, for a different take.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
- Candy-Filled Center: Insert a small piece of candy or chocolate inside the cupcake before baking for a sweet surprise.
- Themed Toppers: Use different themed toppers, like animals or characters, to match various party themes.
These variations can add creativity and cater to different tastes and occasions.
How To Host a Dumbo-Themed Movie Night For The Kids
To host a Dumbo-themed movie night for kids, consider these key elements:
- Decorations: Use circus-themed decorations like balloons, streamers, and posters of Dumbo.
- Themed Snacks: Serve snacks like popcorn cupcakes, peanuts, and cotton candy.
- Dress Code: Encourage kids to dress in circus attire or as their favorite characters from the movie.
- Pre-Movie Activities: Organize Dumbo-themed crafts or games to entertain the kids before the movie starts.
- Comfortable Seating: Arrange cozy seating with blankets and pillows for a comfortable movie-watching experience.
- Intermission Fun: Plan a brief intermission with themed activities or snacks.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with Dumbo-themed props for memorable pictures.
These ideas can create a magical and immersive experience for the kids, making the movie night memorable and enjoyable.
What do you think about these popcorn cakes? Something you’d like to try?!
Popcorn Cupcakes Recipe
Popcorn cupcakes are such showstoppers! Wait until you see. The Dumbo movie is soon to release and I thought it would be fun to celebrate with these adorable popcorn cupcakes. Dumbo 2019 is already pulling at my heartstrings.
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- * 1 box of white cake mix
- * 3 egg whites
- * 1 1/4 C water
- * 1/3 C canola oil
- Vanilla Frosting Ingredients:
- * 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- * 2 C powdered sugar
- * 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- * 2-4 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- Popcorn Dessert Decorating Ingredients:
- * 1 bag mini marshmallows
- * Scissors
- * Wilton yellow color mist
Instructions
Cupcake Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degree and line cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Using a standing mixer, mix all cupcake ingredients together until combined.
Follow the cupcake directions as listed on the back of the cake box. Fill liners 3/4 of the way and bake in the oven for 21 minutes. Remove cupcakes from the oven and allow to cool completely.
Empty the bag of mini marshmallows into a large bowl. Begin making marshmallow “popcorn”. Using your scissors, snip the top half of each marshmallow 3 to 4 spots.
Doing this will make them look like freshly popped popcorn kernels. Set the prepped marshmallows aside.
Frosting Directions:
Using a standing mixer, combine all ingredients until creamy and stiff peaks form. Scoop into a piping bag with a medium star tip.
Pipe frosting onto the cupcakes. Begin sticking the "popcorn" onto the frosting to make it look like a mound of "popcorn". Once done sticking on the popcorn, spray spots yellow to make it look like butter. This popcorn dessert is so much fun and just perfect for the Dumbo movie.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 264Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 141mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 18gProtein: 1g