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
Circus Cupcakes Directions:
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.
Circus Cupcakes Are Perfect For Kids
By the way, these popcorn cupcakes would make a GREAT party addition if you are having a circus-themed birthday party! So, if you are looking for circus cupcakes, then this would WORK!
Circus birthday parties are super fun. It’s not all about Dumbo when it comes to popcorn. Popcorn works for many different occasions – like movie night! Think outside the box.
If you like popcorn, this is the treat for you!
Other Circus Ideas To Bring To The Party
If you are having a party that is revolving around the circus, you could also consider shaved ice, cotton candy, peanuts, and hotdogs! These are all very typical things that someone would pick up when heading to the three rings. Personally, I really like popcorn. So, I make sure I have a treat with some on hand… or ones that look like popcorn.
As far as activities are concerned, be sure to have face painting, tin can knock down games, a photo booth, and a ring toss. These ideas will keep the kids entertained for hours during movie night!
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