Mini King Cupcakes Colored Sugar

These Mini King Cake Cupcakes bring all the festive magic of New Orleans' most beloved Mardi Gras tradition into perfectly portioned, bite-sized treats. Inspired by the iconic King Cake with its swirls of cinnamon and vibrant purple, green, and gold sugar, these cupcakes capture the spirit of Carnival season in every delightful bite. Whether you're celebrating Fat Tuesday or simply craving a taste of the Big Easy, these tender, cinnamon-kissed cupcakes topped with sweet glaze and colorful sanding sugar are sure to bring joy to any gathering.

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The beauty of these cupcakes lies in their simplicity and festive presentation. Unlike traditional King Cake, which can be large and challenging to transport, these mini versions are perfectly portable and party-ready. The tender vanilla-cinnamon cake base is swirled with a rich brown sugar and cinnamon filling, creating beautiful marbled patterns that peek through when you bite into them. Topped with a simple vanilla glaze and the signature tricolor sugar, each cupcake is a miniature work of edible art that honors the centuries-old King Cake tradition while making it accessible for modern celebrations.

Ingredients

• Cupcake Batter: 1 1/4 cups (160 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk at room temperature, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 large egg at room temperature, 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Cinnamon Swirl Filling: 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 2–3 tbsp (30–45 ml) milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Colored Sugar: 2 tbsp green sanding sugar, 2 tbsp purple sanding sugar, 2 tbsp gold/yellow sanding sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 24-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Filling

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the filling.

Step 6: Fill and Swirl

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each muffin cup. Top each with a small dollop (about 1/2 teaspoon) of cinnamon filling, then swirl gently with a toothpick.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool

Cool cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make and Apply Glaze

For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over cooled cupcakes.

Step 10: Decorate

Immediately sprinkle with alternating bands of green, purple, and gold sanding sugar for a traditional King Cake look. Allow glaze to set before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best swirl effect, use a toothpick to gently drag through the cinnamon filling in a figure-eight or circular motion—don't overmix or the pattern will disappear. Make sure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps create a smoother batter and more even texture. When drizzling the glaze, work quickly and decorate with the colored sugar immediately while the glaze is still wet to ensure the sugar adheres properly. If you want to include the traditional King Cake baby figure, insert it into the bottom of one cooled cupcake before glazing, and be sure to warn your guests about the surprise. A 24-cup mini muffin tin is essential for this recipe; standard cupcake tins will require adjusted baking times.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These cupcakes are wonderfully adaptable to different dietary needs and flavor preferences. For a dairy-free version, substitute the whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or another plant-based alternative, and use vegan butter in both the batter and filling. You can enhance the flavor profile by adding a touch of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a more traditional King Cake taste, or incorporate finely grated lemon zest into the batter for a bright citrus note. If you prefer a cream cheese frosting instead of the simple glaze, beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 2 tbsp butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 tsp vanilla until fluffy, then pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes. For a more indulgent version, add a cream cheese filling by piping a small amount into the center of each cupcake before adding the cinnamon swirl.

Serviervorschläge

These Mini King Cake Cupcakes are perfect for Mardi Gras parties, Fat Tuesday celebrations, or any festive gathering where you want to bring a taste of New Orleans tradition. Arrange them on a colorful platter decorated with purple, green, and gold beads or ribbons to enhance the Carnival theme. They pair beautifully with coffee for a morning treat, or serve them alongside sweet dessert wines, champagne, or festive cocktails like a Hurricane or Sazerac for an adult celebration. For a complete New Orleans-themed party spread, serve these cupcakes alongside other Louisiana favorites like beignets, pralines, or Bananas Foster. They're also wonderful for school celebrations, office parties, or as a portable dessert to bring to potlucks. Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days—just note that refrigeration may cause the colored sugar to bleed slightly.

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Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras for the first time or you're a seasoned Carnival enthusiast, these Mini King Cake Cupcakes offer a delightful way to honor tradition while enjoying a perfectly portioned treat. With their tender crumb, sweet cinnamon swirl, and festive sugar topping, they capture everything that makes King Cake special in a format that's easy to make, serve, and enjoy. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let these charming little cupcakes bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans straight to your kitchen. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Recipe FAQs

→ What ingredients create the cinnamon swirl inside these cupcakes?

The cinnamon swirl is made from melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon blended together and gently swirled into the batter before baking.

→ How is the colorful sugar applied on top?

After glazing the cooled cupcakes, alternating bands of green, purple, and gold sanding sugar are sprinkled on top to emulate traditional Mardi Gras colors.

→ Can these cupcakes be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute almond milk and plant-based butter to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor or texture.

→ What oven temperature and baking time are recommended?

Bake the cupcakes at 350°F (175°C) for 16 to 18 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

→ Is it necessary to swirl the cinnamon filling, or can it be left plain?

Swirling the cinnamon filling adds a distinctive layered flavor and visual appeal, but you may omit this step if preferred for a simpler taste.