Easy Bunny Cupcakes

Celebrate springtime with these adorable and delicious Easy Bunny Cupcakes. Perfect for Easter gatherings or any festive occasion, these cupcakes combine a light, citrusy flavor with whimsical bunny ear decorations made from marshmallows. Their cheerful design and delightful taste make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both children and adults.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat. By using a boxed cake mix enhanced with fresh lemon, they save time while still delivering homemade flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet cupcakes, and the simple marshmallow ear decoration turns each treat into a charming bunny. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a festive dessert table, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lemon Cupcakes:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• Zest of 3 lemons
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup oil

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Bunny Ears:

• 20–24 large marshmallows
• Pink sprinkles

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, sift the cake mix to remove any lumps.
3. Add the eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, milk, sour cream, and oil to the mix. Stir until smooth.
4. Fill the cupcake liners about 3/4 full.
5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
7. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Mix in the vanilla extract.
9. Cut marshmallows diagonally using scissors. Press the sticky side into pink sprinkles to form bunny ears.
10. Frost each cupcake and place two marshmallow ears on top.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: About 24 cupcakes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Variations

• Different Citrus: Try using orange or lime instead of lemon for a new twist.
• Alternative Frosting: Use vanilla buttercream or chocolate frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Decorative Flair: Add shredded coconut on top of the frosting for a fuzzy bunny look.
• Diet-Friendly Options: Use a gluten-free cake mix and plant-based cream cheese and butter for dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw before decorating.
• Reheating: Let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature before serving for best taste.

FAQs

How can I prevent marshmallows from sticking to the scissors when cutting?

Lightly coat the scissors with cooking spray or dip them in warm water before cutting.

Can I use a homemade cake batter?

Yes, you can substitute a homemade white or yellow cake batter if preferred.

What kind of sprinkles work best for the ears?

Fine pink sanding sugar or small pink sprinkles create the best visual effect for bunny ears.

Can I make these cupcakes a day ahead?

Yes, bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them unfrosted for best results. Frost and decorate the day of serving.

Are there alternatives to using marshmallows?

Yes, fondant or wafer paper can be shaped into ears as an alternative.

How do I get smooth frosting?

Use an offset spatula to evenly spread the frosting. For extra smoothness, chill the frosting slightly before use.

Can I decorate them differently?

Absolutely. Add candy eyes, jelly beans for noses, or coconut for texture to personalize your bunnies.

How should I transport decorated cupcakes?

Place them in a cupcake carrier or deep container to avoid damaging the decorations.

How long can the frosting be stored?

Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Can I color the frosting?

Yes, you can use gel food coloring to tint the frosting any color you like.

Conclusion

Easy Bunny Cupcakes offer the perfect combination of fun, flavor, and festive charm. With minimal effort, you can create a delightful dessert that captures the spirit of spring and brings smiles to any celebration. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying cupcakes for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress.

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