Description
These Mermaid Cupcakes are whimsical and colorful with swirls of pastel buttercream, glittery sprinkles, and mermaid tail toppers. Perfect for birthday parties, beach-themed celebrations, or anytime you want to dive into a fun and enchanting dessert!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Vanilla Cupcakes
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- Gel food coloring (aqua, purple, teal – optional for batter)
- For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (teal, purple, pink – for pastel swirls)
- For Decoration (Optional)
- Edible glitter
- Mermaid tail toppers (fondant, chocolate molds, or edible paper)
- Pastel or pearl sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients alternating with milk, mixing just until combined.
- If desired, divide batter and tint with gel food coloring. Swirl gently in liners.
- Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- For frosting, beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla.
- Divide frosting into bowls and tint each with different colors.
- Add dollops of each colored frosting into a piping bag to create a swirl effect.
- Frost cooled cupcakes and decorate with mermaid tails, sprinkles, and edible glitter.
Notes
- Use gel coloring for vibrant hues without watering down batter or frosting.
- Make the cupcakes a day ahead and decorate the next day for best structure.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: ~28g
- Sodium: ~150mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Saturated Fat: ~11g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~37g
- Fiber: ~0g
- Protein: ~2g
- Cholesterol: ~50mg
