Name: Snickers Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces devil's food cake mix; 3.4 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs (slightly beaten); 1 cup warm water; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 24-30 pieces Snickers Miniatures (frozen, plus more for topping); 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 1 cup shortening; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1.5 pounds confectioners sugar; 0.5 cup caramel topping (plus more for drizzling); 0.5 teaspoon fine sea salt

If you’re a fan of decadent desserts that blend chocolate, caramel, and a hint of peanut butter, then you are about to fall in love with these Snickers Cupcakes. These delightful treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a birthday party, celebrating a special milestone, or just indulging your sweet tooth. With a rich devil’s food cake base and a luscious frosting inspired by the famous candy bar, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the reasons why you’ll adore these cupcakes, the ingredients you’ll need, and how to create them step by step!

Reasons to Love Snickers Cupcakes

First and foremost, Snickers Cupcakes deliver all the beloved flavors of the iconic candy bar, but in a delightful cupcake form. Here are a few reasons to love them:

Irresistible Flavor Combination: Chocolate, caramel, peanuts, and a hint of vanilla create a mouthwatering blend.
Easy to Make: Using cake mix and pudding makes preparation a breeze.
Customizable: You can adjust the toppings and fillings to suit your preference.
Perfect for Sharing: These cupcakes are great for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.

Ingredient List

To create these delicious Snickers Cupcakes, you will need the following ingredients:

15.25 ounces devil’s food cake mix
3.4 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 cup warm water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
24-30 Snickers Miniatures, frozen, plus more for topping
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup shortening
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 ½ pounds confectioners sugar
½ cup caramel topping, plus more for drizzling
½ teaspoon fine sea salt

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before you begin, gather these essential tools:

Mixing Bowls: For combining your cake batter and frosting.
Muffin Tin: To bake your cupcakes.
Cupcake Liners: For easy removal and cleanup.
Electric Mixer: To make frosting preparation quick and easy.
Spoon or Piping Bag: For frosting your cupcakes beautifully.
Knife: To cut the Snickers candies for topping.

Mastering Snickers Cupcakes: How-To

Now that you have everything you need, let’s make these Snickers Cupcakes! Follow this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix. Add the sour cream, vegetable oil, slightly beaten eggs, warm water, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.

Step 3: Fill the Muffin Tin

Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about 2/3 full. Gently press a frozen Snickers Miniature into the center of each cupcake batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and shortening together until creamy. Gradually add the confectioners sugar, mixing until smooth. Add the pure vanilla extract, caramel topping, and fine sea salt, mixing until well combined and fluffy.

Step 6: Frost the Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, use a piping bag or a spoon to generously frost each cupcake with the caramel buttercream frosting.

Step 7: Add Toppings

Chop additional frozen Snickers Miniatures and sprinkle them on top of the frosted cupcakes. Drizzle extra caramel topping over the cupcakes for a beautiful finishing touch.

If You’re Out Of…

If you find yourself missing an ingredient, here are some alternatives you can consider:

Devil’s food cake mix: Use chocolate cake mix instead.
Sour cream: Greek yogurt can be a great substitute.
Vegetable oil: Canola oil or melted coconut oil works well.
Unsalted butter: Use margarine in equal amounts.
Shortening: You can substitute with additional butter for a richer flavor.

Learn from These Mistakes

Creating the perfect Snickers Cupcakes can be easy, but here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Not freezing the Snickers: Ensure the candies are frozen before adding them to the batter to prevent them from melting completely.
Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cupcakes.
Skipping the cooling process: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Using warm cupcakes for frosting: Frosting warm cupcakes can lead to a melted and messy presentation.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

These Snickers Cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week.
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting.
For reheating, place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm slightly before serving.

Questions People Ask

Can I use homemade cake mix instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make your cake mix from scratch, you can substitute your homemade chocolate cake recipe for the store-bought mix.

Can I make mini Snickers Cupcakes?

Yes! Simply use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time to about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

What can I use instead of caramel topping?

If you don’t have caramel topping, you can make a homemade caramel sauce or simply drizzle melted chocolate for a different flavor.

Can I use other types of candy for topping?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other candies like Reese’s Pieces, chopped Twix, or even crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combination.

Bring It Home

By now, you should be ready to whip up a batch of these delightful Snickers Cupcakes! With their rich chocolate base, creamy caramel frosting, and delightful crunch from the Snickers, they are bound to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, these cupcakes won’t disappoint.

So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate chocolate treat that captures all the deliciousness of Snickers in cupcake form. Happy baking!