Name: Malteser Bunny Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup hot coffee or hot water (enhances chocolate flavor); 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; ¼ cup malted milk powder (Ovaltine works great!); 1 tbsp cocoa powder; 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 12 Malteser Bunnies; Crushed Maltesers or malted milk balls; Chocolate sprinkles or extra cocoa powder for dusting

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Hop into Easter with these adorable and delicious Malteser Bunny Cupcakes! These cupcakes are the perfect balance of moist, fluffy cake, creamy frosting, and a fun, festive bunny decoration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking to bake with the kids, or just want to treat yourself, these cupcakes will bring smiles all around. Light, fluffy, and topped with chocolatey Malteser “bunny ears,” these treats are a sweet and fun twist on your classic cupcake recipe.

Why You’ll Love Malteser Bunny Cupcakes

Here’s why these cupcakes will quickly become your Easter favorite:

Adorable & Fun: The bunny ears made from Maltesers are the perfect Easter touch, making these cupcakes as much of a visual treat as they are a delicious one.
Moist & Fluffy: The cupcakes themselves are soft and airy, a perfect base for the creamy frosting and Malteser topping.
Customizable: You can change up the frosting colors, the type of candy, or even the cupcake flavors to fit your own personal touch or party theme.
Simple Ingredients: Using easy-to-find ingredients, these cupcakes come together quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute Easter treat.
Kid-Friendly: These bunny cupcakes are not only fun to make, but they also get kids involved with the decorating. It’s a great way to let little ones join in on the baking fun!

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible Malteser Bunny Cupcakes:

Cupcake Base:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Baking soda
- Cocoa powder (for a rich chocolatey base, optional)
Frosting:
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Decoration:
- Malteser chocolate candies (for the bunny ears)
- Mini marshmallows (for the bunny’s face)
- Chocolate chips or melted chocolate (for the bunny’s nose)

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your cute and tasty Malteser Bunny Cupcakes:

Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
Make the Cupcake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder (if using). Add the softened butter and beat until the mixture is crumbly. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, milk, and baking soda. Mix until smooth.
Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Frosting:
In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add milk or cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until fluffy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes have cooled, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each one using a butter knife or piping bag. You want the frosting to resemble a smooth, fluffy “bunny tail” look.
Decorate the Bunny Faces:
Take two Maltesers and place them at the top of each cupcake to form the bunny ears. For the bunny’s face, place two mini marshmallows for the eyes, a small piece of chocolate or a chocolate chip for the nose, and use extra frosting or candy to add a mouth.
Chill & Serve:
Let the cupcakes chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes to firm up the frosting and decorations. Serve them up for a festive and fun Easter treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Malteser Bunny Cupcakes

These cupcakes are perfect for any Easter gathering! Here are some ideas to elevate your Easter table:

Easter Brunch or Party: These cupcakes make a delightful addition to any Easter brunch or party table. They’re the perfect way to add a little sweetness to your spread.
Easter Egg Hunt Treats: Serve them alongside your Easter egg hunt for a cute, delicious treat for kids and adults alike.
Dessert Table: These cupcakes look so cute when displayed as part of a larger dessert table. Pair with other Easter-themed treats like bunny-shaped cookies, cupcakes, or chocolates.

Additional Tips

Make-Ahead Option: Bake and frost the cupcakes a day before your event. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Decorate them with Maltesers just before serving.
Frosting Options: If you want to get creative with flavors, try adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, or almond extract to the frosting for a different twist.
Cupcake Variations: Feel free to swap the chocolate cupcake base for a vanilla or carrot cake version. These cupcakes are super versatile, so experiment with flavors!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought frosting instead of homemade?
A1: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought frosting works just as well. Just make sure to choose a flavor that complements the cupcakes.

Q2: How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
A2: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to also check that your baking powder is gluten-free.

Q3: Can I make these cupcakes a day ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can bake and frost the cupcakes the day before, then store them in an airtight container. Just add the Malteser decorations right before serving to keep them fresh.

Q4: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost when ready to serve.

Q5: How can I make these cupcakes more festive?
A5: You can add colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even mini chocolate eggs around the bunny ears for extra fun and flair!

Q6: Can I use a different candy for the bunny ears?
A6: Definitely! You can use any candy you like, such as chocolate-covered almonds, jelly beans, or even licorice sticks, to create your own bunny ears.

Q7: How do I store leftover cupcakes?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Q8: Can I make the cupcakes vegan?
A8: Yes, substitute the eggs with a flax egg and use a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk for the frosting and cupcake base.

Q9: Can I pipe the frosting instead of spreading it?
A9: Yes, piping the frosting will give the cupcakes a beautiful, professional look. Use a star tip for a fluffy, bunny tail effect!

Q10: Can I use regular Maltesers or another type of candy?
A10: While Maltesers are ideal for the bunny ears, you can use other chocolate candies or even mini marshmallows for a creative twist.

Conclusion

These Malteser Bunny Cupcakes are the perfect addition to your Easter celebration, offering a fun and delicious treat that everyone will love. With their cute bunny decorations and irresistible chocolate flavor, they’re sure to become a hit with guests of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just baking for fun, these cupcakes will add sweetness and charm to your Easter festivities! Enjoy and hop on the cupcake fun!