For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the frosting. A pinch of cinnamon in the cupcake batter enhances the 'king cake' flavor. Add a small plastic baby inside one of the cupcakes for a traditional King Cake surprise – but be sure to warn your guests!
King Cake Cupcakes
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PREP TIME30 mins
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COOK TIME15 mins
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TOTAL TIME1 hrs 20 mins
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SERVING12 People
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VIEWS42
Embrace the spirit of Mardi Gras with these delightful King Cake Cupcakes! Capturing the essence of the traditional treat, these cupcakes deliver the iconic vanilla-nutmeg-lemon flavor in a moist, cake-like form, adorned with festive colors. Skip the lengthy yeast dough process and dive straight into the celebration!
Ingridients
Adjust Servings
Nutrition
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Carbohydrate53 g
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Cholesterol31 mg
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Fiber0 g
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Protein3 g
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Saturated Fat7 g
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Sodium201 mg
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Sugar44 g
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Fat11 g
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Unsaturated Fat0 g
Follow The Directions
01
StepPreheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper cup liners. (5 minutes)
02
StepMake cupcakes: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. (2 minutes)
03
StepIn another large bowl, beat together 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer until well combined. (3 minutes)
04
StepAdd egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. (2 minutes)
05
StepAlternately add half of the flour mixture, all the buttermilk, and the remaining flour mixture, beating after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. (5 minutes)
06
StepSpoon batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. (5 minutes)
07
StepBake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes. (20 minutes)
08
StepCool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes. (35 minutes)
09
StepMeanwhile, make frosting. In a medium bowl, blend together cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, and lemon zest with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. (5 minutes)
10
StepGradually beat in powdered sugar until a spreading consistency is reached. (3 minutes)
11
StepSpread or pipe frosting over cooled cupcakes and decorate with luster dust and sanding sugars. (15 minutes)
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Sylvia Muller
Jun 20, 2025My kids loved helping me decorate these! Such a fun and easy recipe.
Robin Corkery
Jun 19, 2025I will definitely be making these again next year!
Verda Windler
Jun 1, 2025The lemon zest really brightens up the flavor. Delicious!
Buford Leannon
Mar 31, 2025I added a dash of cinnamon to the batter for extra warmth.
Elissa Jerde
Mar 29, 2025These are so much easier than making a full King Cake from scratch.
Arvel Schowalter
Jan 22, 2025The frosting is so creamy and tangy!
Rex Graham
Jan 13, 2025These cupcakes were a huge hit at our Mardi Gras party!