How To Make Piñata Cupcakes

Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles

You guys how is it almost May?! This year is flying by and since Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner I thought some piñata cupcakes were in order! They are so festive and super simple to make! I’ll let you in on a little secret to make them even easier: use a boxed mix! I know, bad baking blogger! But they are just so quick and have the perfect dome and light, airy texture. You can use any flavor (I used vanilla for this post). Once they are cooled, use a knife to carve a hole about 1″ deep. As you’ll see in the photos below you don’t want to get too close to the edges. Leave about a 3/4″ border, but it doesn’t need to be exact.

Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles

Now the fun part: sprinkles!! This colorful sprinkle mix from Neon Yolk worked perfectly for this recipe! The mix of smaller and larger shapes really stand out when you cut (or bite) into the cupcakes. They look very piñata-like with a variety of “prizes” inside. You could also use mini chocolate chips, candy pieces or any other mini, edible treat! After you fill the hole place the carved section back on top (it helps if you cut some of the pointed end off). Next we top it with buttercream! I used my go-to vanilla buttercream, which you can find below, and colored it pink with this “Dusty Rose” food coloring for a festive, spring look. Pipe the buttercream on top of the cupcake like you normally would, making sure the carved section is hidden. Ta da! Now you can add a topper or sprinkles, then serve and surprise your friends! See? Much easier than it looks.

Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles

[one_half padding=”0 10px 0 0″]Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles[/one_half]

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Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles

Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles

Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles

Piñata Cupcakes with Neon Yolk sprinkles

Vanilla Buttercream

This is my go-to buttercream recipe! It's sweet, creamy and easy to customize with other flavors or food coloring. 

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt to taste
  • food coloring optional

Instructions

  1. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. 

  2. Add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract and salt. Mix on medium until combine. Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Add food coloring if desired. Beat on high for an additional minute. 

  3. Transfer to piping bag fitted with your favorite decorating tip. Enjoy!