SUGAR PLUM FAIRY CUPCAKES

Sugar Plum Fairy cupcakes are whimsical, colorful, and perfect for a holiday celebration or a “Nutcracker” themed party! Inspired by the magical world of sugar plums, these cupcakes are light, fruity, and often adorned with sparkling decorations to capture the enchanting essence of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a nutty, sweet flavor)
• ½ cup whole milk
• ½ cup plum or mixed berry jam (for filling, optional)

For the Plum Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons plum jam (or any berry jam, if plums aren’t available)
• 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream (for consistency)
• A pinch of salt
• Purple gel food coloring (optional, to match the theme)

For Decorating:

• Edible glitter or sugar crystals (for a magical sparkle)
• Fondant or candy stars
• Edible pearls or sprinkles
• Silver or gold dust (optional for extra shimmer)
• Mini sugar plums or candied fruit (optional)

Instructions:

Making the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with festive cupcake liners.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
4. Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Alternate dry ingredients and milk: Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, then mix in the milk. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely.

Filling the Cupcakes (optional):

1. Core the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are cooled, use a cupcake corer or small knife to remove the center of each cupcake.
2. Fill: Spoon about 1-2 teaspoons of plum or berry jam into the center of each cupcake, then place the cupcake tops back on.

Making the Plum Buttercream:

1. Cream the butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
2. Add powdered sugar and jam: Gradually add the powdered sugar and plum or berry jam. Beat until light and fluffy.
3. Adjust consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
4. Add food coloring: If you want a festive purple hue, mix in a drop of purple gel food coloring until the frosting is a soft pastel color.

Decorating the Cupcakes:

1. Frost the cupcakes: Pipe or spread the plum buttercream onto the cupcakes in swirls, giving them a whimsical, fairy-tale look.
2. Add sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals for a magical shimmer.
3. Add finishing touches: Top with fondant stars, edible pearls, or sprinkles. For extra flair, you can dust them with silver or gold edible dust.
4. Optional garnishes: Garnish with mini sugar plums or candied fruits to complete the Sugar Plum Fairy theme.

These Sugar Plum Fairy cupcakes are sweet, magical, and sure to delight everyone at your holiday or themed party! They’re a perfect combination of elegant decoration and delicious fruity flavor.