These adorable Bunny Cupcakes are perfect for spring! Topped with fluffy frosting and cute little bunny faces, they bring a smile to any gathering. Plus, they’re gluten-free!
Making these cupcakes is a hop, skip, and a jump! I love using colorful sprinkles for the ears—they add a fun touch. They’re so cute, it’s hard not to eat them all at once! 🐰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This blend is crucial for fluffy cupcakes. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by mixing rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. It works well for gluten-free baking!
Unsweetened Applesauce: It adds moisture and replaces some fat. For a richer flavor, you could swap it with mashed bananas or even yogurt, but watch out for the sweetness level!
Cream Cheese: This gives the frosting its creamy texture. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter option, or you could use buttercream if you’re not a fan of cream cheese flavor.
Shredded Coconut: This topping mimics bunny fur beautifully. If you’re not a coconut fan, you might try finely chopped nuts or leave it off altogether for a different look!
How Can I Ensure My Cupcakes Rise Properly?
Getting the right rise on gluten-free cupcakes can be tricky, but it’s all about balance with your ingredients. Make sure to measure the gluten-free flour accurately; using too much can make them dense.
- Soften your butter and cream cheese well before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend better, leading to a lighter batter.
- Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly, so the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed.
- Don’t overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients; just stir until combined to keep the cupcakes light.
How to Make Bunny Cupcakes (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cupcakes:
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For The Frosting:
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (as needed)
For The Topping:
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 6 large marshmallows (for bunny ears)
- Colored sugar (pink and blue) for decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and bake, plus additional time for cooling and decorating, which can take around 30 more minutes. So in total, you’ll need about 1 hour to make these cute Bunny Cupcakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cupcakes bake evenly. While the oven is warming up, line your cupcake tray with paper liners so you’re fully prepared for baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, making sure your cupcakes rise nicely.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix these ingredients together until everything is well blended. You want your mixture to be smooth and creamy!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t over-mix, or your cupcakes may become tough. The batter should be a bit lumpy, which is absolutely fine!
5. Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Scoop the batter and evenly distribute it among the lined cupcake holders, filling each about two-thirds full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing.
6. Bake the Cupcakes:
Place your cupcake tray in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick in the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
7. Make the Frosting:
While the cupcakes cool completely, prepare your frosting. In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and a little milk until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
8. Frost the Cupcakes:
Once the cupcakes are cool, generously frost them with your creamy frosting using a spatula or a piping bag. Get creative and have fun with how you want to frost them!
9. Add the Coconut:
Roll the frosted cupcakes in the shredded coconut to create a fluffy, fuzzy bunny fur effect. This gives them that adorable bunny look!
10. Create the Bunny Ears:
To make the ears, cut the marshmallows in half diagonally. Dip the sticky sides into the colored sugar to create pretty pink and blue tips. These will be perfect bunny ears!
11. Assemble the Cupcakes:
Gently insert two marshmallow halves sticky side up into the top of each cupcake to form the bunny ears. Position them however you like to create different bunny looks!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Bunny Cupcakes are ready to be served! Enjoy them at a party, holiday celebration, or just because—they’re sure to bring smiles to everyone!
Can I Substitute the Gluten-Free Flour?
Absolutely! If you’re not gluten-free, you can use regular all-purpose flour instead. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly if you switch to a different gluten-free blend. Always check if your substitute contains xanthan gum, and if not, add about 1 teaspoon to help with structure.
How Can I Make the Frosting Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free frosting, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a plant-based butter substitute. Also, ensure your powdered sugar is free from any animal products, which is usually the case but it’s good to double-check. Use almond milk or coconut milk in place of regular milk for the best flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cupcakes?
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. If you need to store them longer, consider freezing them without frosting!
Can I Use Other Toppings Instead of Coconut?
Definitely! If coconut isn’t your thing, try using crushed nuts, sprinkles, or edible glitter to decorate your bunny cupcakes. You can also use a different type of frosting to change up the flavor profile. Just keep it fun and colorful!
