Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of eating a cupcake that looks like it belongs among the stars, Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are your ticket to sweet, starry bliss! Imagine fluffy chocolate cake hugged by ooey-gooey bits of Milky Way bars and a gooey caramel center, all crowned with a swirled galaxy of magical buttercream in cosmic hues. These cupcakes deliver the enchanting chocolate-caramel combo we all love and are guaranteed to make any party feel out of this world.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by these mesmerizing looks: the ingredients for Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are simple, classic, and completely attainable. Each one plays a star role — whether for fudgy texture, creamy clouds of frosting, or those show-stopping swirls of color that make every bite feel cosmic.
- Chocolate cake mix: The base for tender, chocolaty cupcakes with minimal fuss.
- Milky Way candy bars: Chopped up, these add surprise gooey bites and unmistakable caramel-chocolate flavor.
- Caramel sauce: The luscious, gooey filling that takes each bite to the next level.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for a creamy, rich and stable galaxy frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Provides smooth sweetness to balance the butter in your icing.
- Heavy cream: Adds silkiness and structure to frosting, making it perfectly pipeable.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings all the frosting flavors together.
- Blue, purple, and black gel food coloring: These create striking, vibrant galaxy swirls on top.
- Edible glitter or stars: Optional, but they give that extra sparkle and magical, star-kissed effect.
How to Make Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes
Step 1: Prep and Line Your Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven according to your cake mix package and grabbing a muffin tin lined with cupcake wrappers. This not only keeps cleanup a breeze but preps your cupcakes for a smooth lift out later.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter and Add Milky Way Bars
Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to whip up a luscious batter. Gently fold in the chopped Milky Way bars — they’ll become hidden treasures of caramel and nougat in every bite.
Step 3: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds of the way. Slide them into the oven and bake per the box instructions (usually 18 to 22 minutes) until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Add Caramel Surprise
Let the cupcakes cool completely so your frosting won’t melt later. Then, use a small knife or cupcake corer to carve a small well in the middle of each. Drizzle or spoon in a teaspoon of caramel sauce before popping the cupcake tops back on.
Step 5: Make the Swirled Galaxy Frosting
In a large bowl, beat softened butter until fluffy. Blend in the powdered sugar gradually, then add heavy cream and vanilla for a dreamy, smooth buttercream. Divide into three bowls and tint with blue, purple, and black food coloring. Swirl these colors lightly together, scoop into a piping bag, and you’re ready for cosmic decorating!
Step 6: Frost and Finish
Pipe creative galaxy swirls onto each cupcake. For the final interstellar touch, dust with edible glitter or dot with tiny star sprinkles. Each Milky Way Galaxy Cupcake now looks like a mini slice of the night sky!
How to Serve Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes
Garnishes
Turn your Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes into a true showstopper with shimmery edible glitter, sugar stars, or even a light sprinkle of crushed Milky Way bar pieces. A few dots of white icing can mimic distant stars for an extra dazzling effect.
Side Dishes
Because these cupcakes are so rich and cosmic, pair them with simple sides like a glass of cold milk, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a hot cup of coffee. Their deep flavors also pop next to a bright fruit salad if you want something lighter on the table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a birthday or special celebration, arrange the Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes on a dark platter and scatter edible stars or tiny astronaut toppers around. You can even display them on a tiered stand sprinkled with glitter for the ultimate celestial centerpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen runs warm or if you top them with lots of caramel, stash them in the fridge to keep the frosting firm and fresh.
Freezing
To freeze, place unfrosted (or fully decorated, if you don’t mind a few smudges) Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then wrap each in plastic and transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months — just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
If your cupcakes are a bit chilly from storage, let them come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving frosted cupcakes, as that can melt your galaxy swirls. If you must warm unfrosted cakes, a quick 10-second zap in the microwave will bring back their just-baked softness.
FAQs
Can I make Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes with homemade cake batter?
Absolutely! Swap the box mix for your favorite homemade chocolate cupcake recipe. The real magic happens with the candy bar chunks and galaxy frosting, so go scratch if you like.
Which food coloring is best for vivid galaxy swirls?
Gel food coloring is your best friend for bright, vibrant colors that won’t water down your frosting. A little goes a long way, so start slow and build up to your preferred galaxy look.
What type Dessert
Both store-bought and homemade caramel sauce work great. Just make sure the sauce is thick enough that it doesn’t soak into the cupcake too quickly, so you keep that gooey center surprise.
How can I make these vegetarian-friendly?
Milky Way bars in some countries may contain non-vegetarian ingredients like gelatin. Be sure to double-check your candy bar labels and choose vegetarian alternatives if needed.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches as needed. Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are a hit at birthdays and celebrations, so making more is always a smart idea.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s deliciously creative and looks like it’s straight from the cosmos, give these Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes a try. I think you’ll fall in love with the blend of chocolate, caramel, and playful galactic colors — they always bring a sprinkle of wonder and a whole lot of smiles to the table!
Print
Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Milky Way Galaxy Cupcakes are a mesmerizing treat that will transport you to outer space with every bite. Rich chocolate cupcakes filled with gooey caramel, topped with swirls of galaxy-colored frosting, and shimmering edible stars, these cupcakes are as delicious as they are visually stunning.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1 cup chopped Milky Way candy bars (about 6 fun-size bars)
Frosting:
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Blue, purple, and black gel food coloring
- Edible glitter or stars for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the cupcakes: Preheat the oven according to the cake mix instructions and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Prepare the cake batter as directed on the box. Fold in the chopped Milky Way bars. Divide the batter evenly among the liners, filling each about ⅔ full. Bake as directed, typically 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Fill the cupcakes: Let cupcakes cool completely. Once cooled, use a small knife or cupcake corer to create a hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each center with about 1 teaspoon of caramel sauce, then replace the tops.
- Make the frosting: To make the frosting, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract until smooth. Divide frosting into three bowls and tint each with blue, purple, or black food coloring. Swirl the colors together slightly and transfer to a piping bag.
- Decorate the cupcakes: Pipe the galaxy frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Decorate with edible glitter or star sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- You can use homemade chocolate cake and caramel if preferred.
- For a stronger galaxy effect, add a few tiny white dots with white gel icing to mimic stars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
