Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe

The Cosmic Swirl: A Dreamy Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe

Starry nights inspire bakers to create magical galaxy cupcakes that shimmer with cosmic wonder.

Dark chocolate bases provide the perfect backdrop for swirling purple and blue frosting designs.

Edible glitter and star sprinkles dance across these celestial treats, making each bite a delightful astronomical adventure.

Pastry enthusiasts love how these cupcakes capture the mesmerizing beauty of deep space.

Simple ingredients and creative techniques bring this galactic dessert to life with stunning visual appeal.

Bake these show-stopping cupcakes and watch eyes light up with pure delight.

Unleash your inner pastry artist and let these stellar treats transport you to a delicious universe of flavor.

Galaxy Cupcakes Where Every Bite Feels Magical

Galaxy Cupcakes Where Every Bite Feels Magical
  • Craft Colorful Culinary Magic: Transform ordinary baking into a vibrant, galaxy-inspired adventure with stunning swirled frosting and sparkly decorations.
  • Surprise Every Bite: Delight guests with unexpected star sprinkle centers that create a magical moment when cupcakes are first cut open.
  • Master Decorative Techniques: Learn professional piping methods like the plastic wrap technique and layered frosting bag approach, elevating home baking skills.
  • Perfect Party Showstopper: Wow crowds at birthdays, celebrations, or themed events with these visually stunning and deliciously moist cupcakes that look like edible cosmic art.

Galaxy Cupcakes Ingredient List For Dreamy Baking

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour, Sugar, Cocoa Powder: Core components that provide structure and sweetness to the cupcake base.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and develop proper texture.
  • Eggs: Provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender cupcake crumb.
  • Buttermilk: Adds richness and helps activate the leavening agents.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.
Coloring and Flavoring Ingredients:
  • Blue Food Coloring: Creates a galaxy-inspired color for the cupcake batter.
  • Buttercream Frosting: Serves as the base for creating galaxy-themed decorative colors.
Decorative Ingredients:
  • Pink, Purple, Blue Gel Food Coloring: Used to create multi-colored galaxy-inspired frosting.
  • Edible Glitter, Silver Star Sprinkles: Adds sparkle and cosmic texture to the cupcake decoration.
  • Star Sprinkles: Provides a surprise filling inside the cupcake center.

How To Make Galaxy Cupcakes Shine Brightly

How To Make Galaxy Cupcakes Shine Brightly

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set the oven to 320F (160C) for fan-forced or 356F (180C) for conventional.

Place cupcake liners in the tin, preparing 20 spots for your cosmic treats.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

Gather your dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Blend these ingredients thoroughly until they’re well combined.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Components

In a separate container, combine:
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Buttermilk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Blue food coloring

Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and integrated.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Slowly pour wet ingredients into dry mixture while mixing on low speed.

Stop and scrape bowl sides, then mix for an additional 20 seconds until the batter looks silky and uniform.

Step 5: Bake Cosmic Cupcakes

Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Cupcakes are ready when tops look slightly shiny and spring back when gently touched.

Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Create Surprise Center

Once cooled, use a cupcake corer or knife to remove centers.

Fill holes with star sprinkles for a delightful hidden surprise.

Step 7: Prepare Magical Frosting

Divide buttercream into three bowls.

Color each one:
  • Purple (mix pink and purple gel)
  • Blue
  • Pink

Mix colors thoroughly with a spatula.

Step 8: Layer Frosting Technique

Fit piping bag with Wilton 6B tip.

Place bag in tall cup.

Add teaspoon-sized dollops of each colored frosting, alternating colors until bag is slightly over half full.

Step 9: Plastic Wrap Magic

Alternative method: Pipe each colored frosting into separate bags.

Lay out plastic wrap, pipe color lines side by side.

Roll into log, twist ends, and snip one end.

Insert into piping bag with Wilton 6B tip.

Step 10: Decorate Stellar Cupcakes

Pipe frosting swirl on each cupcake, starting from outside edge and moving toward center.

Immediately sprinkle with edible glitter and silver star sprinkles before frosting sets.

Baker’s Tricks For The Perfect Galaxy Cupcakes

  • Select fresh, high-quality cocoa powder, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to enhance the cupcake's rich chocolate flavor and ensure a moist, delicious result.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender, light texture.
  • Check cupcakes at the 25-minute mark to prevent overbaking; use the bounce-back test or a toothpick to ensure they're perfectly cooked.
  • Use gel food coloring for intense, bright colors without altering the frosting's consistency; mix colors gradually for precise galaxy-inspired shades.

Fun Styles For Galaxy Cupcakes That Wow Guests

  • Vegan Galaxy Cupcakes: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and swap vegetable oil for coconut oil. Substitute dairy buttercream with cashew-based frosting for a cruelty-free galaxy treat.
  • Gluten-Free Cosmic Cupcakes: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, including food coloring and sprinkles.
  • Low-Sugar Stellar Treats: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free sprinkles and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining the magical galaxy theme.
  • Dairy-Free Space Cupcakes: Replace buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free margarine in frosting and choose plant-based food coloring for vibrant galaxy colors.

Galaxy Cupcakes Serving Ideas For Cosmic Celebrations

  • Cosmic Cupcake Companions: Pair these celestial treats with fun extras that elevate the galaxy theme.
  • Starry Night Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a deep blue or purple cocktail/mocktail like lavender lemonade or blueberry sparkler that complements the cupcake's color palette.
  • Celestial Serving Style: Display cupcakes on a dark slate or black platter with scattered silver edible stars to enhance the galactic aesthetic and create a dramatic presentation.
  • Stellar Party Complement: Perfect for astronomy-themed birthday parties, science events, or space-loving gatherings where these cupcakes become the delightful centerpiece dessert.

Store Galaxy Cupcakes To Keep Them Out Of This World

  • Store frosted galaxy cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their fresh taste and texture.
  • Keep unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days, ensuring they remain moist and delicious.
  • Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to preserve for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
  • Place a paper towel in the storage container to absorb excess moisture and prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy or losing their soft consistency.

FAQs

  • Are these cupcakes difficult to make?

No, these galaxy cupcakes are beginner-friendly. The recipe uses basic baking techniques and provides clear step-by-step instructions that even novice bakers can follow easily.

  • What makes the frosting look like a galaxy?

The frosting uses a color blending technique with purple, blue, and pink colors. By layering these colors in a piping bag or using the plastic wrap method, you create a beautiful swirled effect that mimics galaxy colors.

  • Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the blue food coloring. The cupcakes will still taste delicious, though they won’t have the blue color. If you want a vibrant look, consider using natural food colorings or adjusting the recipe to your preference.

Print
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Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe

Galaxy Cupcakes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cosmic Galaxy Cupcakes bring starry magic to dessert tables with deep chocolate bases swirled in mesmerizing midnight blue and purple frosting. Celestial sprinkles and edible glitter complete this interstellar sweet adventure you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/3 cups (430g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (265g) caster sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (125ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups (375ml) buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons blue food coloring

Frosting and Decorations:

  • 1 batch American buttercream or Swiss meringue buttercream
  • 2 drops deep pink food gel
  • 2 drops purple food gel
  • 2 drops sky blue food gel
  • Silver star sprinkles
  • Edible glitter
  • Galaxy or space themed sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 320F (160C) fan-forced or 356F (180C) conventional. Arrange 20 cupcake liners in tins.
  2. Sift dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Whisk wet ingredients in a separate container, combining eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and blue food coloring until thoroughly blended.
  4. Gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry mixture, mixing on low speed. Scrape bowl sides and mix for an additional 20 seconds to create a smooth batter.
  5. Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter. Bake for 30 minutes until tops appear glossy and spring back when gently touched. Transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
  6. Using a cupcake corer or knife, create a small cavity in each cooled cupcake. Stuff the centers with star sprinkles for a hidden surprise.
  7. Divide buttercream frosting into three bowls. Tint each portion with purple, blue, and pink gel colors, mixing thoroughly with a spatula.
  8. Prepare piping bag with Wilton 6B tip. Layer different colored frostings inside, alternating between purple, blue, and pink until bag is half full.
  9. Alternatively, use plastic wrap technique: pipe color lines side by side, roll into a log, twist ends, and insert into piping bag with Wilton 6B tip.
  10. Pipe frosting swirls on cupcake tops, starting from outer edge and moving inward. Immediately dust with edible glitter and silver star sprinkles before frosting sets.

Notes

  • Try alternative milk options like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version of these galaxy cupcakes.
  • Use natural food coloring derived from beetroot or butterfly pea flower for a more health-conscious approach to achieving vibrant colors.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature to create a smoother, more consistent cupcake batter that rises evenly.
  • Cool cupcakes completely before filling and frosting to prevent melting and maintain the intricate galaxy design.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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