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Cosmic Galaxy Chocolate Cupcakes

Rich, moist chocolate cupcakes topped with a stunning, vibrant galaxy-swirled vanilla buttercream and edible glitter.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Modern
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cupcakes
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 0.5 cup hot water or hot coffee
Galaxy Buttercream Frosting
  • 1.5 cups unsalted butter softened
  • 4-5 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 0.25 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 0.125 tsp salt
  • 1 dash gel food coloring navy blue, purple, pink, yellow
  • 1 pinch edible luster dust optional

Equipment

  • Muffin pan
  • Cupcake liners
  • Mixing bowls
  • Piping bag with large star tip
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line a 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners.
  2. Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, vanilla, and buttermilk. Add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  4. Carefully stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. It will be thin.
  5. Fill liners halfway and bake 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
  7. Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until fluffy.
  8. Divide frosting into four bowls. Color them navy blue, purple, pink, and leave one plain or yellow.
  9. Pipe thick lines of each color side-by-side onto plastic wrap. Roll into a log and snip the end.
  10. Place the log into a piping bag with a star tip. Swirl the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
  11. Decorate with edible luster dust or edible glitter stars.

Notes

Gel food coloring is highly recommended over liquid drops to achieve vibrant colors without watering down your buttercream.