Name: Candy Cane Cupcakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1⅔ cups flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup oil; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 3 large egg whites (room temperature); 2 teaspoons peppermint extract; ⅓ cup milk; ¼ teaspoon red gel food coloring; 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 teaspoon peppermint extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk; ¼ teaspoon salt (optional); Crushed candy canes (peppermints, and peppermint kisses)

Candy cane cupcakes combine moist vanilla cake with creamy peppermint frosting for the perfect holiday treat. These festive cupcakes are easy to make and bring sweet holiday cheer to any celebration!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Candy Cane Cupcakes
Why You'll Love This Recipe for Candy Cane Cupcakes
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Candy cane cupcakes are a festive treat bursting with peppermint flavor and holiday cheer. These cupcakes combine moist vanilla cake with a swirl of peppermint frosting for the perfect Christmas dessert. Decorate them with crushed candy canes and sprinkles to make them extra special for parties or family gatherings. The recipe is quick and easy, making it a fun holiday baking project for everyone to enjoy.

This recipe is simple to make, with step-by-step photos and detailed directions to guide you. We’ve added pro tips and tricks to ensure your cupcakes turn out perfect every time. Plus, we answer all your frequently asked questions to help you bake with confidence!

More Recipes ⭐ Mint Brownies | Chocolate Peanut Butter Christmas Trees | Pumpkin Roll Cookies

Candy cane cupcakes are a delightful holiday treat that takes just thirty minutes to make. Their moist vanilla base and creamy peppermint frosting create the perfect festive dessert for parties and gatherings. Topped with crushed candy canes and sprinkles, these cupcakes bring holiday cheer to every bite. Bake them at home for an easy, fun way to impress your family and friends with a sweet, seasonal surprise!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Candy Cane Cupcakes recipe:

For The Cupcakes:

1⅔ cups of all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons of baking powder
½ teaspoon of baking soda
¼ teaspoon of salt
⅓ cup of vegetable oil
¾ cup of granulated sugar
3 large egg whites, room temperature
2 teaspoons of peppermint extract
⅓ cup of milk
¼ teaspoon of red gel food coloring

To Make The Peppermint Buttercream:

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon of peppermint extract
4 cups of powdered sugar
2 tablespoons of milk
¼ teaspoon of salt, optional

For the Optional Decorations:

Crushed candy canes, peppermints, peppermint kisses

Substitutions and Additions

It's simple to personalize your cupcakes by swapping ingredients and adding fun, festive extras! These easy changes make them uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Add Food Coloring: Mix red or green food coloring into the frosting to create a more vibrant and festive look.

Substitute Peppermint Extract: Use vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor twist in your Christmas candy cane cupcakes.

Substitute Crushed Candy Canes: Swap candy canes with crushed peppermint bark or holiday-themed sprinkles for a fun and colorful topping.

Add Chocolate Chips: Stir mini chocolate chips into the batter for a rich, chocolaty surprise in every cupcake bite.

How to Make Candy Cane Cupcakes

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and pictures to make perfect peppermint candy cupcakes. Check out the tips and tricks below for helpful ideas and extra guidance. Let’s get started and bake something amazing!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a standard muffin pan with twelve cupcake liners. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: Start by making the cupcake batter. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a whisk.

THIRD STEP: In a separate large bowl, whisk the oil and sugar until the sugar is fluffy.

FOURTH STEP: Add the egg whites and peppermint extract and whisk until combined, then pour in the milk and stir.

FIFTH STEP: Carefully fold in the flour mixture until everything is just mixed. Some small lumps are fine.

Pro Tip

Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. This may affect how much the cupcakes rise in the oven.

SIXTH STEP: Pour about a third of the batter into a separate bowl. Add the red gel food coloring and stir until it is evenly mixed.

SEVENTH STEP: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the white batter into each cupcake wrapper. Then, spoon 2 teaspoons of red batter over the white batter, and top off with 1 more teaspoon of white batter on top.

white batter placed in wrappers, red batter over the white

EIGHTH STEP: Bake the cupcakes for 13 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean. Place on a cooling rack to rest.

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your cupcakes at the lower end of the recommended baking time.

NINTH STEP: While the cupcakes are cooling, make the candy cane frosting. Cream the softened butter in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer.

TENTH STEP: Add the peppermint extract and gradually mix in the powdered sugar until the buttercream is thick.

Feel free to adjust the peppermint extract to your taste. Some extracts are stronger than others.

ELEVENTH STEP: Pour in the 2 tablespoons of milk to make the buttercream more creamy, then add the salt, if desired, to balance out the sweetness.

TWELFTH STEP: Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag with a large star tip, and pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Decorate with peppermints, crushed candy canes, or peppermint kisses.

Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled off before adding the buttercream. If the cupcakes are still warm, the frosting will melt.

Candy Cane Cupcakes decorated with peppermints and candy canes

How To Serve Candy Cane Cupcakes

These easy peppermint cupcakes are perfect for any celebration, especially during the holiday season. Whether for kids, adults, or festive gatherings, these cupcakes add a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Here are some fun ways to serve them:

Holiday Parties: Candy cane cupcakes are a show-stopping dessert for Christmas parties or winter celebrations. Their festive design and peppermint flavor match the season perfectly. Pair them with frozen hot chocolate or eggnog for a warm and cozy treat.
Family Gatherings: Kids and adults love these cupcakes, making them a hit at family dinners or holiday movie nights. Serve them with sugar cookies or a creamy Oreo milkshake for a fun dessert spread.
Gift Giving: Wrap these cupcakes in decorative boxes or tins for an easy homemade holiday gift. Their bright colors and sweet peppermint taste make them memorable. Include them with gingerbread truffles or homemade fudge for an irresistible dessert gift set.

Why You'll Love This Recipe for Candy Cane Cupcakes

Candy cane cupcakes are a favorite for so many festive reasons. Here’s why our readers adore this holiday dessert:

Festive Flavors and Fun: These cupcakes bring the holidays to life with their sweet vanilla base and refreshing peppermint frosting. Topped with crushed candy canes, they offer a delightful crunch that screams holiday cheer. Every bite feels like a celebration of the season, making them a staple for Christmas baking.
Perfect for Celebrations: Candy cane cupcakes are fun to bake, decorate, and share with friends and family. Their bright colors and classic peppermint flavor make them perfect for holiday parties or cozy nights at home. Kids love helping with the sprinkles and toppings, adding extra joy to the experience.
Simple Yet Stunning: This recipe keeps things simple but delivers a show-stopping dessert that feels bakery-worthy. The combination of flavors, textures, and festive design makes these cupcakes a standout treat. Their easy-to-follow instructions ensure success every time, so anyone can bake like a pro.

Christmas peppermint cupcakes are a delightful addition to your holiday traditions and are sure to be a favorite year after year!

Recipe FAQ

How can I crush candy canes without making a mess?
Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.

How do I keep the frosting smooth and creamy?
Use softened butter and powdered sugar, and mix at medium speed until light and fluffy for perfect frosting consistency.

What’s the best way to swirl the frosting?
Fill a piping bag with frosting and use a star tip to create a festive swirl on each cupcake.

How can I make my cupcakes extra moist?
Don’t overmix the batter, and bake just until a toothpick comes out clean to keep cupcakes soft and tender.

Candy Cane Cupcakes in a muffin pan and on a wooden surface

Serving FAQ

How many cupcakes with candy canes does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about twelve cupcakes, making it perfect for smaller gatherings or sharing during the holidays.

When should I add the crushed candy canes?
Add crushed candy canes right before serving to keep them crisp and prevent them from melting into the frosting.

Can I serve these candy cane cupcakes without frosting?
Yes, you can skip the frosting and dust the cupcakes with powdered sugar for a lighter but still festive treat.

What is the best way to display these cupcakes for a party?
Arrange your candy cane cupcakes on a tiered cupcake stand or a holiday platter to showcase their bright colors and festive toppings.

Storage FAQ

Keep your candy cane cupcakes fresh and delicious with these simple storage directions. From making them ahead to reheating leftovers, we’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to enjoy them anytime. Check out the answers below for the best ways to store and serve this festive treat.

Can I make candy cane cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cupcakes up to a day in advance and store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature.

What’s the best way to store leftover cupcakes?
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh. Enjoy them within two days.

Can I freeze candy cane cupcakes?
Yes, freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to one month. Add frosting and toppings after thawing.

How do I thaw and serve cupcakes?
Thaw frozen cupcakes at room temperature for a few hours. Frost and decorate them before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I refrigerate the frosting separately?
Yes, refrigerate the frosting in an airtight container for up to three days. Allow it to soften before spreading.