Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup animal crackers, crushed
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
Special equipment needed:
- Cupcake liners
- Cupcake pan
- Electric mixer
- Food processor or plastic bag and rolling pin
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. In a food processor or plastic bag with a rolling pin, crush the animal crackers until they are in small pieces.
7. Fold the crushed animal crackers and rainbow sprinkles into the cupcake batter.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 18-20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
12 cupcakes
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 170mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole milk can be substituted with any type of milk or non-dairy milk.
- Rainbow sprinkles can be substituted with any type of sprinkles or omitted.
Variations:
- Use different types of animal crackers for a different flavor.
- Add a cream cheese frosting on top of the cupcakes for an extra sweet touch.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the butter is at room temperature before starting to mix.
- Do not overmix the batter or the cupcakes will be tough.
- Crush the animal crackers into small pieces for the best texture.
Storage instructions:
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Microwave the cupcakes for 10-15 seconds to warm them up before serving.
Presentation ideas:
Place the cupcakes on a decorative plate or cupcake stand.
Garnishes:
Top the cupcakes with additional animal crackers or rainbow sprinkles.
Pairings:
Serve the cupcakes with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These cupcakes are a dessert and do not require a side dish.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cupcakes are too dry, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the batter.
- If the cupcakes are too moist, try reducing the amount of milk in the batter.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before starting to bake. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to prevent contamination.
Food history:
Animal crackers were first introduced in the late 1800s and were originally sold as a Christmas novelty item. They became popular as a snack for children and are now a classic American treat.
Flavor profiles:
These cupcakes are sweet and have a vanilla flavor with a crunchy texture from the animal crackers.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these cupcakes as a fun and festive dessert for a birthday party or special occasion.
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