Candy Cane Cupcakes Recipe

If you’re looking to bring a festive twist to your holiday baking, these Candy Cane Cupcakes are an absolute showstopper. They combine the delightful softness of peppermint-infused cupcakes with a luxuriously smooth, minty buttercream frosting, creating a perfect balance of sweet and refreshing flavors. The charming red and white swirls mimic classic holiday candy canes, making them not only delicious but also irresistibly cute. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, a festive party, or simply craving a seasonal treat, these cupcakes will make your celebrations extra special with their merry spirit and mouthwatering taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a beautifully balanced flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from the tender crumb of the cupcakes to the creamy, minty frosting’s perfect consistency and festive color.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base that provides structure and tenderness.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Essential for keeping the cupcakes light and fluffy.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors.
• Unsalted butter, room temperature (10 tablespoons): Adds richness and moistness to the batter.
• C&H® Granulated Pure Cane Sugar (1 cup): For sweetness and a crumbly texture.
• Large egg whites (4): Provide structure without heaviness, making the cupcakes soft.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A subtle warmth that complements the peppermint.
• Peppermint extract (1 teaspoon): The star flavor that gives these cupcakes their holiday magic.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
• Cocoa powder (1/2 teaspoon): Deepens the red color for a richer visual appeal.
• Red food coloring: Brings that iconic Candy Cane Cupcakes look to life.
• Vegetable shortening (3/4 cup): Creates a smooth, glossy frosting with perfect pipability.
• C&H® Confectioners Sugar (4 1/2 to 5 cups): Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to the perfect consistency.
• Milk or heavy cream (5 to 8 tablespoons): Adjusts the frosting’s creaminess to your liking.
• Mini candy canes (optional): Delightful, festive decoration to crown each cupcake.

How to Make Candy Cane Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and lining your muffin pans with paper liners—this step sets the stage for perfectly baked cupcakes. Mix your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—in a bowl so that everything is evenly combined. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until fluffy and pale, which helps airy cupcakes. Then blend in the egg whites, vanilla, and peppermint extracts, making sure the peppermint shines through for that distinctive Candy Cane Cupcakes flavor.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Milk

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk to the butter mixture in batches, so the batter doesn’t overmix. Your batter will be smooth with just the right amount of moisture, hinting at the tender crumb to come. Dividing the batter evenly will allow you to add cocoa powder and red food coloring to half of it, creating that festive swirl effect.

Step 3: Layer the Batter in Muffin Cups

Now comes the fun technique part. Alternate spooning scant tablespoons of white and red batter into each muffin cup in a layered pattern: white, red, white, red. This creative layering is what gives these Candy Cane Cupcakes their signature look. Don’t worry about perfection; the swirls will bake into charming holiday patterns.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the cupcakes for 16 to 22 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell like peppermint heaven. Cooling completely on a wire rack ensures the cupcakes hold their shape when frosted, so be patient—it’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Whip Up the Peppermint Buttercream

Beat the shortening until silky smooth, then gradually add confectioners sugar with milk, vanilla, peppermint extract, and salt. For the red frosting, mix in cocoa powder and a touch of red food coloring. This two-tone buttercream lets you pipe stunning peppermint swirls on top, bringing the Candy Cane Cupcakes to life. If you prefer, simply spread the frosting in one color for a quick, still delicious alternative.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Using piping bags, pipe swirled patterns of red and white frosting on the cooled cupcakes, creating that beautiful candy cane swirl tribute. Finish by adding a mini candy cane as a festive touch. It’s a simple step that makes these cupcakes irresistible at holiday gatherings.

How to Serve Candy Cane Cupcakes

Garnishes

Adding mini candy canes on top not only looks festive but gives a slight crunch and extra peppermint punch to each bite. You might also consider crushed peppermint candies sprinkled lightly for a sparkly, crunchy contrast that elevates the seasonal vibe of your Candy Cane Cupcakes.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cupcakes with a warm mug of hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha makes for a cozy holiday treat. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can add a hint of brightness to balance the sweetness, turning your cupcake moment into a memorable holiday indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these cupcakes on a tiered holiday dessert stand for a delightful centerpiece or wrapped individually in clear cellophane tied with red and white ribbons for charming edible gifts. You can even display them alongside other Christmas treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark to create a festive sweets table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Candy Cane Cupcakes keep well when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigeration extends their life up to three days without drying them out, but always bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy their full flavor and soft texture.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully, making them a perfect make-ahead holiday treat. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container to maintain freshness for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before unwrapping.

Reheating

To refresh frozen cupcakes after thawing, warm them gently in a microwave or a low oven for a few seconds, but avoid heating too long as it may melt the frosting. This quick warm-up will bring back that just-baked softness and make your Candy Cane Cupcakes taste like they were pulled fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I make Candy Cane Cupcakes without peppermint extract?

You can omit peppermint extract, but it’s the essence of this recipe’s signature holiday flavor. Without it, the cupcakes will be tasty but miss that classic candy cane zing.

What if I don’t have red food coloring?

Natural alternatives like beet juice or powdered freeze-dried strawberries can add a pinkish hue, though the iconic red swirl might be lighter. The cocoa powder in the recipe helps deepen the color, even with less food dye.

Can I substitute butter for shortening in the frosting?

Yes, but shortening keeps the frosting whiter and gives it a silkier texture. Butter will add a lovely flavor but can slightly yellow the frosting and change the consistency.

Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a binder to maintain structure similar to traditional flour.

How do I get the perfect swirl effect with two frosting colors?

Divide your white and red frostings into separate piping bags, then place both bags inside a third piping bag fitted with a star tip. When you pipe, you’ll get beautiful swirled frosting on top of each cupcake effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

These Candy Cane Cupcakes are truly a festive delight that combine flavor, fun, and charm all in one bite. Baking them fills your kitchen with holiday cheer, and sharing them with loved ones creates warm memories you’ll treasure all season. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why Candy Cane Cupcakes are an absolute favorite at every holiday gathering.