A bright, small cupcake that looks like a sunflower and uses Oreo halves for the center.
introduction
These Oreo Sunflower Cupcakes mix a simple vanilla cake with buttercream and mini Oreo halves for a fun treat. If you like other Oreo sweets, try an easy Oreo bark recipe for more ideas.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a pretty and happy dessert. They look great on a plate and are easy to share. Kids and guests will smile when they see the sunflower design.
how to make Oreo Sunflower Cupcakes
Follow the simple steps below. Make the cake, make the buttercream, and pipe petals around an Oreo half to make each sunflower. If you like Oreo mix-ins, you can also try fun bites like Oreo cookie balls as a side treat.
Ingredients :
- 1 box vanilla cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch kosher salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Yellow food coloring
- 9 mini Oreos, cremes removed
Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Make Cupcakes
Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the package instructions.
Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake according to the package instructions.
Cool
Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tins.
Make Buttercream
While the cupcakes cool, make the buttercream. In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle), beat the softened butter until fluffy.
Add Remaining Ingredients
Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until combined. Then add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt and beat until smooth.
Divide and Color Frosting
Divide the buttercream into two bowls. Use yellow food coloring to dye one bowl yellow. Leave the other bowl white.
Pipe White Buttercream
Put the white buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a swirl of white buttercream on each cupcake to make a base for the sunflower.
Top with Oreos
Top each frosted cupcake with an Oreo half (creme removed). Press gently so it sits on the frosting.
Pipe Yellow Petals
Put the yellow buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with a small leaf tip. Start slightly off the edge of the Oreo and pipe petals around it. Pipe a second row of petals at the edge of the Oreo to make layered sunflower petals.
Serve
Serve and enjoy!
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line muffin tins.
- Prepare cake batter per box instructions and fill liners.
- Bake as directed on the box.
- Cool cupcakes completely in the tins.
- Make buttercream: beat butter, add powdered sugar, then vanilla, cream, and salt.
- Divide and color one part yellow.
- Pipe white swirls, add Oreo halves, and pipe yellow petals around each Oreo.
- Serve.
how to serve Oreo Sunflower Cupcakes
Serve at room temperature. Place on a flat tray so the cupcakes do not tip. They work well for parties, school snacks, or a sweet gift.
how to store Oreo Sunflower Cupcakes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temperature before eating for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months; thaw and then frost.
tips to make Oreo Sunflower Cupcakes
- Use room temperature butter for smooth buttercream.
- Pipe a small white base first so the Oreo sits well.
- If the yellow frosting spreads, chill it for 10 minutes before piping.
- For other Oreo ideas, check this simple Oreo cream cheese dip for a twist.
- Practice piping petals on parchment paper before working on cupcakes.
variation (if any)
- Use chocolate cake mix for a richer base.
- Add a drop of brown food coloring to the Oreo center for a darker look.
- Use sandwich cookies other than Oreos for different flavors.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without a box mix?
A: Yes. Use your favorite homemade vanilla cake batter and bake in cupcake liners.
Q: How many cupcakes does this recipe make?
A: A standard box mix usually makes 24 cupcakes. This recipe with 9 mini Oreos will decorate 9 cupcakes, so adjust the Oreos or batch size as needed.
Q: Can I pipe the petals with a different tip?
A: Yes. A small round tip will give a different petal look. Leaf tip gives the most sunflower shape.
Q: Can I use regular Oreos instead of mini Oreos?
A: You can, but regular Oreos may look large on cupcakes. You can cut them in half if needed.
Conclusion
For a clear step-by-step guide and more sunflower cupcake ideas, see this page about Sunflower Cupcakes – lordlucy.
Oreo Sunflower Cupcakes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the vanilla cake batter according to the package instructions.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners and bake according to the package instructions.
- Let the cupcakes cool completely in the muffin tins.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer (or a stand mixer), beat the softened butter until fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until combined.
- Then add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and salt and beat until smooth.
- Divide the buttercream into two bowls. Use yellow food coloring to dye one bowl yellow. Leave the other bowl white.
- Put the white buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe a swirl of white buttercream on each cupcake to make a base for the sunflower.
- Top each frosted cupcake with an Oreo half (cream removed). Press gently so it sits on the frosting.
- Put the yellow buttercream into a pastry bag fitted with a small leaf tip. Start slightly off the edge of the Oreo and pipe petals around it. Pipe a second row of petals at the edge of the Oreo to make layered sunflower petals.
- Serve and enjoy!