Popcorn Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:

• 125g unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup white sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ cup milk

For the popcorn topping:

• 6 cups popped popcorn

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

For the buttercream frosting:

• 125g unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups icing sugar (powdered sugar)

• 2 tablespoons milk

• Few drops of food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

For the cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each liner about two-thirds full.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

8. Remove from the oven and let the cupcakes cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the popcorn topping:

1. Pop the popcorn according to the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that you remove any un-popped kernels.

2. In a large bowl, drizzle the melted butter over the popped popcorn and gently toss to coat.

3. Sprinkle the sugar over the popcorn and toss again until evenly distributed.

4. Set aside the popcorn topping for later use.

For the buttercream frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth.

2. Gradually add the icing sugar, a little at a time, while beating on low speed.

3. Add the milk and continue to beat until the frosting reaches a smooth and spreadable consistency.

4. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix well to achieve the desired color.

Assembly:

1. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them with the buttercream frosting using a spatula or piping bag.

2. Take a small handful of the prepared popcorn topping and gently press it onto the frosted surface of each cupcake.

3. Repeat the process for all the cupcakes, ensuring that the popcorn adheres to the frosting.

4. Your popcorn cupcakes are now ready to be enjoyed!

Recipe from: https://www.chelsea.co.nz/browse-recipes/popcorn-cupcakes/