Cheeseburger Cupcakes!
Rachel Lindsay’s bite-sized burgers will be a huge hit with your cupcake-loving kids.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
If you’re the kind of parent who promises sweet after savoury, then you’ll have some explaining to do when you serve up Rachel Lindsay’s recipe for Cheeseburger Cupcakes!
These things are most definitely sweet, with chocolate buttercream burgers and vanilla buns, but any clever kid will argue that they’re ‘just’ burgers, then promptly eat three and demand dessert.
However you handle this, there’s no doubt that these Cheeseburger Cupcakes are utterly irresistible!
They look fun, taste yum, and aren’t too hard for us busy parents to make.
In fact, we think you’ll be so inspired by these cupcakes that you’ll want to work your way through all 50 creations in Rachel’s new book, Cupcakes for Any Occasion.
This book shows you how to put penguins, pineapples, campfires, cacti and other terrific toppers on cupcakes, but first, let’s get your fast food in order!
HERE IS RACHEL LINDSAY'S RECIPE FOR CHEESEBURGER CUPCAKES...
Prep time: 40 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Decorating time: 40 minutes
Makes: 12 cupcakes
EQUIPMENT
12-cup cupcake pan
12 cupcake liners
5 piping bags
1 large round piping tip (2A)
1 large basketweave piping tip (2B)
1 small round piping tip (12)
1 small leaf piping tip (70)
1 small round piping tip (4)
Serrated knife
INGREDIENTS
12 Vanilla Cupcakes (page 24 of Cupcakes for Any Occasion)
1 batch Basic Buttercream (page 33)
Food colouring (yellow, red, green)
25g (1oz) cocoa powder
2 tbsp heavy cream
Small white sprinkles
PREP AND BAKING
1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Make the cupcake batter per the recipe instructions. Line a 12-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners and then fill the liners two-thirds full with the batter. Bake as instructed and allow to cool completely before decorating.
3. Make a batch of Basic Buttercream per the recipe instructions. Transfer half of the buttercream to a separate bowl and set aside. Add the remaining half of the buttercream with the cocoa powder and heavy cream to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low until you achieve a smooth consistency. Transfer the chocolate buttercream to a piping bag fitted with piping tip 2A. Secure the bag with a clip.
4. Divide the reserved buttercream into three equal-size batches. Colour one batch red and transfer half of the red buttercream to a piping bag fitted with piping tip 12; transfer the other half to a piping bag fitted with piping tip 4. Colour one batch yellow orange and transfer to a bag fitted with piping tip 2B. Colour the remaining batch green and transfer to a piping bag fitted with piping tip 70. Secure the bags with clips.
DECORATING
1. Remove the cupcakes from the liners and use a serrated knife to cut them in half. Put the top halves of the cupcakes on a plate and carefully sprinkle the small white sprinkles over the top.
2. Place the bottom halves on the prepared baking sheet. Use the chocolate buttercream to pipe the burgers. Start at the edge of the cupcake and pipe a swirl, finishing in the centre. Place the tray in the fridge for 15 minutes. (This is so the burger will hold its shape when adding the rest of the buttercream to the top of the burger.)
3. Use the yellow-orange buttercream to pipe four cheese corners. With the flat side of the tip facing upward, hold the tip sideways on the edge of the burger and then squeeze and drag the buttercream into the centre. Repeat this step for each corner.
4. Use the red buttercream with piping tip 12 to add the tomato. Pipe a curved line between each cheese corner.
5. Use the green buttercream to create the lettuce leaves. Hold the piping bag at an angle with the tip just above the burger. Squeeze the bag and move it up and down slightly while moving over the tomato and cheese.
6. Use the red buttercream with piping tip 4 to pipe the tomato sauce. Hold the bag directly above the cupcake and pipe squiggly lines. (The lines should go to the edges of the burger to make sure it is visible when the top of the bun is added.
7. Add the top halves of the cupcakes onto the burgers just before serving. (Be gentle to avoid squashing the buttercream.)
These cupcakes will be amazing for your next kid’s party, family get-together or any occasion.
So, start taking orders now, and check out Rachel’s book for some basic-but-beautiful cake recipes and super creative decorating projects!
