Polar Bear Cupcakes Recipe

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If you’re looking for a fun, adorable, and absolutely scrumptious treat to wow your friends and family, this Polar Bear Cupcakes Recipe is a perfect choice. Imagine biting into a moist, fluffy vanilla cupcake topped with creamy, buttery frosting shaped like a cuddly polar bear’s face, complete with delicate edible details that bring the sweet bear to life. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a little moment of joy in every bite, perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to add a smile to someone’s day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, working harmoniously to create the moist texture, delicate sweetness, and charming look that define the Polar Bear Cupcakes Recipe. Every component, from the flour to the edible pearl sprinkles, plays a vital role in bringing this delightful cupcake to life.

• 1 ½ cup flour: The base of the cupcake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• ¼ tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder for the perfect rise without heaviness.
• ¼ tsp kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 2/3 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, inviting aroma and flavor throughout.
• ½ cup unsalted butter (slightly softened): Creates a tender crumb and adds buttery goodness.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cupcakes perfectly without overpowering.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
• 2 large egg whites: Lighten the batter for a delicate texture.
• 4 ½ cup powdered sugar: The key to the smooth, sweet frosting that holds the bear’s shape.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creamy base for the frosting, making it silky and spreadable.
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract: Elevates the frosting’s flavor with a subtle vanilla note.
• 4 tbsp heavy whipping cream: Adds lightness and helps achieve the ideal frosting consistency.
• Edible black pearl sprinkles: These become the bear’s expressive eyes and nose.
• 2 – 8 oz white sanding sprinkles: Give the cupcakes a snowy, sparkling coating.
• 1 – 30 oz Ghirardelli white melting wafers: The foundation for the ears and nose, adding texture and dimension.

How to Make Polar Bear Cupcakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry and Wet Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 12-cup cupcake pan with paper liners for easy removal and cleanup. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another small bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract. This separation ensures your dry and wet ingredients are perfectly ready to blend without overmixing.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the slightly softened butter with sugar on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy. This crucial step traps air in the mixture, creating a tender cupcake texture that will have everyone asking for your secret.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Alternate Adding Flour and Milk

Lower the mixer speed to medium-low and add the egg and egg whites one at a time, beating until creamy after each addition. Then, alternate adding half the flour mixture, all the milk mixture, and the remaining flour, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make cupcakes dense, so gentle folding is key. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared liners, filling each about two-thirds full for even baking.

Step 4: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until the tops are just dry to the touch and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This perfect timing ensures moist but fully cooked cupcakes—golden and inviting.

Step 5: Prepare the Frosting

While cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting. In your stand mixer bowl, cream together softened butter and vanilla until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar—starting with 2 cups on low speed until blended, then the rest while increasing to medium speed—then mix in the heavy whipping cream. Beat until smooth and luscious, ready to be sculpted into adorable polar bear features.

Step 6: Frost and Shape the Bears

Use a spatula to place a thick mound of frosting on each cupcake and smooth it into a rounded shape for the bear’s face. Then fill a piping bag with frosting to decorate the ears and nose. Place a white melting wafer with a dollop of frosting attached at each side for ears and another in the center for the nose, piping extra frosting on top of the nose wafer to make it stand out.

Step 7: Add the Sparkling Coat

Carefully coat each frosted cupcake in white sanding sugar. Doing this over a bowl makes cleanup easier and ensures an even, snowy sparkle that transforms the cupcakes into little winter wonderlands.

Step 8: Create the Face Details

Finally, use black edible pearl sprinkles to create the eyes and nose. Two larger pearls above the nose wafer become bright eyes, while a slightly smaller pearl sits perfectly on the nose wafer, giving your polar bear the cutest, most charming expression.

How to Serve Polar Bear Cupcakes Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of whimsy, you can sprinkle a few edible snowflakes or tiny silver dragees around the bears to enhance their frosty appeal. Fresh mint leaves on the side can add a pop of color and a lovely contrast to the snowy look!

Side Dishes

The gentle vanilla notes of these cupcakes pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a more indulgent treat, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creative Ways to Present

Line your cupcake stand with faux fur or white cotton batting to mimic a snowy den—this presentation will enchant your guests. Placing them on a shimmering silver platter or a rustic wooden board can also set the scene for a cozy winter party or a child’s birthday celebration filled with smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. If your kitchen tends to be warm, keeping them refrigerated is fine but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully! Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze both frosted and unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

If you want to warm them up slightly, pop the cupcake in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back that freshly baked softness without melting your adorable polar bear frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular sprinkles instead of black pearl sprinkles?

Absolutely! While black pearl sprinkles offer the perfect bear-eye effect, you can substitute any small, edible black or dark-colored decorations you have on hand. Just make sure they’re food-safe and suited to the cupcake size.

What’s the best way to soften butter quickly?

To soften butter quickly, cut it into small cubes and leave them at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, microwave on a very low power in 5-second bursts, checking frequently so it doesn’t melt.

Can I make the batter and frosting ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge. For frosting, making it a day ahead is ideal; just keep it refrigerated and bring it to room temperature before frosting the cupcakes.

Is it possible to make these cupcakes dairy-free?

Yes, with some substitutions! Use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind the flavor profile may shift slightly, but the results will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have white sanding sugar?

If you don’t have white sanding sugar, you can use regular granulated sugar sparingly or crush some white nonpareils for a similar sparkling effect. Just be gentle when applying so the frosting stays intact.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Polar Bear Cupcakes Recipe inspires you to create a batch of these delightful little bears at home. They’re charming, tasty, and sure to bring joy to any occasion. Once you see the smiles on everyone’s faces, you’ll know you’ve found a new favorite go-to cupcake recipe worth sharing again and again!

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