Whimsical, colorful, and bursting with fruity sweetness, these Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes are truly the stuff of winter fairy tales. Each bite features a moist, delicately almond-scented cupcake with a secret pocket of vibrant plum jam, all crowned with a dreamy swirl of purple-hued buttercream and a touch of sparkle. Whether you’re hosting a Nutcracker party or looking to add a bit of magic to a holiday dessert table, these treats charm adults and kids alike. Let’s dance you through everything you need to know about crafting these enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need anything too tricky—just a handful of approachable staples and a few finishing touches bring these Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes to life. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to layer in moist texture, luscious flavor, and those dazzling good looks!
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and keeps the cupcakes light and fluffy.
- Baking powder: Lends plenty of lift for pillowy soft cupcakes.
- Salt: Brings out the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Unsalted butter (for cupcakes and frosting): Creates a tender crumb and a luxuriously smooth frosting.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cakes while helping them bake up beautifully.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aromatic sweetness in both cupcake and frosting.
- Almond extract: Adds a hint of Nutcracker-inspired magic and deepens the flavor profile.
- Whole milk: Promotes a soft, tender crumb in every bite.
- Plum jam: The jammy surprise center that delivers real fruity flavor and a pop of color—try homemade or use the best store-bought you can find.
- Powdered sugar: Essential for ultra-smooth, fluffy buttercream.
- Heavy cream: Helps the frosting whip up silky and cloud-like.
- Purple food coloring (optional): A playful swirl of color, fitting for a Sugar Plum Fairy’s treat.
- Edible glitter or sprinkles: The finishing sparkle that transforms ordinary cupcakes into showstoppers!
How to Make Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes
Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Tin and Preheat
Set the stage! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with colorful cupcake liners. This keeps those cakes from sticking and lets their festive personality shine through.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This quick step ensures an even rise and a uniform weave of flavors in your cupcakes—don’t skip the whisking!
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale. This is where air gets trapped for that melt-in-your-mouth texture, so keep beating for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. These notes are what make Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes taste truly special—delicate, festive, and a touch nutty.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Working in thirds, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Mix gently just until everything is combined—this keeps the crumb soft and light. Avoid overmixing!
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Evenly divide the dreamy batter between your lined cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide into the oven for 18 to 20 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, they’re done. Cool completely before the magical filling begins!
Step 7: Plum Jam Surprise
Once cooled, use a small knife to cut a round pocket from each cupcake’s center (don’t go too deep!). Fill the hollow with about a teaspoon of glorious plum jam for a burst of fairy-tale flavor. Replace the removed cakey plug if you like, or leave it for extra jam.
Step 8: Make the Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar. Drizzle in the heavy cream and vanilla extract, then beat on high until your frosting is fluffy and holds peaks. Drop in a bit of purple food coloring if desired for a whimsical touch.
Step 9: Decorate and Add Sparkle
Pipe or swirl the frosting in generous swaths atop the filled cupcakes. Finish with edible glitter or sprinkles to give your Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes that dazzling, ballet-worthy finale!
How to Serve Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes
Garnishes
A flourish of edible glitter makes all the difference—aim for a snowflake shimmer! You can also add sugared plum slices or even tiny sugar pearls for a Nutcracker-inspired look. These finishing touches pull the fairy tale theme together and look irresistible on any dessert spread.
Side Dishes
Pair Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes with spiced tea, mulled wine, or a glass of cold milk for the young (and young at heart). Fresh fruit platters or a bowl of candied nuts make lovely accompaniments, turning cupcake time into a magical moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack cupcakes high on a tiered stand with trailing ribbons, or nestle them in a shimmery box with tissue for party favors. For performances or themed birthdays, arrange them on a cake board decorated with tiny ballerina figurines or sugar roses. Audience: delighted!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes keep beautifully for up to three days if covered and stored at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them to keep that buttercream lush and smooth. Just let chilled cupcakes come back to room temp before serving for best flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes (without the jam filling) for up to two months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature, fill with jam, and frost when ready to dazzle.
Reheating
Microwave an unfrosted cupcake for just 10 seconds to take off the chill before filling and frosting. For frosted cupcakes, let them warm at room temp—no heat needed—to restore their pillowy crumb and silky frosting.
FAQs
Can I use a different jam flavor?
Absolutely! Swap in raspberry, strawberry, or cherry jam for a twist. Each adds its own personality, but plum keeps things true to the Sugar Plum Fairy theme.
How do I get my frosting that vibrant purple color?
A few drops of quality gel food coloring will do the trick—blend until you hit the perfect fairy-tale shade. Start small; you can always add more!
Why is my cupcake crumb dense?
Be sure not to overmix once you add the flour, and double-check that your baking powder is fresh. Room-temperature ingredients and gentle mixing are your friends for light, magical cupcakes.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The flavor and magic will still shine through, just with a slightly different texture.
What’s the best way to store frosted cupcakes for a party?
Keep finished Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container. If stacking, place parchment between layers to avoid smears—then add your glittery garnish right before serving!
Final Thoughts
If you crave a dessert as dazzling as a Nutcracker snow scene and as delightful as a front-row seat at the ballet, these Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes are calling your name. Give them a twirl in your own kitchen—with that hidden plum jam and sparkling finish, they’re sure to become a holiday tradition you’ll look forward to sharing year after year.
Print
Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes are a magical treat, perfect for holiday parties or themed events. Moist plum-filled cupcakes topped with fluffy frosting and a touch of sparkle!
Ingredients
Cupcake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup plum jam
Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Purple food coloring (optional)
- Edible glitter or sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F and line a muffin pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar, add eggs, vanilla, and almond extracts.
- Combine wet and dry: Alternate dry ingredients with milk, mix.
- Bake: Divide batter, bake for 18-20 mins.
- Fill cupcakes: Hollow out centers, fill with plum jam.
- Make frosting: Beat butter, add sugar, cream, and vanilla.
- Decorate: Frost cupcakes, add glitter or sprinkles.
Notes
- Use store-bought or homemade plum jam.
- Try raspberry jam as a substitute.
- Great for holiday or Nutcracker-themed parties!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
