These easy chocolate Campfire Cupcakes are rich, spiced, and decorated with fiery orange frosting. Topped with pretzel sticks and mini marshmallows, they’re perfect for camping-themed parties, holidays, or a fun family dessert. The warm spices and creamy frosting make them irresistible for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients of Campfire Cupcakes
Cupcakes:
- 15.25 oz box chocolate cake mix*
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Frosting and Decorations:
- 1 1/4 cups (2 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5 cups sifted confectioners sugar
- 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- Orange food coloring
- Yellow food coloring
- 16 oz bag pretzel sticks
- 10 oz bag mini marshmallows
- 24 toothpicks
- Cinnamon for optional garnish
Instructions
Cupcakes
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- In a mixing bowl, combine chocolate cake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice on low speed until just blended.
- Beat in heavy cream until incorporated.
- Mix in vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
- Scoop batter into cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake 15 minutes, or until cupcakes are firm and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before frosting.
Frosting
- Cream softened butter on high speed until light and fluffy, 2–3 minutes.
- Beat in vanilla extract on low speed.
- Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Beat in heavy whipping cream until desired consistency is reached.
- Divide frosting into two bowls; mix orange in one and yellow in the other until desired shades are reached.
- Fill a piping bag with alternating colors using a star tip, twist the top, and push frosting down.
- Pipe swirls onto each cupcake to mimic fire.
Decoration
- Place pretzel sticks upright around the frosting to resemble logs.
- Thread two mini marshmallows onto a toothpick per cupcake.
- Optionally, sprinkle or roll marshmallows with cinnamon for a toasted effect.
- Insert marshmallows into the cupcake “fire.”
- Best served immediately after decorating.
How to Serve
Serve Campfire Cupcakes as a fun dessert for camping-themed parties, bonfires, or holiday treats. They pair well with milk, hot chocolate, or coffee.
How to Store
- Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration to prevent drying.
- Keep in a single layer in a cool, dry place away from heat or sunlight.
- Decorations may change texture if stored; these cupcakes are best served fresh.
Freezing
- Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Wrap individually in plastic wrap if desired.
- Decorate after thawing overnight in the refrigerator.
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure cupcakes are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting shades.
- Adjust spices to taste for a warmer or milder flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Spice variation: add a pinch of cayenne for a smoky kick.
- Frosting variation: use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream for tang.
- Mini cupcakes: reduce baking time to 10–12 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, cupcakes can be baked a day in advance and stored unfrosted. Frost immediately before serving.
Can I freeze decorated cupcakes?
It’s better to freeze unfrosted cupcakes. Decorate after thawing for best texture and appearance.
Can I adjust the spice levels?
Yes, increase or decrease cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to taste.
