Homemade Popeyes Cupcake Recipe

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While they’re best known for their legendary fried chicken and buttery biscuits, the Popeyes Cupcake has recently captured hearts as a sweet, must-try dessert. With its moist, fluffy base and irresistibly creamy pink frosting, it’s the kind of treat that instantly brightens up your day.

How to make Popeyes Cupcake

Popeyes Cupcake (often called the Cupcake Cup) is a single-serve strawberry cake dessert from Popeyes. It’s made of soft strawberry-flavored cake topped with sweet pink icing, and it’s served in a small plastic cup instead of a traditional cupcake wrapper.

Ingredients

For the Cupcake Batter

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp strawberry extract (for that signature strawberry flavor)
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with 1 tsp vinegar)
• 2-3 drops pink or red food coloring (optional, for color)

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (milk works too, but heavy cream adds richness)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp strawberry extract
• A pinch of salt
• 2-3 drops pink food coloring (optional, for the iconic pink hue)
• Optional: Sprinkles or candy topping (to match the aesthetic)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a cupcake or muffin tin with paper liners to keep the cupcakes from sticking and for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract and strawberry extract for flavor.
5. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk into the mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. (Example: Add ⅓ of the dry ingredients, then ½ the buttermilk, and repeat until fully combined.)
6. Add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to give the batter a light strawberry hue (optional).

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Fill each cupcake liner about ¾ full with the batter to allow for even rising.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
3. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Pink Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined.
3. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and a pinch of salt, then increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
4. Add 2-3 drops of pink food coloring and mix until the frosting achieves the desired pink shade.

Step 5: Frost the Cupcakes

1. Transfer the frosting to a piping bag fitted with a star tip (or simply use a spatula or a spoon if you prefer a rustic look).
2. Frost each cupcake generously with the strawberry frosting.
3. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or small candies on top for decoration—just like the Popeyes version!

Tips for the Perfect Popeyes Cupcake

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cupcakes dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined.
• Room-Temperature Ingredients: Always use room-temperature eggs and butter for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet frosting, start with 2 cups of powdered sugar and taste before adding more.
• Custom Decorations: Popeyes cupcakes featured a simple pink swirl of frosting, but you can experiment by adding strawberries, whipped cream, or colorful sprinkles for fun variations.
• Storage: Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4-5 days (but let them come to room temperature before serving!).

What to serve with

The Popeyes cupcake is a delightful treat on its own with its moist strawberry-flavored cake and creamy pink frosting. But, if you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or just aiming for a well-rounded indulgent experience, pairing it with complementary sides and drinks can elevate your dessert game!

a. Hot Drinks

• Freshly Brewed Coffee: A cup of strong black coffee or a sweet coffee latte balances the sweetness of the Popeyes Cupcake with its warm, bitter undertones. Add a touch of cream or a flavored syrup like vanilla or caramel for a luxurious pairing.
• Strawberry Tea: If you want to match the fruity flavor of the Popeyes Cupcake, opt for a light strawberry herbal tea or berry-flavored black tea.
• Hot Cocoa with Marshmallows: Perfect for colder days, the smooth, chocolatey richness of cocoa contrasts beautifully with the bright strawberry flavor.

b. Cold Drinks

• Classic Milk: There’s nothing simpler or more classic than a cold glass of milk—regular, almond, or oat milk—to cut through the sweetness of the cupcake.
• Fruity Lemonade: The zesty citrus notes of lemonade (or pink lemonade) are a refreshing counterbalance to the rich frosting and cake.
• Strawberry Milkshake or Smoothie: Double down on the strawberry flavor by pairing these cupcakes with a velvety strawberry milkshake or a healthy strawberry-banana smoothie.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Popeyes cupcake recipe is versatile and can accommodate substitutions without compromising on flavor or texture. Below is a detailed guide to ingredient substitutes for the cupcake batter, frosting, and flavor elements to ensure the final result stays delightful.

1. Substitutes for Cupcake Batter Ingredients

Flour (All-Purpose Flour)

• Cake Flour: For an even softer texture, replace all-purpose flour with the same amount of cake flour. It’s lighter and creates a more delicate crumb.
• Gluten-Free Flour Mix: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (1:1 ratio). Look for blends that contain xanthan gum or guar gum for structure.
• Whole Wheat Flour: While not ideal for a fluffy cupcake, you can replace up to ½ of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It will result in a denser and nuttier cupcake.

Baking Powder and Baking Soda

If you lack one of these leavening agents, here’s how to substitute:

• For 1 tsp baking powder: Use ¼ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cream of tartar.
• For ½ tsp baking soda: Use 1 ½ tsp baking powder (you may need to reduce salt in the recipe slightly).
• Self-Rising Flour: If you use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe.

Butter

• Non-Dairy Alternatives: Use plant-based butter or margarine in a 1:1 ratio for a dairy-free version.
• Oil: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil works well. Use ½ cup of oil for ½ cup of butter, but note that the cupcake may be slightly less rich.
• Applesauce or Mashed Banana: Replace butter with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a lower-fat, moist cupcake. This will slightly alter the flavor (bananas are more noticeable in taste).

Buttermilk

• DIY Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup of milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based) with 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using.
• Yogurt: Use ½ cup of plain yogurt or Greek yogurt as a substitute for buttermilk. Add a tablespoon of water if it’s too thick.
• Sour Cream: Sour cream works perfectly as a substitute for buttermilk. Use an equal amount (½ cup).

Eggs

• Applesauce: Replace each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce. This works best for making the cupcakes moist, though they might be slightly denser.
• Flaxseed Egg: Mix 1 tbsp of ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tbsp of water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This mixture substitutes for one egg.
• Vinegar and Baking Soda: Mix 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar with 1 tsp of baking soda for every egg required. This works well for leavening and moisture.
• Yogurt or Buttermilk: Use ¼ cup of yogurt or buttermilk per egg for moist and tender cupcakes.

Sugar

• Coconut Sugar: Substitute the same amount of granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a caramel-like flavor.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: Replace each cup of granulated sugar with ¾ cup of maple syrup or honey. Reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly to compensate for the added moisture.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar (light or dark) can substitute granulated sugar using a 1:1 ratio. It will add more moisture and a warm caramel flavor.

Strawberry Extract

• Vanilla Extract: Use an additional ½ tsp of vanilla extract if you don’t have strawberry extract. The cupcakes will lack the strawberry flavor but still be delicious.
• Real Strawberries: Blend 3-4 fresh or frozen strawberries into a puree and mix it into the batter to mimic the strawberry taste.
• Raspberry or Cherry Extract: If you have these on hand, they create a similar fruity flavor.

2. Substitutes for Frosting Ingredients

Butter (for Frosting)

• Vegan Butter: Plant-based butter substitutes work well. Brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s are excellent options.
• Cream Cheese: For a tangy, richer frosting, replace half or all of the butter with softened cream cheese.
• Coconut Oil or Shortening: Coconut oil or vegetable shortening (like Crisco) can replace butter in the frosting, but the frosting may lose some of its creamy texture.

Powdered Sugar

• Granulated Sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a high-speed blender or food processor until it becomes a fine powder. Use a 1:1 ratio as powdered sugar in the frosting.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a low-sugar frosting, use a powdered form of stevia or monk fruit. Note that quantity will vary based on the sweetness level.
• Honey or Syrup: For a softer frosting, reduce powdered sugar and add a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or agave. Be mindful of the frosting consistency as syrups add moisture.

Heavy Cream

• Milk: Whole milk, 2%, or plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) can replace heavy cream. For a thicker texture, start with just 1 tbsp at a time.
• Coconut Cream: The thick portion of canned coconut milk works as a rich, non-dairy alternative to heavy cream.
• Evaporated Milk: If you have evaporated milk on hand, it’s an excellent substitution for heavy cream in frosting.

Strawberry Extract

• Vanilla Extract: Add vanilla extract as a substitute for strawberry extract if you’re okay with simply a vanilla-flavored frosting.
• Strawberry Jam or Puree: Add a tablespoon of strawberry jam or fresh strawberry puree to introduce the fruity flavor. Reduce the liquid content (milk or cream) slightly to keep the frosting stiff enough for piping.

Food Coloring

• Natural Color Powders: Freeze-dried strawberry powder or beetroot powder can give your frosting a natural pink hue.
• Natural Juices: A small amount of pomegranate or raspberry juice can color the frosting pink while adding a subtle fruity flavor.

Final Thoughts

The versatility of Popeyes cupcakes means there are endless ways to elevate your dessert spread.

More Popeyes Recipes:

• Homemade Popeyes Smoked Turkey Recipe

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