Super Bowl Dessert Mini Cupcake Platter

Name: Super Bowl Dessert Mini Cupcake Platter
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 mini cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring (optional)

Highlighted under: Soft Meals

I always look forward to the Super Bowl because it’s not just about the game; it’s about the food! This Super Bowl Dessert Mini Cupcake Platter is a fun way to impress my friends while indulging in sweet treats. With a variety of flavors and vibrant frosting, these mini cupcakes are perfect for sharing. Each bite-sized treat is a burst of flavor that everyone will love, making them an ideal addition to any game day celebration.

Created by

Opal Kensington

Last updated on 2026-01-05T19:25:34.442Z

During last year’s Super Bowl, I wanted to create something that would stand out among the savory snacks. That’s when I decided to try out mini cupcakes in different flavors. The idea not only showcased a variety of tastes but also made them easy for guests to grab and enjoy while cheering for their teams. Using a muffin tin allowed me to bake multiple cupcakes at once, saving time.

I experimented with different frostings, but I found that cream cheese and buttercream mixed into vibrant colors added the perfect finishing touch. Not only did they look fantastic on the platter, but everyone loved how fluffy and moist they turned out. It's great how a little creativity can elevate a classic treat!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Colorful and appealing for any gathering
A variety of flavors to please every palate
Easy to grab and perfect for sharing

Selecting Quality Ingredients

When it comes to mini cupcakes, the quality of your ingredients can make a significant difference in flavor and texture. For the best results, use fresh buttermilk, as it adds moisture and a slight tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cupcakes. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitution by mixing 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before using.

Granulated sugar is essential for creating a light and fluffy cupcake base. It’s recommended to measure your sugar carefully, as too much or too little can affect the final outcome. For a different flavor profile, you could experiment by replacing half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar, adding a hint of caramel notes to your cupcakes.

Frosting Techniques

The frosting is where you can let your creativity shine! To achieve a fluffy and smooth consistency, ensure that both the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This will help them combine seamlessly, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky texture. I personally like to whip the frosting for an extra minute after adding the powdered sugar, making it so light and airy that it almost melts in your mouth.

If you're looking for a fun twist, consider flavoring your frosting with extracts or purees. For example, add a teaspoon of almond extract for a unique flavor, or stir in fresh fruit puree for a fruity frosting that pairs wonderfully with the mini cupcakes.

Serving and Storage Tips

To make your Super Bowl bash even more enjoyable, consider serving the cupcakes on a tiered platter. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows guests to easily grab a cupcake without having to shuffle through a crowded table. You can create a playful arrangement by grouping cupcakes by flavor or color, adding to the festive atmosphere.

If you have leftovers, these mini cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just remember to allow them to come to room temperature before serving—they taste best when enjoyed fresh!

Ingredients

For the cupcake base

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the frosting

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners.

Mix dry ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

Combine and bake

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Make the frosting

While the cupcakes cool, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add food coloring if desired.

Frost and serve

Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them as desired and arrange them on a platter.

Pro Tips

For a fun touch, try using sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the frosting for added excitement!

Scaling Up for Larger Gatherings

If you're expecting a large crowd for your Super Bowl party, scaling this recipe is easy! Simply double or triple the ingredients and bake the mini cupcakes in batches. Keep an eye on the baking time, as larger quantities may require a few extra minutes in the oven. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

When planning for larger gatherings, incorporating a few different frosting options can also cater to varying tastes. Consider adding a chocolate cream cheese frosting or a lemon zest frosting for a fresh twist alongside the classic vanilla. This variety will keep your dessert platter exciting and appealing to all your guests.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue that might arise while making the cupcakes is an overly dense or dry texture. This could happen due to overmixing your batter or baking the cupcakes for too long. Always mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, being careful not to overwork the batter. Additionally, set a timer to avoid forgetting them in the oven, as even a couple of extra minutes can lead to dryness.

For the frosting, if it seems too runny, try adding a bit more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thick, adding a splash of milk can help achieve the right texture. Remember to adjust gradually; small amounts can make a big difference!

Creative Flavor Combinations

These mini cupcakes lend themselves beautifully to flavor experimentation. You could introduce a refreshing mint chocolate twist by adding a few drops of peppermint extract to your batter and topping them with a chocolate frosting. Alternatively, using lemon zest and a hint of lavender in your batter can result in a delightful floral flavor that pairs perfectly with a light buttercream.

Consider incorporating different fillings as well! A dollop of raspberry jam or lemon curd in the center of each cupcake before baking can surprise your guests with an added burst of flavor. Just remember not to overfill each cupcake cup to ensure they rise properly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and frost them on the day of serving to keep them fresh.

→ How can I make these gluten-free?

Substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work well.

→ Can I use different flavors for the mini cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or even lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

→ What is the best way to store leftover cupcakes?

Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.