Snow Globe Cupcakes Recipe

Welcome to a creation that's as delightful to look at as it is to eat. These snow globe cupcakes are not only delicious; they also serve as an attractive centerpiece for your holiday table. This recipe brings together a moist, chocolatey cupcake topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, and crowned with a magical, edible snow globe. The snow globe, made from gelatin, gives a surprising touch and will surely impress your guests.

Photos of Snow Globe Cupcakes Recipe

While most of the ingredients for the snow globe cupcakes should be easily available at any grocery store, there might be a few items you'll want to specifically look out for. The gelatin used for the snow globes might not be a regular pantry item, but it can usually be found in the baking aisle. Similarly, peppermint extract is used for a hint of festive flavor in the snow globes. Make sure to look for holiday-themed lollipops to use as decorations inside the snow globes.

Snow Globe Cupcakes Ingredients

Edible snow globes: This is the catchy part of the recipe, made by using gelatin, sugar, and a hint of peppermint extract for that festive flavor.

Chocolate cupcakes: These are the base for our snow globes, a classic treat made with a mix of all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and other common baking ingredients.

Vanilla frosting: Used as the 'snow' upon which the snow globes sit, and adds a sweet, creamy layer to the cupcake.

Sweetened coconut flakes: They add a delightful crunch and a hint of tropical flavor, and they also enhance the snowy effect on top of the frosting.

Holiday themed lollipops: These are used as decorative elements inside the snow globe, so choose your favorite holiday-themed designs.

Powdered sugar: It's dusted over the assembled cupcake for a final snowy touch.

One reader, Iseabal Bowles says:

These snow globe cupcakes are a delightful treat! The edible snow globes add a magical touch, and the chocolate cupcakes are moist and delicious. The festive lollipops and powdered sugar make them perfect for the holidays. A fun and creative recipe that's sure to impress everyone!

Iseabal Bowles

Techniques Required for Making Snow Globe Cupcakes

How to make edible snow globes: This technique involves creating a gelatin mixture, dipping balloons into the gelatin, and allowing them to set to create the snow globe effect.

How to bake chocolate cupcakes: This technique involves mixing the dry and wet ingredients, dividing the batter into cupcake liners, and baking until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

How to assemble snow globe cupcakes: This technique involves removing the balloons from the gelatin, frosting the cupcakes, adding shredded coconut, placing a holiday lollipop, and topping with the edible snow globes.

How To Make Snow Globe Cupcakes

These snow globe cupcakes are a fun Christmas dessert. Chocolate cupcakes are topped with coconut, vanilla frosting, and a whimsical holiday lollipop!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 1 hour

Set Time: 12 hours

Total: 13 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Edible Snow Globes:

1½cupscold water
12packagesgelatin powder
6tbspsugar
3dropspeppermint extract
nonstick cooking spray,for greasing

For Chocolate Cupcakes:

1½cupsall purpose flour
⅓cupdark cocoa powder
1tspbaking soda
¼tspkosher salt
1cupbrown sugar
1cuphot water
½cupcanola oil
1tbspapple cider vinegar
1tbspvanilla extract

For Topping:

1jarvanilla frosting
½cupsweetened coconut flakes
12holiday themed lollipops,sticks trimmed to 2 inches
Powdered sugar,for dusting

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Equipments

12 balloons
12 skewers

Instructions

Edible Snow Globes:

In a small bowl, whisk together the cold water and gelatin. Let the gelatin bloom for 5 minutes, until the water is mostly absorbed. Microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or until the gelatin is melted.
Add the sugar and peppermint extract and stir until dissolved. Let cool for 10 minutes. If any foam rises to the top, skim off and discard.
Spray the balloons with nonstick spray. Wipe gently with a paper towel to distribute.
Dip each balloon in the gelatin until ¾ of the way submerged. Use tape or poke a small hole above the knot to attach the balloon to a skewer and stand it upright in a tall glass for 1 to 2 minutes.
Dip in gelatin again, then stand it upright in a tall glass again. If the gelatin begins to set, microwave in 10-second intervals and continue until all of the balloons are coated.
Let the balloons for at least 12 hours, until no longer tacky to the touch.

Cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 12-cup cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the brown sugar and whisk to combine.
Add the hot water, canola oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla and mix until combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the cupcake liners.
Bake the cupcakes for 14 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
Carefully remove one of the balloons from the skewer. Pinch a bit of the balloon near the knot, and carefully snip a small hole. Let the air slowly release from the balloon, then pull out of the gelatin snow globe and discard the balloon.
Trim the edges of the snow globe if uneven. Repeat with remaining coated balloons. Set the snow globes upright on a baking sheet until ready to top the cupcakes.
Frost the cupcakes with a dollop of vanilla frosting onto each cupcake, spreading evenly over the top.
Sprinkle the shredded coconut on top of the frosting, dividing evenly between the cupcakes.
Top each cupcake with a holiday lollipop, inserting the stick into the cupcake. Place the snow globes on top, and dust with powdered sugar.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 379.05kcal
Fat: 13.34g
Saturated Fat: 3.02g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.90g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.07g
Carbohydrates: 40.33g
Fiber: 1.88g
Sugar: 23.87g
Protein: 26.31g
Sodium: 210.10mg
Calcium: 33.77mg
Potassium: 96.51mg
Iron: 1.60mg
Vitamin A: 0.00µg
Vitamin C: 0.05mg

Technique Tip for Crafting Perfect Snow Globe Cupcakes

When making the edible snow globes, it's important to ensure that the gelatin mixture is not too hot when dipping the balloons. If the mixture is too hot, it can cause the balloons to burst. To avoid this, let the gelatin mixture cool for a few minutes before starting the dipping process. Also, when removing the balloons from the gelatin, do it slowly and carefully to prevent the gelatin from tearing.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Snow Globe Cupcakes

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Multi-task: While the cupcakes are baking, work on creating the edible snow globes to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Chill the gelatin: Place the snow globes in the refrigerator to set, allowing you to work on other elements of the recipe while they firm up.

Use store-bought frosting: Save time by using pre-made frosting instead of making it from scratch.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to avoid any unnecessary mess or confusion.

Substitute Ingredients For Snow Globe Cupcakes Recipe

gelatin powder - Substitute with agar agar: Agar agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, providing the same gelling properties. It is derived from seaweed and is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
dark cocoa powder - Substitute with regular cocoa powder: Regular cocoa powder can be used as a substitute for dark cocoa powder, although it may result in a slightly different flavor and color.
canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in baking without significantly affecting the texture or flavor of the cupcakes.
vanilla frosting - Substitute with cream cheese frosting: Cream cheese frosting can be used as a delicious alternative to vanilla frosting, adding a tangy flavor that complements the chocolate cupcakes well.
sweetened coconut flakes - Substitute with chopped almonds: Chopped almonds can provide a crunchy and nutty alternative to sweetened coconut flakes for the topping, adding a different texture and flavor profile to the cupcakes.
peppermint extract - Substitute with vanilla extract: Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute for peppermint extract, offering a different flavor profile while still enhancing the overall taste of the cupcakes.

Best Way to Present These Festive Cupcakes

Elevate the cupcake: Gently place the delicately frosted cupcake on a pristine white plate, ensuring it is centered and inviting.
Showcase the snow globe: Position the enchanting edible snow globe atop the cupcake, allowing it to stand tall and proud as the centerpiece of the dessert.
Sprinkle with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the snow globe and surrounding cupcake with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar, creating a whimsical snowy effect.
Garnish with a holiday lollipop: Carefully place the holiday-themed lollipop next to the snow globe, adding a pop of festive color and playful charm to the presentation.
Arrange on a silver platter: Display the cupcakes on an elegant silver platter, creating a captivating and luxurious presentation that exudes sophistication.

Essential Tools for Making Snow Globe Cupcakes

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing batters and doughs.
Balloon whisk: A balloon whisk is used for whipping, beating, and incorporating air into ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are used to accurately measure ingredients for recipes.
Cupcake tin: A cupcake tin is used to bake cupcakes and muffins, providing a uniform shape and size.
Cupcake liners: Cupcake liners are used to line the cupcake tin, preventing the cupcakes from sticking and adding a decorative touch.
Wire rack: A wire rack is used to cool baked goods evenly and allow air to circulate around the food.
Skewer: Skewers are used to hold the balloons upright while the gelatin sets, ensuring they maintain their shape.
Tall glass: A tall glass is used to hold the skewered balloons upright while the gelatin sets.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to hold the snow globes upright and transport them easily.
Scissors: Scissors are used to carefully snip a small hole in the balloon to release the air and remove it from the gelatin snow globe.
Microwave: A microwave is used to melt the gelatin and make the snow globes.
Sifter: A sifter is used to sift together dry ingredients and remove any lumps for a smoother batter.
Pastry brush: A pastry brush is used to apply nonstick cooking spray to the balloons before dipping them in gelatin.
Tape: Tape is used to attach the balloons to the skewers to keep them upright while the gelatin sets.

Random Fact About Snow Globe Cupcakes

Snow globe cupcakes are a fun and creative way to add a festive touch to your holiday dessert table. They are sure to impress your guests with their edible snow globes and delicious chocolate cupcakes.

Is Making Snow Globe Cupcakes at Home Cost-Effective?

This snow globe cupcakes recipe may not be the most cost-effective for a household. The use of multiple packages of gelatin and other ingredients may lead to a higher cost. However, the novelty and creativity of the snow globe cupcakes could make them a hit for special occasions. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $25-$30. Overall Verdict: 7.

Are Snow Globe Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?

This snow globe cupcake recipe, while undeniably creative and visually appealing, is not particularly healthy. The cupcakes themselves are made with all-purpose flour, sugar, and oil, which are high in calories and low in nutritional value. The gelatin snow globes are primarily made of sugar and gelatin, which offer little to no nutritional benefits. Additionally, the frosting and coconut flakes add even more sugar and saturated fat to the treat.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free alternative like almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
Reduce the amount of sugar in the cupcakes and gelatin snow globes, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Swap out the canola oil for healthier options like coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce
Use a reduced-fat or sugar-free frosting, or make your own using Greek yogurt and natural sweeteners
Opt for unsweetened coconut flakes to reduce added sugar
Incorporate fresh fruit into the cupcake batter or as a topping for added nutrients and natural sweetness

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Recipe

The snow globe cupcakes recipe is a delightful and whimsical treat that will surely impress both kids and adults alike. The edible snow globes add a magical touch, and the combination of chocolate cupcakes, vanilla frosting, and holiday lollipops creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home bakers, and the final presentation is stunning. It's a fun and festive dessert that brings joy to any holiday gathering.

Enhance Your Snow Globe Cupcakes Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Create a creamy and flavorful side dish that complements the rich chocolate cupcakes. Infuse the mashed potatoes with roasted garlic for an extra depth of flavor.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Add a healthy and colorful element to the meal with grilled vegetable skewers. The smoky charred flavor of the vegetables pairs well with the sweetness of the snow globe cupcakes.

Cranberry Orange Salad: Prepare a refreshing and tangy cranberry orange salad to balance out the sweetness of the dessert. The citrusy flavors will cleanse the palate and provide a burst of freshness.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Snow Globe Cupcakes

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with tender beef, hearty vegetables, and savory broth, it's a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful and healthy addition to any meal. With a mix of ripe, juicy fruits and a light citrus dressing, it's the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while getting a dose of vitamins and antioxidants.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto that's perfect for a fancy dinner at home. The rich and velvety texture of the risotto combined with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms will leave you wanting more.

Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses to Serve with Snow Globe Cupcakes

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of rich cream cheese, flavorful herbs, and earthy mushrooms will leave everyone wanting more.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with these delicious bruschetta bites. The crispy bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze is a perfect way to start any meal.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, indulgent, and oh-so-satisfying, this classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser. The tender chicken and al dente pasta are coated in a rich, velvety sauce that's sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Beef Stroganoff: Tender strips of beef, savory mushrooms, and tangy sour cream come together in this comforting and hearty dish. Served over a bed of buttery egg noodles, it's the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening.

Why trust this Snow Globe Cupcakes Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional cupcakes, incorporating a whimsical snow globe element that adds a touch of magic to any holiday celebration. The use of gelatin powder creates stunning edible snow globes, while the addition of peppermint extract infuses a refreshing flavor. The rich and moist chocolate cupcakes are complemented by a luscious vanilla frosting and festive holiday lollipops, creating a visual and flavorful treat. With clear instructions and attention to detail, this recipe promises to bring joy and wonder to any gathering, making it a delightful and trustworthy choice for any occasion.

Want to share your experience making these adorable snow globe cupcakes or have any tips to perfect the recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

How long does it take to make the snow globe cupcakes?

Making the snow globe cupcakes will take some time, as the gelatin snow globes need at least 12 hours to set. The cupcake baking and assembly process will take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your baking experience.

Can I make the snow globes in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make the gelatin snow globes in advance. They can be made a day or two ahead and stored in a cool, dry place until you're ready to use them.

Can I use a different flavor for the cupcakes?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different flavors for the cupcakes. If you prefer a different flavor, you can swap out the vanilla extract for another flavor, such as almond or orange, to complement the snow globe theme.

How should I store the cupcakes with the snow globes?

To store the cupcakes with the snow globes, it's best to keep them in a cool, dry place. If the weather is warm, it's advisable to store them in the refrigerator to prevent the gelatin from melting.

Can I use something else instead of gelatin for the snow globes?

If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can try using agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative. Agar-agar can be used in a similar way to create the snow globe effect for the cupcakes.