Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing Recipe

The vanilla snowman cupcakes with vanilla icing recipe is a delightful twist on your traditional cupcakes. With a soft, moist vanilla base and a creamy vanilla icing, these cupcakes are a real treat. But what sets these cupcakes apart is the adorable snowman design that's perfect for the holiday season.

Photos of Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples like cake mix, eggs, and butter. But there are a few items you might need to pick up. Chobani yogurt is used in this recipe to add moisture to the cake mix. If you can't find it in your local supermarket, any plain yogurt will do. For the snowman's face, you'll need M&M's, orange jellybeans, and mini marshmallows. These are usually found in the candy aisle.

Ingredients for Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing

duncan hines french vanilla cake mix: This is the base for our cupcakes, providing the vanilla flavor and sweetness.

Chobani yogurt: It adds moisture and a slight tartness to balance out the sweetness of the cake mix.

Water: Helps to combine the ingredients and add moisture to the cupcakes.

Egg whites: Give structure to the cupcakes.

Powdered sugar: It is the primary ingredient in the icing, providing sweetness and a smooth consistency.

Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy, rich flavor to the icing.

Clear vanilla extract: Enhances the vanilla flavor in the icing.

M&M's: Used as the eyes for the snowman.

Orange jellybeans: Used as the nose for the snowman.

Sprinkles: Used to decorate the snowman and add a bit of fun and color.

Mini marshmallows: Used to create a 'snowy' effect on the cupcake.

One reader, Garreth Shen says:

These vanilla snowman cupcakes are absolutely delightful! The recipe was easy to follow, and the cupcakes turned out moist and flavorful. The vanilla icing was the perfect finishing touch, and the snowman faces were adorable. They were a hit at my holiday party and everyone loved them!

Garreth Shen

Techniques Required for Making Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

How to prepare the cupcake batter: Combine the cake mix, yogurt, water, and egg whites in a large mixing bowl and beat until well combined.

How to make the vanilla icing: Combine powdered sugar, melted butter, and water in a bowl and beat until smooth.

How to frost the cupcakes: Spread 2½ teaspoons of icing on each cupcake and quickly press the candy face into the icing before it hardens.

How to decorate the snowman's face: Use M&M's for the eyes, an orange jellybean for the nose, and mini marshmallows and sprinkles for the mouth and other features.

How To Make Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing

Surprise your kids this Christmas with these low-fat snowman cupcakes made with yogurt, sprinkles, chocolates, and marshmallows for the snowman.

Preparation: 30 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 55 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

18¼ozDuncan Hines French Vanilla cake mix,or yellow, classic white
6ozChobani yogurt,fat free, plain
1⅓cupswater
2large egg whites

For Icing:

2cupspowdered sugar
2tbspunsalted butter,melted
1tspclear vanilla extract
3tbspboiling water

For Snowman’s Face:

form&m’s,for the eyes
orange jellybeans,or candy corns for the nose
sprinkles,for the hat
mini marshmallows

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line cupcake tins with liners.
Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat until combined.
Pour into prepared liners.
Bake for about 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow cooling before frosting.
For the vanilla icing, combine powdered sugar, melted butter, and water and beat until smooth.

Snowman Face:

Spread 2½ teaspoons of icing on each cupcake; working quickly. Press the candy face into the icing before it hardens.

Nutrition

Calories: 143.42kcal
Fat: 2.38g
Saturated Fat: 1.05g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.95g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.21g
Carbohydrates: 29.17g
Fiber: 0.28g
Sugar: 10.85g
Protein: 1.57g
Cholesterol: 3.47mg
Sodium: 138.99mg
Calcium: 43.04mg
Potassium: 30.24mg
Iron: 0.29mg
Vitamin A: 10.87µg
Vitamin C: 0.04mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

To ensure your cupcakes are moist and fluffy, avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can lead to gluten development in the flour, which will make your cupcakes dense and chewy. Mix just until the duncan hines french vanilla cake mix, chobani yogurt, water, and egg whites are combined. Also, when frosting the cupcakes, make sure they are completely cooled. Applying frosting to warm cupcakes can cause it to melt and slide off.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

Plan ahead: Prepare a shopping list and gather all ingredients and equipment before starting to save time and minimize interruptions.

Use pre-made ingredients: Utilize store-bought cake mix or pre-made icing to cut down on preparation time.

Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily find what you need and work efficiently.

Follow the recipe: Carefully read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you understand the steps and avoid mistakes.

Multi-task: While the cupcakes are baking, prepare the icing or gather decorations to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Clean as you go: Wash dishes and utensils as you work to prevent a pile-up of cleaning at the end.

Substitute Ingredients For Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing Recipe

duncan hines french vanilla cake mix - Substitute with homemade vanilla cake mix: You can make your own vanilla cake mix by combining all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and a touch of salt.
chobani yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for Chobani yogurt, as it has a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: If you don't have powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar and blend it in a food processor until it becomes powdery.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in the icing to add a hint of coconut flavor.
clear vanilla extract - Substitute with vanilla bean paste: Vanilla bean paste can be used as a substitute for clear vanilla extract, providing a more intense vanilla flavor and the appearance of vanilla seeds.
mini marshmallows - Substitute with fondant: Fondant can be shaped and molded to create the snowman's features and is a great substitute for mini marshmallows in decorating the cupcakes.

How to Beautifully Present Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

Elevate the cupcake presentation: When presenting the vanilla snowman cupcakes, ensure that they are placed on a pristine white plate or platter to create a clean and elegant backdrop for the festive snowman design.
Incorporate festive garnishes: Add a touch of whimsy to the presentation by sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar around the cupcakes to mimic a snowy landscape, enhancing the winter theme.
Arrange in a snowman formation: Place the cupcakes in a circular formation, with the larger cupcakes forming the base and the smaller ones stacked on top to create the illusion of a snowman. This arrangement adds a playful and visually appealing element to the presentation.
Use a variety of colorful toppings: Incorporate vibrant and eye-catching toppings such as orange jellybeans for the snowman's nose, M&M's for the eyes and buttons, and mini marshmallows for the snowman's features to bring the presentation to life.
Create a winter wonderland scene: Surround the cupcakes with edible decorative elements such as edible silver or gold dragees to evoke a magical winter wonderland scene, adding an extra touch of sophistication to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the cupcake batter.
Cupcake tins: Cupcake tins are used to hold the cupcake liners and batter while baking.
Electric mixer: An electric mixer can be used to beat the cupcake batter until smooth.
Oven: The oven is used for baking the cupcakes at the specified temperature.
Spatula: A spatula is handy for spreading the icing on the cupcakes.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are necessary for accurately measuring the ingredients for the cupcake batter and icing.
Piping bag and tips: If you want to pipe the icing onto the cupcakes, a piping bag and tips can be used for this purpose.
Toothpick: A toothpick can be used to check if the cupcakes are done by inserting it into the center and seeing if it comes out clean.
Cooling rack: A cooling rack is useful for allowing the cupcakes to cool before frosting.
Knife or offset spatula: These tools can be used for spreading the icing on the cupcakes and for any detailed decorating.

Storing and Freezing Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for the vanilla snowman cupcakes with vanilla icing:

Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cupcakes soggy.
To store the cupcakes, place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you plan to freeze the cupcakes, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the wrapped cupcakes in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen cupcakes will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of cupcakes from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
If you've already decorated the cupcakes with the vanilla icing and candy faces, it's best to store them in the refrigerator. The icing may soften and the candy may bleed color if left at room temperature for too long.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid freezing the cupcakes after they've been decorated with the icing and candy faces. The freezing and thawing process can cause the icing to become grainy and the candy to lose its shape and color.

How To Reheat Leftover Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cupcakes on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. This will help prevent the frosting from melting and the cupcakes from drying out. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through. The time may vary depending on the size of your cupcakes and how cold they were to begin with.
If you prefer a softer, more moist cupcake, you can use the microwave. Place the cupcake on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 10-second intervals until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the frosting to melt and the cupcake to become rubbery.
For a quicker option, you can also reheat the cupcakes in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the cupcakes in the basket. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until they are warmed through. This method will give you a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
If you want to maintain the texture and appearance of the vanilla icing, you can remove it before reheating the cupcake. Use a butter knife or spatula to gently scrape off the frosting, then reheat the cupcake using one of the above methods. Once the cupcake is warm, you can either put the original frosting back on top or make a fresh batch of vanilla icing to decorate your snowman cupcake.
For a fun twist, you can transform your leftover cupcakes into a new dessert. Crumble the cupcakes into a bowl, mix in some softened vanilla ice cream, and shape the mixture into balls. Roll the balls in shredded coconut or powdered sugar to create snowman-inspired cake pops. Freeze the cake pops for a few hours until they are firm, then enjoy your creative new treat!

Interesting Fact About Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

The vanilla snowman cupcakes with vanilla icing recipe is a delightful treat for the holiday season. These cupcakes are not only delicious but also fun to decorate, making them a perfect activity for kids and adults alike. The combination of the moist vanilla cake and the creamy vanilla icing creates a delectable flavor that everyone will love. These cupcakes are a great way to spread some holiday cheer and bring a smile to everyone's face. Plus, they make for a festive and adorable addition to any dessert table. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful snowman cupcakes with your loved ones!

Is Making Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes at Home Cost-Effective?

This vanilla snowman cupcakes with vanilla icing recipe is cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, making it budget-friendly. The Duncan Hines French Vanilla Cake Mix and Chobani yogurt are versatile and can be used in various recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it an affordable dessert option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its simplicity, taste, and affordability.

Are Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for vanilla snowman cupcakes with vanilla icing is not particularly healthy. The main ingredients, such as the cake mix and powdered sugar, are high in refined carbohydrates and added sugars. The recipe also includes butter and yogurt, which contribute to the overall fat content. While the recipe does use egg whites instead of whole eggs, which reduces the cholesterol content, the cupcakes are still a sugary treat that should be enjoyed in moderation.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace some of the water with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the overall sugar content and add moisture to the cupcakes
Use a whole grain or gluten-free cake mix to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the icing and replace some of it with a sugar substitute or pureed fruit for natural sweetness
Use low-fat or non-fat yogurt instead of full-fat yogurt to reduce the overall fat content
Decorate the cupcakes with fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries, instead of candy to add nutrients and reduce the amount of added sugars

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Cupcake Recipe

The vanilla snowman cupcakes with vanilla icing recipe is a delightful and whimsical treat that is sure to bring joy to any gathering. The use of French vanilla cake mix and Chobani yogurt adds a rich and creamy texture to the cupcakes, while the vanilla icing provides a sweet and smooth finish. The addition of colorful candies and mini marshmallows for the snowman's face adds a playful and festive touch, making these cupcakes a fun and delicious dessert for the holiday season or any special occasion.

Enhance Your Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the sweet vanilla snowman cupcakes.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Tender Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, a delightful contrast to the vanilla sweetness of the cupcakes.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Tender carrots glazed with honey for a touch of sweetness, a lovely accompaniment to the vanilla snowman cupcakes.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Creamy mushroom risotto is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the richness of risotto rice. It's a perfect dish for a cozy night in.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: Honey garlic glazed salmon is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavor of garlic. It's a quick and easy recipe that's perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl: Mixed berry smoothie bowl is a refreshing and nutritious breakfast option that combines the sweetness of mixed berries with the creaminess of yogurt. It's a great way to start your day with a burst of fruity flavor.

Appetizers and Main Dishes That Complement Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. These bite-sized delights are filled with a rich and flavorful mixture that will leave everyone wanting more. The combination of earthy mushrooms and decadent filling creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with bruschetta that is bursting with fresh and vibrant flavors. The crisp and toasted bread provides the perfect base for the juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic glaze. Each bite is a symphony of tastes that will awaken the palate and leave a lasting impression.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken and a rich, savory Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: A flavorful and colorful dish with tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.

Why trust this Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing Recipe:

This recipe guarantees delicious results, as it uses high-quality ingredients such as Duncan Hines French Vanilla Cake Mix and Chobani yogurt. The combination of these premium components ensures a moist and flavorful cupcake. Additionally, the clear vanilla extract in the icing adds a rich and aromatic flavor. The use of M&M's and orange jellybeans for the snowman's face adds a fun and festive touch, making these cupcakes a delightful treat for any occasion.

Share your thoughts on making these adorable Vanilla Snowman Cupcakes with Vanilla Icing in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how they turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for the cupcakes?

Yes, you can definitely use a different flavor of cake mix if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.

Can I use regular vanilla extract instead of clear vanilla extract for the icing?

Yes, you can use regular vanilla extract instead of clear vanilla extract. The clear vanilla extract is used to maintain the white color of the icing, but regular vanilla extract will work just fine.

Can I make the cupcakes in advance and frost them later?

Absolutely! You can bake the cupcakes in advance and store them in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, you can frost them with the vanilla icing and decorate as desired.

Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making the vanilla icing from scratch?

Yes, you can use store-bought frosting if you prefer. However, making the vanilla icing from scratch allows you to control the flavor and sweetness to your liking.

Can I use different candies and decorations for the snowman's face?

Of course! You can get creative with the snowman's face by using different candies and decorations to personalize your cupcakes. Let your imagination run wild!