Introduction & Inspiration
This Dunkaroo Cupcakes recipe is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, reimagined in cupcake form. I grew up loving Dunkaroos – those little cookies with the sweet, confetti-flecked frosting. It was the best snack.
The idea of transforming that iconic snack into a cupcake was irresistible. I wanted to capture the fun, the sweetness, and the colorful sprinkles that made Dunkaroos so memorable.
I envisioned a Funfetti cupcake base, infused with a hint of cinnamon, and topped with a creamy, white chocolate frosting that perfectly mimicked the Dunkaroo dip. It’s a playful and delicious treat.
This recipe is the result of that vision, a perfect blend of childhood nostalgia and grown-up baking. It’s a recipe that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
Nostalgic Appeal
Dunkaroos, with their kangaroo mascot and sweet, sprinkle-filled frosting, were a quintessential 90s snack. They evoke memories of lunchboxes, after-school treats, and simpler times.
Funfetti cake, too, holds a special place in many hearts. Its colorful sprinkles and cheerful appearance are instantly recognizable and always bring a smile. I love sprinkles.
These Dunkaroo Cupcakes tap into that nostalgia, offering a modern twist on a beloved childhood treat. They’re a perfect way to relive those happy memories.
The combination of Funfetti cake, white chocolate frosting, and sprinkles is a celebration of all things fun, colorful, and sweet.
Homemade Focus (with a Shortcut)
While this recipe utilizes a convenient shortcut with the Funfetti cake mix, the emphasis is still on creating a homemade experience. The white chocolate frosting is made entirely from scratch, and it’s what truly captures the essence of Dunkaroos.
Using a cake mix allows us to focus on the frosting and the overall presentation, making this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
The homemade frosting, with its creamy texture and sweet white chocolate flavor, elevates the entire cupcake. It’s a key element that sets these cupcakes apart.
This recipe strikes a perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
Flavor Goal
The primary objective of this recipe is to recreate the flavor and experience of Dunkaroos in a cupcake form. The best flavor.
The Funfetti cupcake base provides a sweet, vanilla-flavored foundation with colorful sprinkles throughout.
The hint of cinnamon added to the batter adds a subtle warmth and complexity, mimicking the flavor of the original Dunkaroo cookies.
The white chocolate frosting is the star of the show. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly reminiscent of the Dunkaroo dip.
The sprinkles add a fun, festive touch and a satisfying crunch.
Ultimately, I wanted a cupcake that was both playful and delicious, a treat that would transport you back to the 90s with every bite.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make these Dunkaroo Cupcakes so special:
Funfetti Cake Mix: This provides the base for the cupcakes, offering a sweet, vanilla-flavored cake with colorful sprinkles throughout.
Ground Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon is added to the batter to mimic the flavor of the original Dunkaroo cookies.
Butter (Softened): This is the base of the frosting, providing richness and creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the frosting and helps to create a smooth texture.
White Chocolate (Melted): This is the key ingredient in the frosting, providing that signature Dunkaroo flavor. Use good-quality white chocolate for the best results.
Whole Milk: This adds moisture to the frosting and helps to achieve the desired consistency.
Pure Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the frosting.
Kosher Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Sprinkles (Plus More for Garnish): These are folded into the frosting and used to decorate the cupcakes, adding a fun, festive touch.
Birthday Cake Teddy Grahams: These are used as a garnish, adding another nostalgic element and a satisfying crunch.
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic tools for this recipe:
Two 12-Cup Muffin Tins: This is for baking the cupcakes.
Cupcake Liners: These prevent the cupcakes from sticking to the tins and make cleanup easier.
Large Bowls (at least two): You’ll need bowls for mixing the batter and making the frosting.
Hand Mixer: This is essential for whipping the butter and making the frosting.
Spatula: I use it all the time.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s a precise list of the ingredients, along with their exact measurements:
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sprinkles, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup Birthday Cake Teddy Grahams
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s bake these fun and delicious Dunkaroo Cupcakes!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcakes
Prepare the Funfetti cake mix according to the box instructions.
Add the ground cinnamon to the batter and mix until just combined.
Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center has moist crumbs, 24 to 26 minutes.
Step 3: Cool the Cupcakes
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, whip the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
Add the melted white chocolate, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the sprinkles until they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each cupcake, leaving a small dome at the top. This mimics the look of the original Dunkaroo dip.
Top the frosted cupcakes with more sprinkles and Birthday Cake Teddy Grahams.
Troubleshooting
Here are a couple of potential issues and their solutions:
Problem: Cupcakes are dry.
Solution: You may have overbaked the cupcakes. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and remove them from the oven as soon as the toothpick has moist crumbs.
Problem: Frosting is too stiff.
Solution: Add a bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
Problem: Frosting is too soft.
Solution: add more powdered sugar
Tips and Variations
Here are some extra tips and variations to customize your Dunkaroo Cupcakes:
Tip: For a more intense white chocolate flavor, use a higher quality white chocolate for the frosting.
Variation: Use different types of sprinkles, such as rainbow nonpareils or jimmies, for a different look.
Variation: Add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting to create different colors.
Tip: If you don’t have Birthday Cake Teddy Grahams, you can use regular Teddy Grahams or other small cookies as a garnish.
Variation: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or fudge sauce to the top of the cupcakes before adding the frosting.
Variation Add a filling
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These Dunkaroo Cupcakes are a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving ideas:
Serve them at a birthday party, a 90s-themed party, or any gathering where you want to add a touch of nostalgia.
Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee.
Offer them as a fun and playful dessert for kids and adults alike.
Package them in a cute box or tin for a homemade gift.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional estimate per cupcake (assuming the recipe yields 24 cupcakes):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 18-22g
- Sugar: 35-40g
- Protein: 3-4g
These are just estimates.
Enjoy these cupcakes in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Print
Dunkaroo Cupcakes
Description
This Dunkaroo Cupcakes recipe is a nostalgic trip back to the 90s, reimagined in cupcake form. I grew up loving Dunkaroos – those little cookies with the sweet, confetti-flecked frosting
Ingredients
- 1 box Funfetti cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup white chocolate, melted
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sprinkles, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup Birthday Cake Teddy Grahams
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 12-cup muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Step 2: Make the Cupcakes
Prepare the Funfetti cake mix according to the box instructions.
Add the ground cinnamon to the batter and mix until just combined.
Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter.
Bake the cupcakes until a toothpick inserted into the center has moist crumbs, 24 to 26 minutes.
Step 3: Cool the Cupcakes
Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tins for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, whip the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
Add the melted white chocolate, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, and mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the sprinkles until they’re evenly distributed.
Step 5: Frost and Decorate
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost each cupcake, leaving a small dome at the top. This mimics the look of the original Dunkaroo dip.
Top the frosted cupcakes with more sprinkles and Birthday Cake Teddy Grahams.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Let’s recap the recipe and answer some frequently asked questions:
Recipe Summary:
We made delicious Dunkaroo Cupcakes by preparing a Funfetti cake mix with added cinnamon, baking the cupcakes, making a white chocolate frosting with sprinkles, and decorating the cupcakes with more sprinkles and Teddy Grahams.
Q&A:
Q: Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the cupcakes a day or two in advance and store them, unfrosted, in an airtight container at room temperature. The frosting can also be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Frost the cupcakes just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A: You can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting.
Q: Can I use a different type of cake mix?
A: Yes, you can use a white cake mix or a yellow cake mix, but the Funfetti cake mix adds to the nostalgic appeal.
Q: I don’t have white chocolate. Can I use something else?
A: The white chocolate is essential for creating the signature Dunkaroo frosting flavor. You could try using a different type of frosting, but it won’t be quite the same.
Q: Can I make mini cupcakes instead of regular-sized cupcakes?
A: Yes, you can use a mini muffin tin and adjust the baking time accordingly.