Slam Dunk Cupcakes Recipes

Steps:

• Place orange round candy sprinkles (nonpareils) in a small bowl. Using an offset spatula, spread a smooth layer of untinted buttercream over each cupcake. Dip each frosted cupcake in sprinkles, rolling it around to coat completely.
• Cut 96 lengths (each about 3 inches) from licorice laces. Arrange three laces parallel to each other on each cupcake, one straight across the middle and the outer laces curved toward the edge. Lay a fourth piece in crosswise fashion over the other laces. Gently press licorice into frosting to adhere. Refrigerate 30 minutes to allow frosting to set.

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line cupcake pans with 24 liners.
• In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large mixing bowl, using a electric mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium to medium-high speed for 30 seconds, gradually adding the granulated sugar about 1/4 cup at a time, until combined. Scrape the sides of the bowl down and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the honey and vanilla. Alternately add the flour mixture and the milk, beating on low speed after each addition just until combined. Fold in the chopped peanuts.
• Spoon the batter into the lined pans, filling the cups half to two-thirds full. Bake until a wooden toothpick inserted in the cupcake center comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Cool the cupcakes completely.
• Frost the cupcakes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. Place caramel popcorn on top of the frosting in a mounded fashion, pressing gently to secure.
• Using an electric mixer with paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract. Alternately add the powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream, beating on high after each addition until the frosting reaches piping consistency.