Description
Whimsical, pastel, and irresistibly sweet—these Mermaid Cupcakes are a showstopper for birthdays, baby showers, and themed celebrations. With buttery vanilla cake, swirled ocean-hued frosting, and glimmering mermaid tail toppers, this recipe is a fun and festive treat that’s easier to make than it looks. The decorations can be made ahead, and the base is simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to steal the spotlight on any dessert table. Let your creativity shine with edible glitter, sugar pearls, and color swirls worthy of an underwater kingdom.
Ingredients
For Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup whole milk
For Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Gel food coloring: aqua, lilac, pink
Decorations:
½ cup white chocolate or fondant
Gel food coloring (optional for chocolate)
Mermaid tail silicone molds
Edible glitter, sugar pearls, confetti sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk.
- Divide batter evenly among liners.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes completely before frosting.
- For frosting, beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in vanilla and cream, beat until smooth. Divide and tint with gel colors.
- Pipe onto cupcakes in a swirl using a large star tip.
- Top with mermaid tails and decorative sprinkles.
Notes
Make mermaid tails a day in advance for better handling.
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
If piping tri-color frosting, lay colors on plastic wrap before transferring to the piping bag.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 370