Description
Broken Glass Cupcakes are a fun and festive dessert perfect for Halloween parties. These cupcakes combine a simple white cake base with a stunning topping of edible candy shards that resemble broken glass. The candy shards are made with sugar syrup flavored with strawberry pie filling gel, adding a touch of fruity sweetness to the crunchy decoration. This recipe offers a visually impressive treat that is sure to impress guests with both its taste and spooky appearance.
Ingredients
Scale
Cupcake Ingredients
- 18.25 ounces white cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup strawberry pie filling
Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup butter (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pound confectioner’s sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
Candy Glass Shards
- 3 ½ cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3 tablespoons strawberry pie filling gel
Instructions
- Prepare the Cupcake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, eggs, vegetable oil, and strawberry pie filling. Mix according to the cake mix package instructions until smooth and well combined.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the cake mix box. Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for approximately 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the Buttercream Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract, salt, and confectioner’s sugar gradually, alternating with the heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream or sugar if necessary.
- Apply Frosting: Once the cupcakes have cooled, frost each one generously with the prepared buttercream.
- Prepare the Candy Glass Mixture: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and cream of tartar. Place over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring until it reaches hard crack stage (300°F / 149°C).
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove the syrup from heat and carefully stir in the strawberry pie filling gel to tint and flavor the candy.
- Create Candy Glass Shards: Pour the hot syrup onto a greased or silicone-lined baking sheet spreading it thinly. Allow it to cool completely and harden. Once hardened, break the candy into irregular pieces resembling broken glass shards.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Carefully place the candy shards on top of each frosted cupcake to create the broken glass effect. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to keep the candy crisp.
Notes
- Broken Glass Cupcakes make a stunning centerpiece for Halloween parties or themed events.
- The candy shards are delicate and can become sticky if exposed to humidity; store them separately if making ahead and add just before serving.
- Use a silicone mat or greased baking sheet to prevent the candy from sticking during the cooling process.
- Be very careful when handling hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- You can substitute strawberry pie filling gel with any other fruit-flavored gel to customize the colors and flavors of your candy shards.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 51 g
- Sodium: 229 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
