Gold Star Cupcakes with Edible Gold Stars and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

If you’re looking to dazzle your guests with something truly spectacular yet utterly delicious, the Gold Star Cupcakes with Edible Gold Stars and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe is your new best friend. These cupcakes blend moist, tender vanilla cake with luscious, creamy buttercream frosting, topped off with shimmering edible gold stars that look as stunning as they taste. Whether it’s a special celebration or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these cupcakes bring that extra sparkle both in flavor and presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind these cupcakes lies in their carefully chosen, simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of moist cake, smooth frosting, and dazzling decoration, ensuring every bite is a little piece of heaven.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and lightness to the cupcakes.
• Baking powder: This helps the cupcakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the taste.
• Unsalted butter: Used in both the cake and frosting for rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding moisture and richness.
• Pure vanilla extract: Provides that classic warm vanilla aroma and taste.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
• Sour cream: Contributes tanginess and keeps the cupcakes incredibly moist.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for the smooth, silky texture of the buttercream.
• Heavy cream or milk: Adjusts the frosting’s consistency to perfectly pipeable smoothness.
• Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances the sweetness of the buttercream.
• Fondant (white or ivory): The base material for crafting the edible gold stars.
• Gold edible luster dust: Gives the stars their eye-catching shimmer and elegance.
• Clear extract (lemon or vodka): Mixed with luster dust to make edible paint for the stars.
• Small star-shaped cutter: For perfect, uniform star shapes every time.

How to Make Gold Star Cupcakes with Edible Gold Stars and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with paper cupcake liners to make cleanup easy and ensure your cupcakes don’t stick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This dry mix creates the base that will help your cupcakes rise perfectly and stay light.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step infuses air into the batter, vital for soft cupcakes.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the pure vanilla extract for that rich, warming flavor base.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream

Mix in the sour cream thoroughly. It adds moisture and a gentle tang that makes the cupcakes delightfully moist.

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to combine everything smoothly without toughening the cake.

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Liners

Divide the batter evenly among your cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full to leave just the right room for rising.

Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. This ensures the cupcakes are perfectly cooked through without drying out.

Step 9: Cool Completely

Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them onto a wire rack. Cooling completely is key so the buttercream won’t melt when applied.

Step 10: Make the Buttercream Base

Beat the butter on medium-high speed for 3 to 4 minutes until creamy and pale. This fluffy base is what makes the frosting so irresistible.

Step 11: Add Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed between additions. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk to start forming that classic vanilla buttercream flavor.

Step 12: Adjust Consistency

Continue beating to reach a smooth, fluffy texture. Add more cream if needed to get a consistency that pipes easily but holds its shape.

Step 13: Prepare Piping Bag

Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip (like Wilton 1A) with the buttercream. This will help you create those elegant swirls on top of each cupcake.

Step 14: Roll Out Fondant

On a surface dusted lightly with cornstarch or powdered sugar, roll the fondant to about ¼ inch thick. This makes it easier to cut your star shapes cleanly.

Step 15: Cut Star Shapes

Use your small star-shaped cutter to punch out fondant stars. Place them onto parchment and let them dry for 2 to 3 hours, or overnight for the best firmness.

Step 16: Paint the Stars

Mix the gold edible luster dust with a few drops of clear extract to create edible metallic paint. Carefully brush this over each fondant star, then allow them to dry completely for a show-stopping shimmer.

Step 17: Frost the Cupcakes

Pipe tall, smooth swirls of vanilla buttercream onto each cooled cupcake. The clean, creamy texture is the perfect canvas for our golden accents.

Step 18: Add Gold Stars

Gently press the shimmering golden fondant star into the top of each buttercream swirl. These beautiful stars add a magical finishing touch that will impress everyone.

Step 19: Finish and Serve

Arrange your Gold Star Cupcakes with Edible Gold Stars and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe on a lovely platter. Serve immediately or keep them covered at room temperature for up to one day to maintain freshness and sparkle.

How to Serve Gold Star Cupcakes with Edible Gold Stars and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

Garnishes

While the gold fondant stars are dazzling all on their own, consider adding a subtle sprinkle of edible glitter or a fine dusting of powdered sugar for extra sparkle and whimsy. Fresh edible flowers or delicate gold dragees can also enhance the elegance without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair wonderfully with light, refreshing beverages like sparkling lemonade, chamomile tea, or a crisp glass of prosecco. For an extra indulgent touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness of the buttercream.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, display your cupcakes on a tiered stand to showcase their glittering stars at different heights. You can also place them in mini cupcake boxes tied with gold ribbon for a beautiful gift or party favor that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours to preserve the moistness and keep the buttercream fresh. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the cupcakes and dull the frosting texture.

Freezing

If you want to make these cupcakes ahead of time, freeze the un-iced cupcakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. Frosted cupcakes freeze best without the fondant stars; add decorations after thawing.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cupcakes for about 10 seconds in the microwave to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven softness, but keep an eye on them to avoid melting the frosting. Let any decorated stars remain cool to retain their sparkle and shape.

FAQs

Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! While vanilla brings classic warmth, you can experiment with almond or lemon extract for a different flavor twist. Just use the same amount for a subtle variation without overpowering the cupcake.

Are the gold edible stars safe to eat?

Yes, the gold edible luster dust combined with food-safe fondant is completely safe to eat and designed specifically for cake decorating. They add beauty without any worries about consuming non-food materials.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious and moist.

How long does it take to dry the fondant stars?

The stars typically need 2 to 3 hours to firm up, but for the best handling and longer-lasting shape, drying them overnight is ideal before painting with the gold luster dust.

What if I don’t have a piping bag or tip?

No worries! You can simply spread the buttercream with a butter knife or use a plastic bag with a tiny corner snipped off to pipe the frosting. It won’t look as perfect, but it will taste just as amazing.

Final Thoughts

These Gold Star Cupcakes with Edible Gold Stars and Vanilla Buttercream Recipe are a surefire way to bring joy and sparkle to any occasion. Their buttery texture, luscious frosting, and golden adornments make every bite feel special. I strongly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful blend of simple ingredients transformed into something truly magical.

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