Candy Cane Swirl Cupcakes with Dreamy Peppermint Buttercream

Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Frosting Christmas Magic

By Emily CollinsSeptember 13, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever wondered how to bake Christmas magic? Honestly, I did! These Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Peppermint Buttercream are your answer! Imagine a Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes swirling with pepperminty goodness.

They are seriously good.

Christmas-in-a-Cupcake: What's the Buzz?

These aren't just cupcakes. They're a tribute to Christmas Desserts Cupcakes , reminiscent of cosy nights. The candy cane element gives a playful nod to childhood holiday memories.

Baking difficulty? Medium. Time commitment? About an hour. You will get 12 perfect Holiday Flavored Cupcakes .

Why You'll Love These Festive Cupcakes

Think of the smiles! The Peppermint Buttercream Frosting is so fluffy. The slightly crunchy candy cane bits? Perfect!

They're an instant mood booster, plus, they make you the star baker at any gathering. The Easy Christmas Cupcake Ideas bring joy.

It’s one of those Festive Cupcake Recipes that's both show stopping and simple. Baking? It's my happy place. Creating Homemade Candy Cane Cupcakes and sharing them? Even better!

Right then, let's get our Bake Off aprons on! We're tackling these Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Peppermint Buttercream! Think Mary Berry meets Willy Wonka, alright? Ready to grab that flour and begin this scrummy baking adventure?

Right then, let's get our Bake Off aprons on and tackle these Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Peppermint Buttercream! Think Mary Berry meets Willy Wonka, alright?

Getting Started: Ingredients & Equipment

Honestly, no need to feel intimidated. Baking these Christmas Desserts Cupcakes is easier than untangling Christmas lights! We're aiming for that perfect Christmas-in-a-cupcake ranking, so let's get this done!

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Measuring

Here's what you need to make about 12 Candy Cane Cupcakes . You’ll need 1 ½ cups (192g) all-purpose flour. Make sure your flour is fresh.

1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder is next. Use ¼ teaspoon of salt, too. For fat, use ½ cup (113g) US / 115g Metric unsalted butter.

Make sure it is softened! ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar, plus 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Finally, ½ cup (120ml) milk and ½ cup (60g) crushed candy canes.

Those are about 12 small ones. Crushed is key. These Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes are perfect!

For the Fluffy Peppermint Buttercream, grab 1 cup (226g) US / 230g Metric unsalted butter. This needs to be softened, too.

3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted is very important!. And 3-4 tablespoons (45-60ml) milk plus ½ teaspoon peppermint extract and a pinch of salt.

More crushed candy canes? They are optional for garnish.

Seasoning Notes: It's All About That Peppermint

The essential spice? Peppermint extract, duh! Add it slowly . Some extracts are super strong. Taste as you go. Not a fan of peppermint? A little almond extract in the cake, instead of vanilla, can add a beautiful depth of flavour.

Want a kick? Try peppermint schnapps (sparingly!) instead of extract.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You'll need a muffin tin (12-cup) with liners. An electric mixer (stand or hand held) is ideal. Mixing bowls are very important plus a rubber spatula.

Measuring cups and spoons are essential. I used a Ziploc bag for the candy cane swirl. A piping bag works too.

Don’t have a mixer? Elbow grease and a whisk will do the trick. No Ziploc? Just use a spoon to dollop the candy cane mixture in.

Easy peasy! We will be the envy of every Holiday Flavored Cupcakes baker out there! These Festive Cupcake Recipes are just the start! And don't you know these Easy Christmas Cupcake Ideas is great for Christmas? Let's tackle making the Homemade Candy Cane Cupcakes and perfect that Fluffy Peppermint Cupcake Recipe .

Right then, let's get our Bake Off aprons on and tackle these Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Peppermint Buttercream! Think Mary Berry meets Willy Wonka, alright? These are seriously the best way to kick off the festive season.

Let's Get Baking: Prepping Your Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes

Alright, before we get flour everywhere, let’s get organised. This isn't like a disaster zone baking challenge, you know?

Essential Mise en Place

First things first, get all your ingredients measured out. Honestly, it makes life so much easier. Soften that butter! Nobody wants lumpy batter.

Crush those candy canes . Don't forget to preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Time Saving Organization Tips

Line your muffin tin with those cute cupcake liners. Whisk together your dry ingredients in advance. This saves you a step later when your little helper's eager to lick the spoon.

Safety Reminders

Hot oven, yeah? Use oven gloves. Crushed candy canes can be a bit sharp, so maybe don't let the little ones go too crazy with the crushing. Safety first, guys!

Baking Christmas Desserts Cupcakes: step-by-step

These Holiday Flavored Cupcakes are easier than you think, promise.

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Don't overmix!
Fill liners halfway, sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Top with remaining batter.
Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in the tin for a bit, then transfer to a wire rack.
Make the Peppermint Buttercream Frosting .

Visual cues for doneness: You want a light golden brown colour. Critical temperature point: You want the internal temperature to reach approximately 200° F ( 93° C) .

Expert Tips: Nailing the Perfect Peppermint Cupcake Recipe

Want to take these Easy Christmas Cupcake Ideas to the next level? Here's how.

Pro Tips

Don't overmix the batter! It makes tough cupcakes. Softened butter is key to creamy buttercream. Sift the powdered sugar. It prevents a grainy frosting.

Common Mistakes

Not letting the cupcakes cool completely before frosting. The buttercream will melt. Overdoing the peppermint extract! Taste as you go.

Some extracts are super strong. I once made my Homemade Candy Cane Cupcakes taste like toothpaste because of this. Lesson learned!

make-ahead Option

You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. Make the buttercream the day of for the best freshness.

It is in fact a great choice to create Festive Cupcake Recipes !

And there you have it! You should now have the best Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy frosting you've ever baked.

The smell alone will make your house feel like Christmas. These cupcakes are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer!

Recipe Notes for the Best Candy Cane Cupcakes Ever!

Right then, you've got the recipe for these amazing Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy frosting. But before you get baking, let's talk about some bits and bobs to make them really special.

Honestly, it's all in the details.

Ace Serving Ideas

These Christmas Desserts Cupcakes look fab served on a pretty cake stand. You know, the sort your nan had? A dusting of extra crushed candy cane adds a festive sparkle.

For drinks, think creamy eggnog or a nice cuppa. Honestly, either works a treat. You could serve with a selection of other Festive Cupcake Recipes for a proper Christmas spread, too.

Storing Like a Pro

Candy Cane Cupcakes keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pop them in an airtight container, yeah? For longer storage, you can freeze them.

Frost the Peppermint Cupcake Recipe first, then freeze. Wrap individually in cling film, then put them in a freezer bag.

They'll keep for about a month. Defrost them at room temperature for best results. Honestly, the fridge is the best call though.

Tweak It 'Til You Make It

Fancy a change? Try adding a drop of red food colouring to the buttercream for a pink Peppermint Buttercream Frosting .

For a chocolate twist, add a spoon of cocoa to the cupcake batter. Boom, Chocolate Holiday Flavored Cupcakes ! And for a super easy swap, you could exchange almond extract for the vanilla.

You can try different types of festive toppings too! If you're after gluten-free Easy Christmas Cupcake Ideas , just swap the flour for a gluten-free blend.

Easy peasy.

Nifty Nutrition Notes

Each of these Homemade Candy Cane Cupcakes rings in at about 350 calories. They've got 3 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, and 45 grams of carbs.

Of course, the sugar content is fairly high, about 30 grams. So, maybe don't eat the whole batch in one sitting.

(Although, honestly, I wouldn't blame you!) Still, these Christmas Vanilla Cupcakes are a treat!

So there you have it. Your guide to making the perfect Fluffy Peppermint Cupcake Recipe . Get baking, have fun, and don't be afraid to make a mess!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy buttercream ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cupcakes themselves can be baked a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The buttercream can also be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.

Just be sure to bring the buttercream back to room temperature and re-whip it before frosting the cupcakes, otherwise it will be too stiff to work with, and nobody wants a buttercream disaster - it's like a soggy bottom on the Great British Bake Off!

How should I store my Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Peppermint Buttercream?

The best way to store these cupcakes is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the buttercream from melting and prevent the cupcakes from drying out. They'll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, but let's be honest, they probably won't last that long!

Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

My buttercream is too thick/thin! What can I do?

Buttercream can be a bit temperamental, like a toddler on a sugar rush! If it's too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, add a tablespoon of sifted powdered sugar at a time. Remember, patience is key. Think of it as meditation - just keep stirring!

Can I make Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy buttercream without peppermint extract?

Sure, you can definitely adjust the peppermint flavoring! If you don't have peppermint extract, you can try using peppermint oil, but be very careful as it's much more potent a drop or two is usually enough.

Alternatively, you could infuse the milk for the buttercream with peppermint tea bags for a more subtle flavor, or even use a few drops of peppermint schnapps (if you're feeling adventurous!).

Can I freeze these Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Peppermint Buttercream?

Freezing these cupcakes is possible, but it's best to freeze them before frosting. The buttercream can change texture and sometimes become a bit grainy after thawing. Wrap the unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to enjoy, thaw them completely at room temperature and then frost them with freshly made buttercream. Nobody wants a freezer burnt cupcake!

I'm looking for a vegan version of these Candy Cane Cupcakes with Fluffy Buttercream. Any suggestions?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter in both the cupcakes and the buttercream with your favorite vegan butter. Replace the milk with a plant based milk alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk.

For the eggs, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). There you go - a festive, vegan treat perfect for a Christmas get-together!