Candy sweet potato cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines the softness of sweet potatoes with the sweetness of candy. This recipe features a brown sugar icing that enhances the flavors, making it perfect for special occasions or as an indulgent snack.
#### Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 small sweet potato)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for topping
#### Brown Sugar Icing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
#### Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Pastry bag with star tip (for decorating)
- Cupcake liners
- Baking sheet
### Step-by-Step Guide
#### Preparing the Cupcakes
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. **Cream Wet Ingredients**: Using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the egg and oil until well combined in another large mixing bowl.
4. **Combine**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with vanilla extract and sweet potatoes (start and end with the dry ingredients). Mix just until incorporated; avoid overmixing as it can lead to tough cupcakes.
5. **Fold in Toppings**: Gently fold in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for a festive touch.
6. **Bake**: Pour batter into prepared cupcake liners, filling them about 2/3 full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. **Cooling**: Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before removing them from the tin and cooling completely on the rack.
#### Making Brown Sugar Icing
1. **Melt Butter**: Soften your butter and place it in a mixing bowl. Melt over low heat or use room temperature softened butter.
2. **Mix Ingredients**: Add powdered sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Whisk until well combined and smooth.
3. **Adjust Consistency**: If the icing is too thick, add a little water; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Mix until you achieve your desired consistency.
4. **Decorate**: Once cupcakes are fully cooled, pipe the brown sugar frosting onto each cupcake using a pastry bag with a star tip. Decorate as desired!
### Tips & Variations
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle additional candy pieces over the frosting just before decorating.
- Experiment with different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for unique flavor profiles.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy your homemade Candy Sweet Potato Cupcakes and Brown Sugar Icing! Share them on social media using #CandySweetPotatoCupcakes and tag us to let everyone know how delicious they turned out. Happy baking!
**Keywords:** Candy sweet potato cupcakes, brown sugar icing, mini chocolate chips, light brown sugar, cupcake recipe, special occasion treats, festive desserts