New Year’s Eve Ball Dropping Cupcakes Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with these festive Ball Dropping Cupcakes! Red velvet cupcakes topped with fluffy whipped cream icing and a sparkling donut hole “ball” on a straw make a fun and delicious treat to ring in the new year.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 bag powdered donut holes
- 1 container gold sprinkles
- Water (for decorating donut holes)
- Striped straws
- Glitter craft balls (for decorating straws)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bake the red velvet cupcakes according to the directions on the box. Allow them to cool completely before decorating.
- Step 2: In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Start the mixer on speed 2 and run for about two minutes. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing for another two minutes, gradually increasing the speed every two minutes. The mixture should thicken and resemble whipped topping or Cool Whip. Transfer to a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Step 3: Attach glitter craft balls to the tops of the striped straws using glue or a small dab of icing. In one small bowl, add gold sprinkles. In another small bowl, pour a little water. Dip the powdered donut holes briefly in water, then roll them in the sprinkles. Place the coated donut holes on foil to dry.
- Step 4: Once dry, carefully press a straw through each donut hole, sliding it upward to secure. If the donut hole doesn’t stay in place, use a small amount of melted chocolate or icing to help adhere it.
- Step 5: Remove the whipped cream icing from the fridge and pipe a generous swirl on top of each cupcake. Insert a straw with the donut hole ball into each cupcake. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive fun!
Tips & Variations
- Use cream cheese frosting instead of whipped cream for a richer flavor and firmer texture.
- Swap gold sprinkles for silver or multicolored ones to match your party theme.
- Make your own donut holes from scratch if you prefer fresh homemade treats.
- For extra sparkle, lightly dust the finished cupcakes with edible glitter.
Storage
Store the decorated cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the donut hole balls fresh and crunchy, assemble the straws and donut holes just before serving. If storing assembled cupcakes, remove the straws and donut holes prior to refrigeration and reassemble before serving. Reheat is not recommended as it may affect texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the whipped cream icing ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the whipped cream icing a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Whip it fresh for best texture, but it holds well for several hours when chilled.
What can I use if I don’t have striped straws?
You can substitute with any sturdy paper or plastic straws, or even food-safe wooden skewers. Just make sure they are strong enough to hold the donut hole and decorate accordingly.
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New Year’s Eve Ball Dropping Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with these festive Ball Dropping Cupcakes featuring classic red velvet cupcakes topped with homemade whipped cream icing and decorated with sparkling donut hole balls on festive straws, perfect for party treats that delight both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
For Cupcakes
- 1 box red velvet cake mix
For Ball Decorations
- 1 bag powdered donut holes
- 1 container gold sprinkles
- Water (for decorating)
For Straws
- Striped straws
- Glitter craft balls (decorative toppers for straws)
Instructions
- Bake Cupcakes: Prepare the red velvet cupcakes according to the instructions on the cake mix box. After baking, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Icing: Using a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, pour in the heavy whipping cream and start mixing at speed 2. After about two minutes, gradually add the powdered sugar. Continue mixing for an additional two minutes, then increase the mixer speed every two minutes until the mixture resembles a stable whipped topping similar to Cool Whip. Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Decorate Donut Hole Balls: In one small bowl, place the gold sprinkles, and in another small bowl, add water. Press the glitter craft balls onto the tops of the striped straws using a small amount of glue or adhesive appropriate for crafts. Roll each powdered donut hole first in water to moisten briefly, then immediately roll it in the gold sprinkles to coat. Place the coated donut holes on foil to dry.
- Assemble Donut Holes on Straws: Carefully press each straw up through the coated donut hole, sliding the donut hole upwards along the straw. If the donut hole is loose and won’t stay in position, secure it using a small amount of melted chocolate or leftover icing as adhesive.
- Decorate Cupcakes: Remove the whipped cream icing from the refrigerator. Pipe a generous swirl of icing on top of each cooled cupcake. Insert the decorated straw with the donut hole ball into the center of each cupcake, creating the appearance of a New Year’s Eve ball drop. Serve immediately and enjoy the festive presentation.
Notes
- The whipped cream icing is best used fresh to maintain its texture and coolness.
- You can substitute the powdered donut holes with plain donut holes if powdered are unavailable, but the powder allows the sprinkles to stick better.
- Use edible glitter or decoration for the donut holes if serving to guests who may be concerned about craft glues.
- For added stability, chill the assembled cupcakes briefly before serving.
- If preferred, homemade red velvet cupcakes can be used instead of the boxed mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: New Year’s Eve, cupcakes, red velvet, ball drop, whipped cream frosting, festive desserts, party treats
