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
Scale
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
