Unicorn Cupcake Cones: A Fun and Easy Recipe for Kids’ Lunch Boxes

Do you ever struggle to find creative and fun lunchbox ideas for your kids? I certainly do! It seems like I’m always searching for something that will bring a smile to their faces when they open their lunch boxes. Recently, I discovered a delightful treat that has become a favorite in our household: Unicorn Cupcake Cones. This Unicorn Cupcake Cones recipe is not only easy to make but also adds a magical touch to any lunchbox. With vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and a whimsical appearance, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why Unicorn Cupcake Cones?

When my daughter first mentioned unicorns, I knew I had to find a way to incorporate her love for these mythical creatures into her lunch. That’s when I came across the idea of unicorn cupcake cones. These cupcakes are baked inside ice-cream cones, making them portable and fun to eat. Plus, the colorful swirls of frosting resemble a unicorn’s mane, adding to the magical allure. This easy Unicorn Cupcake Cones recipe is perfect for busy parents looking to add a bit of enchantment to their children’s lunches.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

• 125g butter, chopped, at room temperature
• 140g (2/3 cup) caster sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 150g (1 cup) self-raising flour
• 75g (1/2 cup) plain flour
• 125ml (1/2 cup) buttermilk
• 18 flat-based ice-cream cones

For the Buttercream:

• 250g unsalted butter, chopped, at room temperature
• 230g (1 1/2 cups) icing sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 300g white choc melts, melted, cooled
• 3 different food colorings, to tint

To Decorate:

• Colored sprinkles

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

First, preheat your oven to 180C/160C fan forced. This step is crucial for ensuring that your cupcakes bake evenly. While the oven heats up, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl for about 3 minutes or until the mixture is pale and creamy. This helps incorporate air into the batter, making the cupcakes light and fluffy.

Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth. Combine the self-raising flour and plain flour in a separate bowl. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter in alternating batches, stirring gently to combine. This helps to avoid overmixing, which can make the cupcakes dense.

Step 2: Divide and Color the Batter

Stand the ice-cream cones in two 12-hole muffin pans. This keeps them upright while baking. Divide the batter among three bowls. Add a different food coloring to each bowl, creating three vibrant colors. This is where the magic happens! My kids love choosing the colors and watching the batter transform.

Spoon each colored batter into a separate snap-lock bag and snip a corner off each bag. Pipe a small amount of each colored batter into the cones, filling them about two-thirds full. This creates a beautiful rainbow effect when the cupcakes are baked. Bake the cones for 15-20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool completely in the pans.

Step 3: Make the Buttercream

While the cupcakes cool, it’s time to make the buttercream. Beat the butter, icing sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl for 4-5 minutes or until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This creates a smooth and creamy frosting. Stir in the melted and cooled white chocolate until well combined.

Divide the buttercream into three bowls and tint each one with a different pastel food coloring. These soft, dreamy colors are perfect for creating a unicorn-like appearance.

Step 4: Assemble the Unicorn Cupcake Cones

Now comes the fun part – assembling the cupcakes! Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your benchtop. Spoon a 30cm-long “sausage” of each colored icing onto the plastic wrap, side by side. Roll up the plastic wrap, twist the ends, and trim one end. Place this into a piping bag fitted with a 1cm fluted nozzle. This technique creates a beautiful multicolored swirl when you pipe the icing.

Pipe the buttercream onto the cooled cupcakes, creating a whimsical, unicorn-like swirl. Top each cupcake with colored sprinkles for an extra touch of magic.

Tips for Perfect Unicorn Cupcake Cones

1. Consistency is Key: Make sure your batter and buttercream are smooth and free of lumps. This ensures a consistent texture and appearance.
2. Coloring: Use gel food colorings for more vibrant colors without altering the consistency of your batter and buttercream.
3. Cooling: Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
4. Storage: Store the cupcakes in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Why Kids Love Unicorn Cupcake Cones

When I pack these unicorn cupcake cones in my kids’ lunch boxes, they are always excited to show them off to their friends. The bright colors and fun shape make lunchtime more enjoyable, and they love the delicious taste. Plus, these cupcakes are easy to eat on the go, making them perfect for school lunches or picnics.

Additional Ideas for Customizing Your Unicorn Cupcake Cones

Add a Surprise Filling

For an extra surprise, hollow out the center of each cupcake and fill it with a small amount of jam or chocolate ganache. This adds an unexpected burst of flavor that kids will love.

Experiment with Flavors

While vanilla is a classic choice, you can experiment with different flavors to keep things interesting. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter or mixing some cocoa powder into one of the colored batters for a chocolate twist.

Use Different Toppings

Sprinkles are a must, but you can also get creative with other toppings. Try adding edible glitter, mini marshmallows, or small candy pieces to make your unicorn cupcake cones even more magical.

Conclusion

Making Unicorn Cupcake Cones is a fun and easy way to add some magic to your kids’ lunch boxes. With vibrant colors, delicious flavors, and a whimsical appearance, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit with children and adults alike. The next time you’re looking for a creative lunchbox idea, give this easy Unicorn Cupcake Cones recipe a try. Not only will you enjoy making them, but you’ll also love seeing the smiles they bring to your kids’ faces.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular ice-cream cones instead of flat-based ones? Flat-based ice-cream cones are recommended because they stand upright easily. However, if you can only find regular cones, you can use them, but you may need to find a way to keep them stable while baking.

2. Can I make the cupcakes and frosting ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cupcakes and make the frosting a day in advance. Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature and refrigerate the frosting. Bring the frosting to room temperature before assembling.

3. How do I prevent the cones from getting soggy? Make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before frosting them. Store them in an airtight container to keep the cones crisp.

4. Can I freeze the cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cupcakes. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before decorating.

5. What other colors can I use for the frosting? Feel free to use any colors you like! Pastel colors work best for a unicorn theme, but you can get creative with your favorite shades.