If you have a sweet tooth and love a cupcake with a magical twist, you are in for a treat with Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes Recipe. This delightful dessert combines tender, buttery cupcakes with a luscious caramel-infused frosting, all crowned with whimsical Lucky Charm marshmallows and shimmering edible gold leaf sheets. It’s not just a cupcake; it’s a celebration of flavor, color, and a pinch of joyful nostalgia that will brighten any gathering or cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple ingredients is the secret behind these cupcakes’ irresistible flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in balancing sweetness, moisture, and that enchanting golden appearance.
- Salted butter, 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) at room temperature: Ensures richness and a moist crumb in the cupcake base.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens without overpowering and helps create a tender cake.
- All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups: Provides structure while keeping the cupcakes light.
- Baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons: Leavens the batter for a perfect rise.
- Baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a subtle lift and balances acidity.
- Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances overall flavor depth.
- Large eggs, 3: Bind and enrich the batter, adding tenderness.
- Milk, 1 cup warmed: Hydrates the batter for moist cupcakes.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon: Adds warmth and aromatic sweetness.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup: Keeps cupcakes soft and adds subtle tang.
- Salted butter, 2 sticks (1 cup) at room temperature for frosting: Creates a creamy, silky frosting base.
- Dark brown sugar, 1 cup packed: Infuses the frosting with deep caramel notes.
- Heavy cream, 1/2 cup: Adds richness and helps dissolve sugar smoothly.
- Powdered sugar, 2-3 cups: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the right consistency.
- Lucky Charm marshmallows: Offers whimsical, colorful decoration full of nostalgic fun.
- Edible gold leaf sheets: Adds that dazzling golden touch for a real Lucky Ticket vibe.
How to Make Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350° F and lining 24 cupcake molds with paper liners. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat these together until they form small dry crumbs — this step helps mix everything evenly and makes sure your cupcakes have a perfect texture.
Step 2: Mixing Wet Ingredients
Next, mix the milk with the vanilla extract for a fragrant, warm liquid addition. Pour this into your flour mixture and beat until smooth. Then add eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated. Finish by gently folding in the sour cream or Greek yogurt; this ingredient is a game changer for moistness and a slight tang that lifts the cupcakes beautifully.
Step 3: Baking the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, then bake for 22 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are just set and no longer wiggly in the center. Let them cool completely before moving on to the frosting — patience here makes all the difference!
Step 4: Crafting the Caramel Frosting
For a frosting that’s truly golden and decadent, melt together one stick of butter, the packed dark brown sugar, and the heavy cream in a saucepan. Bring this to a boil and cook for about two minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is glossy. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Chill this mixture until cool, then whip it together with the remaining stick of butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. You’ll end up with a luscious, creamy frosting that complements the cupcakes perfectly.
Step 5: Decorating with Lucky Charm Magic
Frost the cooled cupcakes generously, then sprinkle the crushed Lucky Charm marshmallows on top for a fun and colorful touch. For an elegant twist, add edible gold leaf sheets — they lend an air of celebration and sparkle that truly elevates your cupcakes to a golden ticket experience.
How to Serve Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the signature Lucky Charm marshmallows and gold leaf, consider adding a few festive sprinkles or a light dusting of edible glitter to make your cupcakes shine. The garnishes are your chance to play with color and shine, making each cupcake an individual masterpiece.
Side Dishes
These cupcakes pair wonderfully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh fruit salad to balance their sweetness. Hot beverages like tea or coffee also complement their rich caramel flavor, creating a cozy and satisfying snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cupcakes on a tiered stand to evoke a whimsical, magical display. For special occasions like St. Patrick’s Day or Easter, match the decorations to the holiday theme, using themed cupcake liners or coordinating sprinkles alongside the Lucky Charm toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to five days. To keep the frosting intact and the cupcakes moist, avoid stacking them too tightly.
Freezing
You can freeze the cupcakes without frosting in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving. This is great for prepping ahead of time if you want to have a batch ready for a party or special event.
Reheating
If you like your cupcakes slightly warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating as this could melt the frosting or dry out the cake. A warm cupcake with frosting is a little slice of comfort!
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter in Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes Recipe?
Butter is preferred for its rich flavor and texture, but margarine can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor and tenderness might be slightly different, so opt for high-quality margarine if substituting.
What’s the best way to crush Lucky Charm marshmallows for decoration?
The easiest method is to gently crush them with your fingers. This gives you control over the size of the pieces and keeps them fluffy rather than crushed into powder or dust.
Can I make a gluten-free version of Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Expect slight texture differences but the cupcake will still be delicious and moist.
Is there a vegan alternative for the eggs and dairy in this recipe?
You can experiment with flax eggs or applesauce for eggs, and plant-based butter and yogurt substitutes. Keep in mind the frosting texture and cupcake crumb may vary, so test small batches first.
How do I get the edible gold leaf to stick safely to the cupcakes?
Gently place the gold leaf on the frosting using a dry, clean brush or tweezers. It naturally adheres without the need for additional adhesives and adds an elegant sparkle that makes these cupcakes truly special.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am for you to try Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes Recipe! These cupcakes are more than just a sweet treat — they bring a little sparkle and joy to any occasion. Whether for family gatherings, holidays, or simply your own indulgence, they promise smiles, deliciousness, and a dash of magic in every bite.
Print
Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 cupcakes
Description
Lucky’s Golden Ticket Cupcakes are moist and fluffy vanilla cupcakes topped with a rich brown sugar buttercream frosting. Adorned with festive Lucky Charms marshmallows and edible gold leaf, these delightful treats are perfect for celebrations and bring a fun, magical touch to any occasion.
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) salted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting:
- 2 sticks (1 cup) salted butter, at room temperature, divided
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2–3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Decoration:
- Lucky Charm marshmallows, crushed for decorating
- Edible gold leaf sheets, for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 24 cupcake molds with paper liners, ensuring they are ready for the batter.
- Make the Cupcake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the mixture forms small dry crumbs. This creates the dry base for the cupcakes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Combine the warmed milk with vanilla extract, then pour this into the flour mixture while beating until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Finally, fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until just combined, ensuring a moist batter.
- Bake the Cupcakes: Divide the batter evenly among the 24 prepared cupcake liners. Transfer the pans to the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the tops are set and no longer wiggly in the center. Remove from oven and allow cupcakes to cool completely.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Buttercream: In a medium saucepan, melt 1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter with the dark brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely, then add a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a stand mixer bowl.
- Chill Brown Sugar Mixture: Place the mixer bowl in the freezer (or fridge for longer chilling) for about 15 minutes, or until the mixture is cool to the touch. This ensures a smooth frosting texture.
- Finish the Frosting: Add the remaining 1 stick (1/2 cup) of softened butter, vanilla extract, and 2-3 cups of powdered sugar to the cooled brown sugar mixture. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is well combined, fluffy, and smooth. Add more powdered sugar as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Frost the Cupcakes: Using a spatula or piping bag, frost each cooled cupcake generously with the brown sugar buttercream.
- Decorate: Lightly crush Lucky Charms marshmallows with your fingers and sprinkle them over each cupcake. Optionally, add edible gold leaf sheets for a glamorous effect. These cupcakes also suit seasonal decorations like St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles or Easter themes.
Notes
- Warming the milk helps the buttercream mix smoothly and ensures better incorporation in the batter.
- Make sure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- The frosting can be stored in the refrigerator and brought to room temperature before frosting.
- Use high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor profile.
- Edible gold leaf adds an elegant touch but is optional.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for slight tanginess and moisture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
