Super Bowl Desserts Mini Cupcake Platter

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Mini Cupcake Platter
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24 mini cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp milk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Food coloring (for decoration)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love hosting Super Bowl parties, and there's nothing better than serving a variety of delicious mini desserts. This Super Bowl Desserts Mini Cupcake Platter is a crowd-pleaser, showcasing an assortment of bite-sized cupcakes that are perfect for munching during the game. Each cupcake is packed with flavors, and their small size makes them fun and easy to eat. Plus, you can customize the toppings to reflect the teams playing, making it a delightful addition to any Super Bowl gathering.

Created by

Sabrina Holt

Last updated on 2026-01-10T11:40:20.045Z

When I first created this platter, I wanted to combine some of my favorite cupcake recipes into one fun presentation. I experimented with different flavors like red velvet, chocolate, and vanilla, and the results were nothing short of spectacular! Each mini cupcake offers a burst of flavor and is easy to serve, which was a huge hit with my guests.

A great tip I discovered along the way is to make mini-sized versions of your favorite full-sized cupcakes. This way, you can provide a variety of flavors without overwhelming your guests. Plus, they’re bite-sized, which means everyone can enjoy a little something sweet without spoiling their appetite for the big game!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        A delightful variety of cupcake flavors to please every palate
Perfectly sized for snacking while enjoying the game
Fun and colorful presentation that adds excitement to your Super Bowl spread

      

Mastering Mini Cupcake Technique

Baking mini cupcakes requires precise timing to ensure they are perfectly cooked without being dry. I recommend setting a timer for 12 minutes, then check for doneness. When the tops appear domed and spring back lightly when pressed, they are ready. If you insert a toothpick and it comes out wet, continue baking for an additional minute or two, but keep a close eye to prevent over-baking.

Using a mini cupcake tin ensures even baking, but investing in high-quality silicone liners can elevate your presentation. They can be pulled away from your desserts without damaging them and often result in a moister cupcake. If using paper liners, lightly spray them with cooking spray to further prevent sticking.

Frosting Foundations

The frosting makes these mini cupcakes not just tasty but also visually stunning. Start with room temperature butter, as this helps it whip into a light and fluffy texture. Mixing in powdered sugar at a slow speed helps prevent a sugar cloud in your kitchen. If you're struggling to get a smooth consistency, a small amount of additional milk can help achieve that glossy finish.

When adding food coloring, always start with a small amount. You can enhance the frosting’s visual appeal while ensuring each color matches your Super Bowl theme. For a fun twist, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to the frosting for a delightful sweet-savory contrast, or peek into your pantry for flavored extracts like almond or lemon to switch things up.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Mini Cupcakes

For the Cupcakes

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
Food coloring (for decoration)

Optional Toppings

Instructions

How to Make Mini Cupcakes

Prepare Your Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Line a mini cupcake tin with paper liners. Fill each liner with batter, about 2/3 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add milk and vanilla, adjusting the consistency as needed.

If desired, add food coloring to achieve your preferred shades.

Decorate Your Cupcakes

Once the cupcakes are cool, frost them using a piping bag or a spatula. Feel free to get creative with your decorations! Consider using sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or edible glitter for an extra touch.

Serve and Enjoy

Present your platter to your guests and watch them enjoy these adorable mini cupcakes. Make sure to take lots of pictures; they look as good as they taste!

Enjoy Your Game Day!

Pro Tips

For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps to create a smoother batter and better texture in your cupcakes.

Serving Suggestions

When you're ready to present your mini cupcake platter, consider arranging them in clusters rather than rows. This creates an inviting and festive atmosphere at your Super Bowl party. You could accompany these cupcakes with themed decorations reflecting the competing teams, such as edible team logos or colored cake stands.

These mini cupcakes can easily be paired with drinks. A fun idea is to match cupcake flavors with cocktail styles, like pairing chocolate cupcakes with a rich stout. This enhances the flavor experiences and creates a cohesive menu for your guests.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're planning for a big party, these mini cupcakes can be made a day in advance. Bake them and store them in an airtight container at room temperature; just ensure they are completely cooled first to avoid condensation. They can also be frozen for up to three months if you want to get ahead even more. Just make sure to allow them to thaw overnight before frosting.

After frosting, cupcakes should ideally be consumed within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor. If any are left over, they can be stored in the fridge but may lose some of their freshness. To revive them later, a quick pop in the microwave for a few seconds can help restore that delightful taste.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I customize the flavors of the cupcakes?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite extracts or mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit puree to create unique flavors.

→ How do I store the mini cupcakes?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day in advance. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve them for the freshest taste.

→ What if I don't have mini cupcake liners?

If you don’t have mini liners, you can grease the mini muffin tin directly with butter or cooking spray and bake without liners.