A Short Story About the Recipe

Ever since I was little, the holidays felt magical – full of sparkling lights, warm gatherings, and festive sweets. These Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes are inspired by that very magic. I wanted to create a dessert that captured the enchanting spirit of The Nutcracker ballet, where the Sugar Plum Fairy dances in a swirl of elegance. These cupcakes are light, whimsical, and perfectly sweet – they remind me of cozy December evenings when I used to bake with my family and watch classic holiday shows. Every bite feels like a celebration of the season, bringing back that sense of wonder and nostalgia.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love these cupcakes because they are soft, fluffy, and full of festive flavor. The rich vanilla base pairs perfectly with the fruity sugar plum filling and a creamy, dreamy frosting on top. They are not just a treat; they are a centerpiece that will bring a smile to anyone at the table. Whether you are baking for a holiday party, a family get-together, or simply treating yourself, these cupcakes will always feel special.

Versatile

These cupcakes are perfect for any winter event, but you can easily make them for birthdays, bridal showers, or any occasion that calls for a delicate and pretty dessert. You can also switch up the fruit filling with raspberry, blueberry, or strawberry preserves depending on what you have on hand.

Affordable

This recipe uses simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, so you won’t have to spend extra on specialty items. The plum filling can be made from fresh or frozen plums, or you can use store-bought jam to make things even more budget-friendly.

Ingredients for the Recipe

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup milk
½ cup plum jam or homemade plum compote
1 cup buttercream frosting (or whipped cream frosting of choice)
Optional: edible glitter or sugar pearls for decoration

How to Prepare Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal. This step is crucial for an even bake.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Make sure the ingredients are fully combined and set aside. Using a whisk helps to aerate the flour, which contributes to a lighter cupcake texture.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat ½ cup of softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process should take about 3–4 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly ensures that your cupcakes will have a tender, soft crumb.
Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step adds richness and depth to the cupcake flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with ½ cup of milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently on low speed to avoid overmixing, which can make cupcakes dense rather than fluffy.
Fill the Cupcake Liners:
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with the batter. This ensures there is enough room for the cupcakes to rise without overflowing.
Bake the Cupcakes:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a cupcake; it should come out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Cool Completely:
Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling completely is essential before frosting, as warm cupcakes will melt the frosting.
Add the Plum Filling:
Using a small knife or cupcake corer, create a shallow hole in the center of each cupcake. Fill each cavity with about 1 teaspoon of plum jam or homemade plum compote. This hidden surprise adds moisture and a fruity flavor that complements the frosting perfectly.
Frost the Cupcakes:
Pipe or spread 1 cup of buttercream frosting over each cupcake. Start from the outer edge and work toward the center for a neat appearance. The frosting adds richness and a smooth texture, balancing the fruity filling.
Decorate (Optional):
Add edible glitter, sugar pearls, or sprinkles for a festive look. Decorating with care enhances presentation and makes the cupcakes even more enchanting.

Quick and Easy Tips

Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter and faster mixing.
Pre-measured ingredients reduce stress and improve accuracy.
Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Customizable Variations

Swap plum jam with raspberry or strawberry preserves for a different fruit flavor.
Use whipped cream frosting instead of buttercream for a lighter finish.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a subtle seasonal twist.

Popular With Many People

These cupcakes are always a hit at holiday parties, family gatherings, and school events. Their whimsical appearance and sweet, fruity flavor appeal to both kids and adults. The combination of moist cupcake, luscious filling, and creamy frosting makes them irresistible to anyone who tries them.

45 Best Filled Cupcake Recipes

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These Sugar Plum Fairy Cupcakes are inspired by the magical world of The Nutcracker ballet. With a soft, fluffy vanilla base, a sweet plum filling, and creamy frosting, they are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a whimsical treat.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 22
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 12 1x

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then incorporate the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full with batter.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even results.
Cool the cupcakes in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Using a small knife or cupcake corer, create a shallow hole in the center of each cupcake and fill with about 1 teaspoon of plum jam or compote.
Frost each cupcake with buttercream, starting from the outer edge and moving toward the center.
Decorate with edible glitter or sugar pearls as desired.

Notes

Room-temperature ingredients help create a smooth batter.

Avoid overmixing once flour is added to prevent dense cupcakes.

Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes 1–2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving to maintain freshness.

2. Can I use frozen plums for the filling?
Absolutely. Thaw the plums first, then cook them down into a compote or use as a jam. This works just as well as fresh plums and ensures a sweet, fruity center.

3. Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. Baking time may vary slightly.

4. How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in your buttercream or swap half of it for cream cheese frosting. This balances the sweetness without compromising texture.

5. Can I decorate without edible glitter or sugar pearls?
Certainly! You can use fresh plum slices, berries, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful and simple finish.

6. How should I store leftover cupcakes?
Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.