Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes Recipe

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If you love the nostalgic crunch and buttery goodness of movie theater popcorn, then you are absolutely going to adore these Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes. They capture all the warm, rich flavor of freshly buttered popcorn in a moist, tender cupcake crowned with a luscious Swiss meringue buttercream that carries that unmistakable popcorn essence too. Finished with a playful sprinkle of real movie theater-style popcorn, these cupcakes are a fun, irresistible treat that perfectly blends sweet and savory in every bite. Once you try Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes, you’ll find yourself craving them time and time again for parties, movie nights, or just an everyday indulgence that feels extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, simple yet essential, to create those perfectly balanced Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes. Each component contributes to the flavor, texture, or vibrant color that makes this treat stand out. Let’s dig into what you’ll need to get started!

• Unsalted butter, 1/2 cup: Softened butter provides richness and a tender crumb to the cupcakes.
• Granulated sugar, 3/4 cup + 1 cup: Adds sweetness and structure, both for the cupcakes and the Swiss meringue buttercream.
• Large eggs, 2: Room temperature eggs help bind ingredients and add moisture.
• LorAnn Buttered Popcorn Flavor, 2 dram bottles (.125 oz each): The secret star ingredient that infuses the cupcakes and frosting with authentic, buttery popcorn goodness.
• All-purpose flour, 1 1/4 cups: Forms the base of the cupcake batter, providing structure.
• Baking powder, 1 1/4 teaspoons: Ensures a light, fluffy rise.
• Fine grain sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Enhances the sweetness and brings out the buttery notes.
• Buttermilk, 1/2 cup: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess that balances the sweet flavors.
• Large egg whites, 4: Essential for creating the silky Swiss meringue buttercream.
• Salted butter, 1 1/2 cups: At room temperature, it helps form a smooth, creamy frosting with a hint of salt.
• Yellow and orange gel food colors: Used to give the frosting a warm, buttery popcorn hue.
• Movie theater-style popcorn, 3 cups: The final fun garnish that adds a wonderful crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes

Step 1: Preparing the Cupcake Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until it’s delightfully light and fluffy. This step sets the tone for a tender cupcake. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each to ensure a smooth batter. Now it’s time to stir in the LorAnn Buttered Popcorn Flavor, which instantly transforms the batter with that inviting buttery popcorn scent we all crave.

Step 2: Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, and sea salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning. Gradually incorporate these dry ingredients into your butter mixture, doing so alternately with the buttermilk—start and end with the dry. This alternating method helps maintain the batter’s airy texture. Mix just until everything comes together; overmixing can make the cupcakes tough, and we want them light as air.

Step 3: Baking the Cupcakes

Divide your batter evenly into the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full so they have ample room to rise without spilling over. Pop your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean from the center of a cupcake. Once baked, let them cool in the pan just long enough to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—that way, they’re ready to be beautifully frosted.

Step 4: Crafting the Swiss Meringue Buttercream

This frosting is where the Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes come alive with a luxuriously creamy texture and popcorn-infused flavor. Begin by combining egg whites and sugar over simmering water, whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves and the temperature hits 160°F (70°C). Then, move the mixture to a mixer and whip it at medium-high speed until you see stiff peaks and it feels cool. Gradually beat in the salted butter, piece by piece, until your frosting is silky smooth. Now add the LorAnn Buttered Popcorn Flavor and the yellow and orange gel colors to mimic that golden buttery shade we associate with popcorn. The result is an irresistible buttercream that perfectly complements the cupcake base.

Step 5: Assembling and Garnishing

With your cupcakes completely cooled, generously frost each one with the buttercream. Finally, crown these beauties with a handful of prepared movie theater-style popcorn for a playful and crunchy finale. The contrast of soft cupcake, creamy frosting, and crisp popcorn became the perfect trifecta every popcorn lover will swoon over.

How to Serve Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes

Garnishes

Enhance your Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes by playing up their buttery theme—consider a light drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of kosher salt over the popcorn garnish to elevate the flavor complexity. You can also add tiny edible gold leaf flakes for a festive look if you’re celebrating a special occasion. Remember, the popcorn topping is what offers that fun movie-theater connection, so keep it fresh and crunchy just before serving.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine on their own, but if you’re planning a snack spread, think about pairing them with classic movie night treats like a small bowl of buttery nuts, caramel-dipped pretzels, or creamy vanilla ice cream. For drinks, a chilled glass of sparkling lemonade or a rich, frothy coffee pairs beautifully to balance sweetness with a refreshing or robust element.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine serving these Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes in a cute popcorn box, making it a centerpiece that invites everyone to grab one. For parties, stack them on a tiered stand surrounded by popcorn bags or scatter loose popcorn kernels around your display for a whimsical touch. You can even pop the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a popcorn-shaped tip to mimic the fluffy popcorn look, adding an extra layer of fun to your presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh to keep the popcorn garnish crisp. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to five days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

These cupcakes freeze beautifully—wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature. The popcorn garnish may soften during freezing, so it’s a good idea to prepare fresh popcorn for topping after thawing.

Reheating

Since these are cupcakes, reheating usually isn’t necessary. If you prefer a slightly warm cupcake, gently microwave for 10-15 seconds, but avoid warming the frosting too much as it may melt. If the popcorn topping has gotten soggy, remove it before microwaving, then add fresh popcorn once warmed for that perfect crunch once again.

FAQs

Can I use regular popcorn flavor instead of LorAnn Buttered Popcorn Flavor?

LorAnn Buttered Popcorn Flavor is specially designed for baking, as it holds its flavor well during cooking. Using regular popcorn flavor might not give you the same bold, buttery taste, so I definitely recommend sticking with the LorAnn for that authentic popcorn cupcake flavor.

Is Swiss meringue buttercream hard to make?

It might look intimidating, but once you get the hang of whisking the egg whites and sugar over a double boiler and then whipping them till stiff peaks form, it becomes much easier. The key is patience and using room temperature butter for a smooth, dreamy frosting perfect for Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different, but the buttery popcorn flavor will still shine through wonderfully.

Why does the recipe use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds a subtle tang and moisture to the cupcakes, which balances the sweetness and enhances the overall tender crumb. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in making your Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes flavorful and moist.

What’s the best popcorn to use for the garnish?

For the perfect finishing touch, use lightly salted movie theater-style popcorn like Brim’s or a similar brand. The classic buttery taste and crisp texture elevate the cupcake’s presentation and flavor. Avoid heavily flavored or sweet popcorn, as it can overpower the balanced sweetness of the cupcake and frosting.

Final Thoughts

These Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of one of the most beloved snack flavors in a cupcake form that’s both whimsical and utterly delicious. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or a personal treat, the combination of moist buttery cake, dreamy popcorn-flavored buttercream, and crunchy popcorn garnish is irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy of Buttered Popcorn Cupcakes with your family and friends—they truly are a crowd-pleaser with a nostalgic twist that’s hard to beat!

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