Introduction
These BBQ Grill Cupcakes are a playful and visually striking treat perfect for summer parties and Father’s Day. You’ll transform simple chocolate cupcakes and candy into a miniature, edible backyard barbecue scene that’s sure to impress your guests. The fun is in the creative assembly, making this a fantastic project for bakers of all ages.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients
- 12 chocolate cupcakes, prepared unfrosted
- 1 can red Frosting
- 1 can orange Frosting
- Wilton chocolate melting discs (black)
- Assorted gummy candy
Instructions
- Prepare a workstation with your 12 unfrosted chocolate cupcakes.
- Divide the top of each cupcake in half. Frost one half with the red frosting to create the “grill base.” Frost the other half with the orange frosting, using a spatula or knife to create wavy or flame-like textures.
- Place the Wilton chocolate melting discs in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in short 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until completely smooth.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to drizzle the melted black chocolate in a crosshatch pattern over the red frosting half of each cupcake to create the “grill grate.”
- Cut and arrange your assorted gummy candy on top of the grill grates. Create items like hot dogs, burgers, or vegetables using different colors and shapes.
- Allow the chocolate grates to set completely before serving.
Variations
- Cookie “Coals”: Use a zester or cheese grater on a piece of black or dark brown licorice to create edible “charcoal” to sprinkle around the edges of the grill.
- Fish Fry: Shape gummy candy into fish shapes for a seafood grill theme and use blue-tinted frosting for a small “water” section next to the grill.
- Skewer Style: Thread small gummy candy pieces onto toothpick or pretzel stick “skewers” and lay them across your grill grates.
- Vegetarian Grill: Use only fruit-shaped or red/green gummy candies to create a veggie-only barbecue display.
Tips for Success
- Chill your cupcakes for 10-15 minutes before frosting; this prevents crumbs and makes a cleaner surface for your grill scene.
- To create precise grill grates, you can pipe the melted chocolate onto a sheet of parchment, let it set, and then carefully place the solid grate on the cupcake.
- If your gummy candy is too thick, use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to slice them into thinner, more realistic pieces.
- Work on one or two cupcakes as your “prototype” before decorating all 12 to finalize your design ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store the decorated cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Due to the gummy candy and frosting, refrigeration is not recommended as it can cause the candy to harden and the cupcakes to dry out. These cupcakes are not suitable for reheating.
FAQ
Can I use homemade cupcakes and frosting?
Yes, absolutely. You can use any recipe for the 12 chocolate cupcakes. Simply dye portions of vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting red and orange for the grill and flames.
What kind of gummy candy works best?
Look for gummy bears, worms, rings, or lifesavers. You can cut them to form burger patties, hot dog links, bell pepper strips, or pineapple rings.
My melted chocolate is too thick for drizzling. What should I do?
Add a tiny amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (about 1/4 teaspoon at a time) to the melted chocolate and stir until it reaches a more fluid, pipeable consistency.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead, but it’s best to decorate them the day you plan to serve them for the freshest appearance and to prevent the gummy candy from drying out or bleeding color.
What can I use if I can’t find Wilton chocolate discs?
You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips or a bar of dark chocolate. Melt it gently as described and use it the same way.
Are these cupcakes kid-friendly to assemble?
Yes, this is a great activity for kids. An adult should handle melting the chocolate, but children can help with frosting, drizzling (with supervision), and arranging the gummy candy decorations.