Toy Story Cupcake

Introduction

These Toy Story Cupcakes are a playful tribute to the beloved alien toys. You’ll love their vibrant green frosting that captures the iconic alien look, topped with irresistibly cute candy eyes. They’re a simple, box-mix-based treat that’s perfect for a themed birthday party or movie night.

Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• Boxed cake mix
• PLUS ingredients called for on box
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3-4 cups icing sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• pinch salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
• Green food dye, plus black food dye or just do what I did and mix blue, red and yellow to get something resembling black
• Candy eyes, 3 per cupcake

Instructions

1. Prepare the boxed cake mix according to the package instructions, using the ingredients listed on the box. Bake into 24 cupcakes as directed, then let them cool completely.
2. While the cupcakes cool, make the buttercream. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Gradually add 3 cups of icing sugar, the vanilla extract, and the pinch of salt, mixing on low speed until combined.
4. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream and beat again. If the frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of liquid. If it’s too thin, add the remaining cup of icing sugar.
6. Divide the frosting into two bowls. To the larger portion (about ¾ of the total), add green food dye until you achieve a bright alien green. To the smaller portion, add black food dye or mix blue, red, and yellow to create a dark, black-like color.
7. Frost the cooled cupcakes with the green buttercream using a piping bag or spatula.
8. Use the black buttercream to pipe three small antennae or little “hairs” in a triangle pattern on top of each cupcake.
9. Immediately press three candy eyes onto the frosting around the antennae before the buttercream sets.

Variations

• For a more textured “alien skin” look, use a star piping tip or a fork to create lines and ridges in the green frosting.
• Create a “Squeeze Toy Aliens” theme by piping the green frosting into tall, dome-shaped heads instead of a flat swirl.
• Serve them as part of a “Pizza Planet” dessert spread by pairing the cupcakes with other red (like strawberry), white, and yellow treats.
• Make a simple decoration by using black icing gel to draw a smiling mouth and three dots under the candy eyes instead of piping antennae.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your cupcakes are completely cool before frosting, or the buttercream will melt and slide off.
• For the black dye, start with a deep blue or brown base and then add other colors; it’s easier than starting from scratch with primary colors.
• If your candy eyes are large, using just two per cupcake can also look great and prevent them from sliding together.
• To get a vibrant green color, use gel food dye instead of liquid, as it’s more concentrated and won’t thin out your frosting.

Storage & Reheating

Store the decorated cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. There is no need to reheat; simply let refrigerated cupcakes come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best frosting texture.

FAQ

Can I make the cupcakes from scratch?

Absolutely, you can use your favorite vanilla or white cake recipe instead of a boxed mix. Just be sure to bake it in cupcake form.

My black frosting looks dark grey. What can I do?

This is common. Let the colored frosting sit for an hour; the color often deepens. You can also add a tiny bit of cocoa powder to deepen the color without adding more liquid.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the buttercream 1-2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, then let it come to room temperature and re-whip it before coloring and using.

I don’t have candy eyes. What can I use instead?

You can use small white chocolate chips or mini marshmallows with a tiny dot of black frosting painted on for a DIY eye look.

How do I prevent the candy eyes from falling off?

Press them into the frosting while it’s still soft and slightly sticky. If the frosting has crusted, you can dab a tiny spot of fresh frosting on the back of each eye to act as glue.

Can I freeze these cupcakes?

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s best to add the frosting and decorations after thawing.