Best 20 Surprise Cupcakes Recipes

CHOCOLATE SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
• In a large bowl, mix together flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon salt and baking soda. Stir in oil, water, vinegar and vanilla until blended. Pour mixture into prepared muffin cups, filling each 2/3 full.
• To make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, egg, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop a heaping teaspoonful of the cream cheese mixture into each cupcake. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Allow to cool.

SURPRISE! CREAM-FILLED CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Prepare cake mix according to the package directions, substituting coffee for the water called for on the box, if desired. A slightly richer chocolate flavor will result, but no detectable coffee flavor. Beat with mixer on low until all flour is moistened, then beat for 2 minute on medium speed, as directed on the box. Really, any kind of cake mix you desire can be used, just follow the box's directions.
• Divide into 24 paper muffin liners that have been sprayed with non-stick spray for easy removal from cakes. Bake at 325 degrees (25 less than the box calls for) for 18 to 22 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. The lower temperature helps the cakes to remain moist and even topped--a trick I learned from my Wilton class instructor! Remove cakes to a rack to cool.
• In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk until there are no lumps. Heat milk and flour on Medium Low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens to a gravy consistency. Remove from hot pan into a cool bowl and cover with saran. Allow to cool to room temperature. A cool water bath or refrigeration will speed up this process.
• In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and granulated sugar about 5 minutes. Add cooled milk-flour gravy and beat until fluffy and granulated sugar is dissolved completely, about another 5 minutes. Be sure to scrape your bowl and beater so that the grains of sugar at the top will be beaten in and dissolved. If in doubt, whip more. Now add vanilla and powdered sugar and whip well.
• Once cakes are fully cooled, place filling in a frosting bag with a star tip (I use size 18 or so) and press the tip down into the middle of each cake, about ¾ of an inch deep. Give a good squeeze to the bag, enough to cause the top of the cupcake to rise, but not enough to cause it to crack. If it does crack, don't worry. The buttercream will cover it! Lift out the tip and repeat with each cake. Freshly baked and cooled cupcakes, or cupcakes stored in an airtight container until you are ready to frost them, are less likely to crack.
• Make the buttercream frosting for the cupcake tops by creaming margarine, shortening, flavorings and water until fluffy. Add powdered sugar and meringue powder and beat until combined. Avoid over-beating to retain a smoother frosting.
• Frost tops of cupcakes with buttercream and enjoy! Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer if you plan on keeping them around for a while. Store any leftover frosting and filling in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer as well. Both will keep great for months in the freezer, if they can last that long! Blessings!

RAINBOW SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• Make cake batter as directed on box. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full). Bake 20 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Using melon baller or small spoon, scoop out center of each cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Fill each with 1 heaping teaspoonful candy sprinkles.
• Frost cupcakes with frosting. Store loosely covered.

HEAVENLY SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, buttermilk, oil and vanilla until blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually add to egg mixture until blended., Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the milk, water and vanilla. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until smooth., Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or resealable plastic bag; insert a small star tip. Fill bag with frosting. Push tip 1 in. into center of cupcake and fill with frosting just until top of cake begins to crack. Pipe frosting over the tops.

STRAWBERRY SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, sour cream and eggs. Beat on low speed 30 seconds. Beat on medium 2 minutes., Fill prepared cups half full. Drop 1/2 teaspoon preserves into center of each cupcake; cover with remaining batter., Bake until a toothpick inserted in the cake portion comes out clean, 22-27 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely., Pipe frosting over cupcakes and top each with a strawberry half.

SURPRISE PUMPKIN CUPCAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the pumpkin, sugar, oil and eggs until well blended. In small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into pumpkin mixture until blended. , For filling, in another small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg; beat on low just until combined. , Fill paper-lined muffin cups one-third full. Drop filling by tablespoonfuls into center of each cupcake. Cover with remaining batter. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the pumpkin portion comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.

PEEPS® CHICK SURPRISE-INSIDE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
• Make cake batter as directed on box. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full). Bake as directed on box for cupcakes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Using melon baller, scoop out center of each cupcake, about 1 inch deep. Fill each with 1 heaping teaspoonful candies.
• Spoon frosting into medium bowl; stir in enough food color until desired green color. Frost cupcakes with frosting; sprinkle with colored sugar. Top with yellow PEEPS® chick. Store loosely covered.

PEANUT BUTTER SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place Reynolds Mini Designer Baking Cups in each of 48 mini muffin cups.
• Make cupcake mix as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Fill muffin cups one-third full. Squeeze filling pouch 20 times; cut off corner of pouch at cut line. Divide filling evenly among cupcakes, making sure filling does not touch sides of muffin cups. Place 1 peanut butter cup candy in center of each cupcake. Evenly distribute remaining batter among cupcakes, making sure filling is completely covered. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until tops are set. Cool 10 minutes; remove cupcakes from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely.
• In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate chips on High 30 to 60 seconds, stirring once, until smooth; cool. In large bowl, mix powdered sugar, butter and peanut butter with electric mixer on low speed until frosting is smooth. Add melted chocolate until just combined. Pipe or spread frosting on cupcakes. Sprinkle with peanut butter pieces.

EASTER SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease 24 muffin cups, or use paper liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• Cream together the margarine, brown sugar and white sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Beat in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing just until incorporated.
• Fill each muffin cup 1/3 full, and place a chocolate egg in the center of each. Top with remaining batter until cups are 2/3 full.
• Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown, and tops spring back when lightly tapped.

SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition. , Fill 36 paper-lined muffin cups half full. Drop jelly by teaspoonfuls into the center of each. , Bake at 375° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in cupcake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cupcakes; decorate with sprinkles if desired.

SURPRISE GRADUATION CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pans). Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups. Make cake batter as directed on box. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups (about two-thirds full). Press 1 milk chocolate drop in center of each muffin cup.
• Bake and cool as directed on box for 24 cupcakes.
• In medium bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, melted baking bar and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until blended. Gradually beat in milk until smooth and creamy. Frost cupcakes; pipe year with melted dark chocolate onto each cupcake. Store loosely covered.

BACON SURPRISE CUPCAKES WITH MAPLE FROSTING

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• In a large bowl blend ketchup, applesauce, cocoa powder, oil or bacon drippings and eggs mixing well.
• Add cake mix and bacon crumbles whisk for 2 minutes.
• Place into foil lined cup cake pan.
• Bake for 18-20 minutes.
• Remove from oven and cool.
• Meanwhile beat syrup and butter together 1 minutes till light and fluffy. Add vanilla, salt and sugar and beat an other 2 minutes.
• Pipe or spread frosting on the cupcakes.
• Now watch everyone enjoy while they figure the ingredients.
• If you want to give a hint garnish with some extra bacon pieces.

MINI OREO SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Mix cream cheese, egg and sugar until blended.
• Spoon half the cake batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups. Top each with about 1-1/2 teaspoon cream cheese mixture and 1 cookie; cover with remaining cake batter.
• Bake 19 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely.
• Frost with whipped topping. Top with remaining cookies.

BANANAS FOSTER SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the butter, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the bananas, buttermilk, lemon juice and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; add to creamed mixture just until moistened., Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake at 375° until a toothpick inserted in cupcake comes out clean, 18-22 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small bowl, combine the filling ingredients. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a very small tip. Fill with caramel filling. Push the tip through the top to fill each cupcake., For frosting, in a large saucepan, combine brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil over medium-low heat. Stir in baking soda; cook and stir until smooth. Stir in butter and extract. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Transfer to a small bowl; refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes., Beat frosting on high until thickened, 15-20 minutes. Top cupcakes with frosting, banana slices and whipped cream; sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

BANANA SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350F and line 12 muffin cups.
• Mix dry ingredients.
• Add oil, milk and vanilla; stir until the mixture starts comes together.
• Mix in mashed bananas; do not over mix.
• Fill muffin cups 1/3 full, place a few chocolate chips in center of each muffin, and then cover with remaining batter.
• Bake on center rack about 30 minutes (toothpick comes out clean).
• If making chocolate chip cupcakes, mix in 1 cup chocolate chips with the bananas, and mini cupcakes take about 13 minutes to bake.

CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH SALTED CARAMEL CENTER SURPRISE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 18 regular-size muffin cups. Make cake batter as directed on box. Fill muffin cups about 3/4 full. Place caramel onto center of batter in each cup; press caramel into batter just until covered.
• Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until tops spring back when touched lightly in center. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
• Place frosting in decorating bag fitted with round tip #20. Starting at outer edge of cupcakes, pipe frosting in spiral pattern, gradually elevating to a peak in center; garnish with pretzels.

HEAVENLY SURPRISE MINI CUPCAKES

Steps:

• For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and salt; mix well. Stir in the coconut, walnuts and chocolate chips. Set aside., For batter, in a large bowl, beat the sugar, water, oil, eggs, vanilla and vinegar until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into oil mixture until blended. , Fill paper-lined miniature muffin cups one-third full with batter. Drop filling by teaspoonfuls into center of each. Top with additional batter, filling muffin cups three-fourths full., Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake portion of a cupcake comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For frosting, in a small saucepan, melt chocolate with cream over low heat; stir until blended. Remove from the heat. Cool to room temperature. Frost cupcakes. Refrigerate leftovers.

BURIED SURPRISE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine cake and pudding mixes. Beat in the water, oil and eggs on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes., Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., Using a sharp knife, cut a 1-in. circle 1 in. deep in the top of each cupcake. Carefully remove tops and set aside. Fill each with 1 teaspoon spreadable fruit and a gummy candy; replace tops. Tint frosting; spread over cupcakes and sprinkle with purple sugar.

SURPRISE EASTER CUPCAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven according to cake mix package.
• Line cupcake pans with cupcake liners.
• Place 1 vanilla wafer in bottom of each.
• Prepare cake mix according to box.
• Fill cups halfway with batter.
• Place chocolate egg in center of each cup.
• Top with remaining batter.
• Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until golden.
• Cool, completely.
• Tint frosting with food coloring as desired.
• Frost cupcakes and decorate with sugar or sprinkles.

SURPRISE INSIDE CUPCAKES

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• 2. Line muffin tin with cupcake papers. You will need about 8 or 9...fill the empty ones half way with water so that the pan doesn't burn.
• 3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
• 4. In a large bowl, cream the both sugars with the butter. Then beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Then beat in the flour mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix til just incorporated.
• 5. Fill muffin cups 1/3 full. Then place a chocolate kiss in the center. Top with more batter til 2/3 full.
• 6. Bake on center rack for 18 - 20 minutes or til center of cupcake springs back when lightly touched.
• 7. Remove from oven and let cool completely before frosting.
• 8. NOTE - This recipe only makes about 8-10 cupcakes, but you can double all the ingredients to make more. I've done that with no problems at all!