Football Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

Football Cupcakes are the perfect treat for game day, Super Bowl parties, or any sports-themed event. These chocolate cupcakes are soft, rich, and topped with a smooth buttercream frosting designed to look like mini footballs. Easy to make and fun to decorate, these cupcakes will be a touchdown at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and quick – Made with a simple cake mix and homemade frosting.
• Perfect for game day – Fun and festive football-themed dessert.
• Rich and chocolatey – A moist devil’s food cake base with creamy buttercream frosting.
• Customizable – Change the frosting colors to match your favorite team.
• Kid-friendly – A fun baking project for the whole family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chocolate Cake

• 1 box Pillsbury Devil’s Food Cake Mix
• 3 eggs
• ½ cup oil
• 1 cup milk

Frosting

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions

Step 1: Make the Cupcakes

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners (green liners for a grass field look or your team colors).
2. Mix the batter – In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk. Stir until smooth.
3. Fill the cupcake liners ¾ full with the batter.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 2: Make the Frosting

1. Beat the butter in a mixing bowl until creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
3. Remove ¼ cup of frosting and set aside (this will be used for the white football threads).
4. Make the chocolate frosting – Add cocoa powder and milk to the remaining frosting and beat until well combined.

Step 3: Decorate the Cupcakes

1. Pipe the football frosting – Use a piping bag with a round tip to pipe a football-shaped oval on top of each cupcake.
2. Add the white threads – Using a small round tip, pipe a horizontal stripe in the center and 3-4 short vertical lines over it to create football laces.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 cupcakes
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Green Grass Cupcakes – Use green frosting to create a grass field effect with a star piping tip.
• Team Colors – Change the frosting colors to match your favorite football team.
• Vanilla Cupcakes – Use a white or yellow cake mix instead of chocolate.
• Filled Cupcakes – Add a surprise filling like caramel, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache.
• Healthier Option – Substitute applesauce for oil and use a sugar-free frosting.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration – Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing – Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. Frost them on the day of serving for the best texture.

How do I get smooth frosting for piping?

Make sure the butter is at room temperature and beat the frosting until fluffy. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Can I use store-bought frosting?

Yes, but homemade buttercream has a better flavor and texture. You can also mix cocoa powder into store-bought vanilla frosting for a quick chocolate option.

What piping tip should I use for the football shape?

A round piping tip (like Wilton #12) works well for outlining the football, and a smaller round tip (Wilton #3) is great for piping the white laces.

How do I make green “grass” frosting?

Use green food coloring and a star piping tip to create a grass effect on the cupcakes.

Can I make a larger football cake instead of cupcakes?

Yes! Bake the cake in a round or oval pan and decorate it like a football using the same frosting technique.

How can I make these cupcakes extra moist?

Using milk instead of water in the cake mix, adding an extra egg, and using oil instead of butter all help keep the cupcakes extra soft.

Can I make these without eggs?

Yes! Substitute eggs with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 mashed banana per egg.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in the corner for piping the frosting.

Do I need to refrigerate these cupcakes?

Only if you won’t be eating them within a day or if you live in a warm climate. Otherwise, they’re fine at room temperature for a short time.

Conclusion

Football Cupcakes are the ultimate game day dessert, combining rich chocolate cake with creamy buttercream frosting in a fun football design. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, tailgate, or team event, these cupcakes will be the MVP of your spread. Get creative with team colors and decorations, and enjoy a sweet victory with every bite!

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