Are you searching for a dessert that’s guaranteed to bring smiles and spark conversations at your next backyard BBQ or summer party? Look no further than these incredibly cute and surprisingly simple Hamburger Cupcakes! Using just a yellow cake mix, a few tubs of frosting, and some sprinkles, you can create a playful illusion that will charm guests of all ages. These aren’t just cupcakes; they’re edible art, designed to perfectly complement the laid-back, fun atmosphere of any cookout. Imagine the delight on everyone’s faces when they discover their “burger” is actually a sweet treat!
This delightful recipe has been a long-standing favorite on my blog, originally shared way back in June of 2012. It’s truly a testament to the timeless appeal of fun, approachable baking. While the culinary landscape has evolved dramatically over the past decade, some recipes, much like cherished friendships, simply stand the test of time. My blog, a proud “dinosaur” in the fast-paced digital world, offers a treasure trove of hundreds of tried-and-true recipes, each one a testament to the joy of homemade goodness. And these Hamburger Cupcakes are a shining example of a recipe that continues to captivate and entertain.
The very first photos of these charming hamburger cupcakes were actually captured by my wonderful friend, Tonja. She whipped them up for her children’s party and graciously shared a snapshot. I instantly knew they were a hit and featured them on my blog, where they’ve resided ever since, bringing joy to countless bakers and party hosts.
A Friendship Forged Over Cupcakes and Careers
My friendship with Tonja spans decades, starting in an unexpected way when I took over her position at a bridal salon back in 1991. While it sounds like a classic tale of rivalry, our story unfolded quite differently. As the new full-time bridal consultant, I couldn’t help but constantly hear about the amazing “Tonja” who held the job before me.
Every customer, every colleague, it seemed everyone sang her praises. It was almost a running joke amongst the staff, with a playful tone reminiscent of a certain 70s sitcom sibling rivalry – “Tonja, Tonja, Tonja!” However, fate had a funny way of bringing us together. As time went on, and she would occasionally visit the salon, we found ourselves in a curious position: she would hear about me, just as I had heard about her!
Eventually, we truly got to know each other, and any initial, unspoken professional jealousy quickly dissolved into genuine camaraderie. Our bond deepened significantly when we both found ourselves pregnant with our first babies around the same time, both welcoming beautiful boys into the world! We transitioned into stay-at-home moms, and our days became filled with marathon phone calls. And I mean marathon – we literally had to keep one cordless phone charging while talking on another, switching them out when the battery beeped!
Our bond extended beyond phone conversations. We often met at the mall with our boys in strollers, seeking a little adventure and adult company. (For the record, I think 1995 was the last time I truly experienced boredom!).
Tonja has always been the gifted baker, while I gravitated more towards cooking savory dishes. Many of my cherished holiday recipes, like the beloved Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies that I share with you every Christmas, are actually her family recipes. So, it was no surprise when she sent me a picture of these utterly adorable cupcakes she made for her daughter’s softball party. I shared the photo on my Facebook page, and the response was overwhelming! Everyone wanted to know how to create these charming burger lookalikes, solidifying their place as a blog favorite.
Simple Ingredients for Maximum Fun!
One of the best things about these Hamburger Cupcakes is how accessible the ingredients are. You don’t need to be a gourmet baker or hunt down specialty items. Everything you need can be found at your local grocery store, making this a stress-free project perfect for a busy afternoon or a spontaneous party idea.
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (your favorite brand will do!)
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (typically water, oil, and eggs)
- 1 tub of chocolate fudge frosting
- Red, yellow, and green frosting (store-bought tubes or tubs are perfect for ease)
- White jimmies (sprinkles) for that classic “sesame seed” look
When baking your cupcakes, a key tip is to avoid overfilling the cupcake liners. Fill them about 1/3 full. This ensures they bake up nicely with a relatively flat top, which is ideal for slicing and assembling your “hamburgers.” If you fill them too much, they’ll develop a domed “muffin top” that makes them harder to work with, though still delicious!
Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled, carefully slice off the tops horizontally. This creates the “bun” halves. Then, spread a generous layer of chocolate fudge frosting on the bottom half of the cupcake – this forms the “burger patty.” Next, pipe or gently spread green frosting along the edges to mimic crisp “lettuce.” Follow with thin lines or dollops of yellow and red frosting for the “mustard and ketchup” effect.
Once your “condiments” are in place, gently position the top half of the cupcake back on, creating your burger bun. Almost done!
For the final, iconic touch, sprinkle white jimmies (sprinkles) over the top of the cupcake bun to create that unmistakable “sesame seed” bun effect. It’s a simple detail that truly brings the whole look together!
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Tonja and I have shared countless memories over our more than two decades of friendship. While life has certainly changed and our paths don’t cross as often as they once did, the bonds of true friendship endure. The photo above, capturing a moment of pure fun, was taken around the same time this post was originally published. It’s a snapshot from a memorable night where we attended the Def Leppard and Poison concert at TD Ameritrade Park – a venue you might recognize as the home of the College World Series.
We started the evening with great seats in the 9th row, enjoying the electrifying atmosphere. But the night took an exciting turn! Right after Poison finished their set, a security guard surprised us with an invitation to move to the front row! It was an absolutely incredible experience, and this picture perfectly captures the magic of that night. Good times, indeed!
These “hamburger” cupcakes are simply irresistible! My son affectionately calls them “Crabby Patty Cupcakes,” a nod to the beloved Krusty Krab burger from SpongeBob SquarePants. The comparison always brings a chuckle and perfectly illustrates how these playful treats spark imagination and joy. They are a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, whether they’re SpongeBob fans or just appreciate a clever dessert.
Explore More Creative Cupcake Ideas:
If you love the idea of turning ordinary cupcakes into extraordinary creations, you’re in luck! Here are some other fantastic and clever cupcake recipes from my blog and a few friends, perfect for any occasion:
- Piña Colada Cupcakes: Bring a taste of the tropics to your dessert table.
- Neapolitan Cupcakes: The classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry in cupcake form.
- Bubblegum Cupcakes: A whimsical and brightly colored treat that tastes just like bubblegum!
- S’Mores Cupcakes with Graham Cracker Frosting: All the campfire goodness in a portable cupcake.
- Minnie Mouse Cupcakes: Adorable cupcakes perfect for a Disney-themed celebration.
Ready to wow everyone at your next BBQ with these fantastic Hamburger Cupcakes? They are truly the perfect, fun-filled dessert for any cookout, party, or family gathering. Give them a try – your guests will thank you!
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Print Recipe
Hamburger Cupcakes
Using a yellow cake mix, and store purchased frosting and sprinkles, you can transform a cupcake into a super cute “hamburger!” Perfect for desserts at cookouts!
| Prep Time 15 mins | Cook Time 20 mins | Total Time 35 mins |
Course: Cake & Cupcakes | Cuisine: American | Keyword: Hamburger Cupcakes
Servings: 17 cupcakes | Calories: 221 kcal | Author: Michaela Kenkel
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- Water, oil, and eggs to prepare mix (as per box instructions)
- Chocolate Fudge Frosting
- Red, Yellow, and Green Frosting (store-bought for convenience)
- White Jimmies (sprinkles)
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix according to box instructions. Spray cupcake pans and line with cupcake liners. Fill the cupcake liners about 1/3 of the way full. This is crucial for creating flat tops for your “buns” – you want them to bake just to the edge of the liner, not “muffin top” over.
- Bake according to package instructions. Once baked, remove the cakes from the pan and allow them to cool completely before proceeding. Once cool, carefully cut the tops off each cupcake horizontally, creating two halves.
- Pipe or gently spread chocolate frosting on the bottom layer of each cupcake to form the “burger patty.” Next, drizzle or pipe the red, yellow, and green frostings towards the edges of the chocolate layer to resemble the condiments (ketchup, mustard, and lettuce).
- Place the top half of the cupcake back onto the frosted bottom to complete the “bun.” Finally, scatter white jimmies generously over the top of each cupcake to give the appearance of sesame seeds.
Notes
Tip: For better adhesion of the sprinkles, you can add them to the cupcakes a couple of minutes before they are done baking. This helps them stick slightly into the warm cake surface.
Feel free to use your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe and frosting recipes if you prefer from-scratch ingredients. The store-bought options are simply for convenience and ease!
Nutrition