Cosmic Crunch Cupcakes
January 21, 2026
Chocolate cupcakes with a rich buttercream swirl and cosmic candy crunch!
If you love a classic chocolate cupcake but also love a little extra fun, these Cosmic Crunch Cupcakes are about to be your new favorite. They start with a boxed chocolate cake mix, but a few simple add-ins make them extra soft, extra rich, and seriously chocolatey. The fluffy cocoa frosting is smooth and creamy, and the rainbow candy crunch on top gives them that fun, cosmic bakery look. These are the kind of cupcakes that feel perfect for birthdays, movie nights, school events, or anytime you just want a chocolate treat that feels a little more special than usual.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, fudgy chocolate cupcakes with a rich texture
- Fluffy cocoa frosting that pipes or spreads beautifully
- Rainbow crunch adds color and fun to every bite
- Easy semi-homemade recipe with bakery-style results
- Perfect for parties, celebrations, and themed nights
Ingredient Notes
- Cake mix: Any chocolate cake mix works. The pudding and sour cream make it extra soft and rich.
- Pudding mix: Instant chocolate pudding adds moisture and deeper chocolate flavor.
- Sour cream: Keeps the cupcakes tender without making them heavy.
- Mini chocolate chips: Give you little chocolate pockets in every bite.
- Butter: Use salted for the frosting so the sweetness stays balanced.
- Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the frosting that classic chocolate flavor.
- Heavy cream: Start with 4 tablespoons and add more for a smoother, fluffier frosting.
- Rainbow candy-coated chips: These bring the fun cosmic crunch and bright color.
Quick Prep Notes
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and frost them the next day. Store them covered at room temperature.
Do I have to use sour cream?
Sour cream gives the best texture, but Greek yogurt works as a swap if needed.
How full should I fill the liners?
About two-thirds full so they bake up tall without spilling over.
Cosmic Crunch Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the cupcakes
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- Ingredients listed on the box
- 1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
For the frosting
- 1 cup salted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 4 to 6 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and line a cupcake pan with liners.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, box ingredients, pudding mix, and sour cream until smooth and creamy. Fold in the mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey bites.
- Fill each liner about two-thirds full and bake according to the box directions. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.
- Beat the butter until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, then mix in the vanilla and heavy cream until the frosting is thick, smooth, and easy to spread.
- Frost the cupcakes generously and finish with a sprinkle of rainbow candy-coated chips for that classic cosmic look.
FAQ
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips?
Yes, but minis spread more evenly through the batter.
How do I make the frosting extra fluffy?
Beat the butter well first, then add the cream a little at a time until it’s light and smooth.
Can these be frozen?
The unfrosted cupcakes freeze well. Thaw and frost before serving.
What cocoa powder works best?
Regular unsweetened cocoa powder is perfect for this recipe.
Can I make this into a cake instead of cupcakes?
Yes, this recipe works in a 9×13 pan. Just adjust the baking time.
Sprinkle of Fun
These Cosmic Crunch Cupcakes are perfect for an 80s costume party. Serve them on a neon-colored dessert table with cassette tapes, glow sticks, and retro decorations. Pair them with a playlist full of Madonna, Michael Jackson, and classic movie soundtracks while everyone shows off their throwback looks.
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