How to Make Big Bird Cupcakes

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Why Big Bird Cupcakes? I have been a fan of Big Bird since the days when everyone thought Mr. Snuffleupagus was his imaginary friend!

Do you have a big bird lover in your life? What better way to celebrate big bird than by making big bird cupcakes! Even if you don’t have a little person in your life, this whimsical treat is fun to make. I love watching the faces of the adults as they register who the character is. Totally priceless!

What kind of bird is Big Bird?

No one really knows, even if Oscar the Grouch has been calling him a “big turkey” forever.

Big Bird’s species has always been a topic of discussion. Although he is most commonly called a “condor,” Big Bird himself admitted that it was not the case on one episode of Hollywood Squares when asked by host Peter Marshall what kind of bird he was and replied with “lark.” However, in Don’t Eat the Pictures Osiris calls him an ibis, which would make sense because Native American folk tales say they are wise creatures who live for over 300 years.

In 2011 there were two episodes where Bigbird appeared as something other than his usual self: once calling himself a golden condor during Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood-and then later back to being just plain ol’ condor!

So, what is the History of Big Bird?

Big Bird debuted in 1969 on the PBS children’s educational series, Sesame Street. Since then big bird has been a beloved and iconic character for all generations!

What does Big Bird teach kids?

Big Bird teaches kids big and little things! How to be patient, share, measure up… But his most famous quote is “I love you!”

How tall is Big Bird?

Big Bird is big and tall, but not as big or tall as his best friend Snuffy. But he weighs a lot more! Even though he is really tall, he isn’t scary at all. In fact, big bird’s favorite thing to do is hug!

What does Big Bird like to eat?

Big Bird likes many foods but his favorite food is a pickle. He eats so many that sometimes he feels all squishy and has gas. But Big Bird loves cheese too and will share it with other people if the need arises.

What big bird songs are there?

Big Bird has a lot of favorite songs! But his most famous song is “I’m gonna teach you to fly.” His other favorite song is about how he’s big and tall. If you listen closely, Big Bird sings the alphabet too in this one.

How to Make Big Bird Cupcakes

The yellow cupcake base can be made from either a boxed mix or the following recipe:

Big Bird cupcakes recipe

A good yellow cupcake recipe for the base:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs at room temp
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1/2” cubes
• 1/2 cup milk – the higher the fat content the better
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil
• Preheat the oven to 350°F and place the shelf in the middle of the oven. Line the muffin tin with cupcake liners.

How to make Big Bird cupcakes

In a large bowl whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Set aside.

Place butter and milk in a microwave-safe dish and zap 2 minutes on high to melt the butter.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs for 30 seconds on medium-high speed.

With the beater still going, pour the sugar in over 30 seconds.

Beat eggs for 6 minutes more on a highly faster speed, or until tripled in volume and almost pure white.

When the egg is whipped, scatter 1/3 flour across the surface, then beat on low for 5 seconds. Stop beating, add half the remaining flour, then mix again on low for 5 seconds. Add remaining flour, then mix on Speed 1 for 5 – 10 sec until the flour is just mixed in. Once you can’t see flour, stop straight away.

Pour the hot milk/butter, vanilla, and oil into the now empty flour bowl. Add about 3/4 cups of the Egg Batter into the hot milk. Use a whisk to mix until smooth. It should look kind of foamy.

With the beater on low still, pour the milk mixture into the Egg Batter over 10-15 seconds, then turn the beater off.

Fill your muffin tins with batter until they are 2/3 full. Bake 20-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Easy Big Bird Cupcakes recipe

Use a dressed-up boxed cake mix. (snort)

How do you store Big Bird Cupcakes?

Here is the thing – with the more futzy designs, I like to make them in advance of an event or get-together. The best way to usually store your finished creations? Room Temperature.

Granted, they aren’t going to be around that long – my family of three could easily take them out in two to three days. Since you are using canned frosting instead of buttercream frosting or fondant, they should be fine for five to six days. You can learn more about that in our article How To Frost A Cupcake.

You can also make the cupcake bases in advance, the wings and antennae in advance, and even the yellow tinted frosting ahead of time. It takes very little time to assemble them all.

Big Bird Cupcake Ideas

When I was first looking at making these – I saw a lot of ideas with fondant out there on the net. I wanted a recipe that was easy for the average mom to whip up for their preschoolers.

Fondant was out.

All it takes is a few pieces of candy and an orange feather. The next thing you know? You have your Big Bird Cupcake!

Big Bird Cupcakes Recipe

You will need a few things:

• Yellow cupcakes, cooled and ready to frost
• Yellow food coloring
• White frosting – homemade or store bought
• Wilton #70 piping tip for feathers https://amzn.to/3llhisR
• Deco eyes
• Candy corn with orange tips

How to make Big Bird Cupcakes

Bake cupcakes per recipe directions and let them cool completely.

Tint your frosting canary yellow with the yellow food coloring and fill your piping bag with it.

Use Wilton tip 70 to pipe yellow feathers over the entire cupcake – start at the center and work your way out to the edge, repeat the process all the way around.

Press in 2 candy corn, point up, to form the beak.

Use a blue edible marker (if desired) to create eyelids on deco eyes and then place them towards the top of Big Bird’s head.

Add a craft feather at the top of his head and you are ready to go!

Other fun cupcake recipes we have done lately:

• Lemoncello Cupcakes: A Deliciously Tangy Treat
• Camo Cupcakes: How to Make the Perfect Army-Inspired Treats
• When Making Cupcakes: How Full to Fill the Liners
• Polar Bear Cupcakes: Adorable Treats for Your Winter Party
• Rudolph Cupcakes: A Delicious and Festive Holiday Treat