How to Make Elf Cupcakes: Elf Pet Saint Bernard
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There is no doubt that the Elf on the Shelf craze has taken over around the holidays over the last ten years or so. with articles like Easy Elf on the Shelf Ideas Guide for Parents floating around, don’t we need to talk about Elf Cupcakes?
OK, maybe not actual elf cupcakes, but I have a fun take on the elf pets – that lovable Saint Bernard! Its story is so sweet – thanks to the magic barrels around their necks, the Elf Pets Saint Bernard stores the Christmas cheer children create when they show love to others.
That Christmas cheer is then used to help keep Santa and his team going strong – this heartwarming tale encourages children to perform acts of kindness throughout the Christmas season alongside the Saint Bernard pup included in the boxed set.
With all of that love and kindness going around, how could we NOT make a special cupcake for it?
Elf Cupcakes: Elf Pet Saint Bernard
Why did we i pick the Saint Bernard for our first elf cupcake?
About Saint Bernards
Saint Bernards are gentle giants. They’re calm and patient, with an eagerness to please. This easy-going temperament makes the dog a great choice for a family pet. They’re very intelligent, so training is easy, but it’s important to start at a young age while they’re still small and easy to control.
As cuddly as a teddy bear but the size of a real bear, Saint Bernards love everyone they come into contact with. They just make a poor lap dog coming in at about 180 pounds.
This originally was very large working dog from the western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border.
We can see how they were pulled into Elf Pets as they have all the characteristics of the holiday season AND are meant for a rescue! Both elves and children alike should adore them.
Since the barrel is such an important part of the story, I knew we had to include that in our creation. We even added a little heart, for all the love we are showing it. Once I figured that out, the rest was easy!
While this uses a boxed cake mix, you can easily use my chocolate cupcake recipe and make them from scratch. Or – as I have talked about before – pulling cupcake bases out of your freezer (If you are like me and make them ahead of time). This is our Best Chocolate Cupcake Recipe.
This recipe is set up to make 22 Cupcakes — wouldn’t it be fun to say “for taking to school”? If only kids were able to attend school right now… (sigh)
Elf Cupcakes: Elf Pet Saint Bernard
You will need:
- 1 box of Triple chocolate cake mix
- 3 large eggs room temp
- 1/2 C of softened unsalted sweet cream butter
- 1 C whole milk
- 1TBSP pure vanilla extract
- black holiday cupcake liners
- cupcake pan
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 and line cupcake pan with the black cupcake liners.
In a medium bowl, add the cake mix, butter, milk, and vanilla extract and stir until combined.
Fill cupcake liners 3/4 of the way full.
Bake in the oven for about 2o minutes.
Pull out the cupcakes and allow them to cool before frosting.
For the Frosting
You will need:
- 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 2 1/2 C powder sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 3-5 TBSP heavy whipping cream
- 1 large round ice cream scooper
- 1 mini angled spatula
Directions:
Using a stand mixer, combine all ingredients and mix on medium speed. Mix until stiff, but creamy frosting forms.
For the Chocolate Ganache
You will need:
- 1 C semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 C Heavy Whipping cream
- 1 Small pot
- 1 Squeeze bottle
Chocolate Ganache Directions
Using a small pot, pour the heavy whipping cream into it and place it on medium heat. Pour the chocolate chips into a medium heat-safe bowl. Once the heavy whipping cream starts to simmer, remove from heat and pour onto the chocolate chips. Allow to sit for 1 minute before whisking until smooth, then pour the chocolate ganache into the squeeze bottle.
Decoration Supplies needed:
- 2 packages of Pepperidge Farm Milano Cookies
- 1 package of mini edible eyes
- 1 bag of Rolo chocolate caramel candy
- 22 brown M&M’s
- 1 container of mini pink heart sprinkles
Directions to make the St Bernard cupcakes
Using the ice cream scoop, scoop a dollop of frosting onto the cupcake. Use the angled spatula to lightly smooth the frosting but still keep the dome shape. Using the ganache, pipe out the brown part for the eyes. Place two eyes onto the center of the brown for the eyes of the Saint Bernard. Place an M&M into the center for the nose. Pipe out the mouth detail.
Remove two cookies from the packages and place one on each of the cupcakes for the ears.
For the barrel:
Unwrap two Rolo candies. Pipe a dollop of ganache onto the bottom flat part of the Rolo. Place the other on top. Allow chocolate to harden. Pipe a small dollop in the center of the Rolo and place a heart sprinkle onto the center.
Place the “barrel” onto the bottom center of the cupcake, on the frosting.
Other fun Christmas Themed cupcakes you may like:
- Chocolate Rudolph Cupcakes
- Candy Cane Shake Cupcake
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcake Recipe
- Angel Wing Cupcakes are Heavenly
Other posts you may find interesting:
- 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
