Get ready to bring some festive cheer with Buddy the Elf Cupcakes! These whimsical treats are inspired by everyone’s favorite elf and are sure to add a touch of magic to any occasion. Packed with colorful marshmallows, M&M’s, and a delicious maple frosting, these cupcakes are a delightful indulgence for both kids and adults.
Why Make This Recipe
If you’re a fan of the movie “Elf” and want to channel your inner holiday spirit, these Buddy the Elf Cupcakes are a must-try. They are fun to make, look adorable, and taste delicious with the combination of sweet maple frosting and delightful toppings.
How to Make Buddy the Elf Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix (16 oz)
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 drop of yellow food coloring
- Colorful mini marshmallows
- Pop tart bites
- Mini M&M’s
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a muffin pan with paper cupcake liners.
- Mix cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth. Fill each cupcake liner 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden brown and firm. Allow to cool.
- In a separate bowl, make the maple frosting by combining softened butter, maple syrup, maple extract, salt, and powdered sugar. Mix until creamy.
- Add yellow food coloring to the frosting and mix until desired color is achieved.
- Pipe frosting onto cooled cupcakes in a dome shape.
- Top each cupcake with a pop tart bite, M&M’s, and colorful marshmallows.
- Serve and enjoy the festive delight!
How to Serve Buddy the Elf Cupcakes
Serve these whimsical cupcakes at parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a fun treat for family and friends. They are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
How to Store Buddy the Elf Cupcakes
Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips to Make Buddy the Elf Cupcakes
- Ensure cupcakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Get creative with the toppings and let your imagination run wild.
- Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve the desired consistency.
Variation
For a twist, you can swap the maple flavor with vanilla or chocolate for a different taste profile.

Buddy The Elf Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 box cake mix (16 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/3 cup sour cream
Maple Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon maple extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Additional Toppings
- 1 drop yellow food coloring
- Colorful mini marshmallows
- Pop tart bites
- Mini M&M’s
Instructions
Cupcake Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a muffin pan with paper liners.
- Combine cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, and sour cream until smooth. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until golden and let cool.
Frosting and Toppings
- Prepare maple frosting by mixing softened butter, maple syrup, maple extract, salt, and powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add yellow food coloring to the frosting and pipe onto cooled cupcakes.
- Decorate with pop tart bites, Mini M&M’s, and colorful marshmallows.