Disneynature’s Born In China – Panda Cupcakes by Kristen Nichols

Sasaki Time, in collaboration with thehealthymouse.com, has created Panda cupcakes to celebrate the release of Disneynature’s new film Born in China.  This recipe incorporates two traditional Chinese flavors, cherry and coconut, in a fun and kid-friendly way.

The cupcake recipe, adapted from the Sweet Little Bluebird Crazy Cake recipe, is dairy and egg free.  The whipped cream frosting listed below can be replaced with a Coconut Cream Whipped Cream frosting to make a completely dairy and egg free treat.  A great Coconut Cream frosting can be found here http://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-coconut-whipped-cream/.

We hope you enjoy this recipe and we would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!  

Cupcake:

Adapted from http://www.sweetlittlebluebird.com/2013/03/tried-true-tuesday-crazy-cake-no-eggs.html

Yields approximately 12 cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 Cups flour (all-purpose)
• 3 Tbsp. cocoa (unsweetened)
• 1 Cup sugar
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp.  salt
• 1 tsp. white vinegar
• 1 tsp.  pure vanilla extract 
• 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil 
• 1 Cup water
• ¼ cup dried cherries, chopped
• 1 ½ tsp. cherry preserves

Directions

1. Mix first 5 dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.  
2. Make 3 large depressions in dry ingredients.
3. Pour vinegar in one depression, vanilla in the other, and the vegetable oil in the third.  Make sure the depressions are large enough to contain the wet ingredients.
4. Pour water over all and mix until smooth.  
5. Add dried cherries and cherry preserves if desired.  Mix until well combined.
6. Spoon the mixture into a lined cupcake pan. Fill cups about ¾ of the way full.
7. Bake for 15-17 minutes. Check with toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. Let cool completely before decorating.

Whipped Cream Frosting:

Ingredients:

1 pint heavy whipping cream, chilled

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Chill mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes.  Ensure the heavy whipping cream is thoroughly chilled.
2. Using a standing or handheld electric mixer, whip the heavy cream at a medium/high setting until the cream thickens and forms stiff peaks.
3. While mixing, gradually incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Decoration:

Ingredients:

Shredded coconut or coconut flakes

Mini Oreos

Chocolate chips

Chocolate sprinkles

Directions:

       1. Top cupcakes with whipped cream frosting and dip in the shredded coconut to create the fur

       2. Use Mini Oreo cookies to create the Panda’s ears

       3. Use 3 chocolate chips to create the eyes and nose

       4. Use chocolate sprinkles for the mouth

       5. Enjoy!

       6. Be sure to check out Disneynature’s Born in China opening Friday April 21st!