Easy Smarties Cupcakes

Name: Easy Smarties Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 38 min
Ingredients: 150 g Butter, softened; 150 g Caster sugar; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract; 3 Medium Eggs; 130 g Self-raising flour; 20 g Unsweetened cocoa powder; 300 g Milk chocolate; 12 Smarties

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These chocolate Smarties cupcakes are a nostalgic classic that both kids and adults will love. They're easy to make with simple ingredients and they take just 20 minutes of prep time!

pile of nestle smarties cupcakes with chocolate on top

Calling all '90s babies! Who remembers these iconic Nestle Smarties cupcakes?!

I'm on a bit of a cupcake roll right now and it only felt right to include a Smartie version since they were one of my favourite treats as a child. I've also made a Smarties cheesecake, Smarties fudge and Smarties brownies so make sure to check those out too!

Smartie cupcakes are basic chocolate cupcakes with a milk chocolate topping and a Smartie on top. If I remember correctly, the Nestle cupcakes were mini ones but I thought I'd just go crazy and make mine full-sized. I hope you like them!

For any beginner bakers reading this, I've written detailed ingredient notes, step-by-step instructions and top tips to help you get success on the first try. If you're more experienced in the kitchen and just want the basic recipe, you can find it in the recipe card at the end of the post. Enjoy!

Ingredients

Butter: Softened, unsalted butter is best for baking. Let it sit out at room temperature for 60 minutes before you begin making the cupcakes.
Sugar: I like to use caster sugar in my cupcakes because of the finer texture but you can also use granulated white sugar if you like. Caster sugar is also known as superfine sugar.
Vanilla extract: To enhance the chocolate flavour. You can also switch the out for 1 teaspoon of cold coffee for a richer flavour.
Eggs: 3 eggs is just perfect for this recipe! I typically use medium eggs for baking.
Self-raising flour: If you're not familiar with self-raising flour, it's simply plain/all-purpose flour with baking powder already added to it. It's also known as self-rising flour. If you don't have any to hand, just use regular flour and add 1+½ teaspoons of baking powder to the recipe.
Cocoa powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is best for a true chocolate flavour.
Milk chocolate: For topping the cupcakes with. You'll need 250g-300g.
Smarties: We couldn't have Smartie cupcakes without Smarties now, could we?! You'll need just 1 for each cupcake (12 in total) so a small tube should do just fine.

Equipment

Food scale: I don't include cup measurements for most of my recipes because they're not accurate enough for baking. Always use a digital food scale for best results.
Mixing bowls: A medium bowl for mixing and a small heatproof bowl to melt the chocolate.
Utensils: A wooden spoon for mixing plus a few smaller spoons or a scoop to transfer the cake mix into the cases.
Cupcake tin and cases: A 12-hole cupcake tin or two 6-hole tins and 12 paper cases.
Piping bag: For piping the chocolate on top of the cupcakes. This is not totally necessary, you can spread it on with a spoon if you prefer, but the piping bag will make it easier and neater.

How to make Smarties cupcakes

Step 1: Preheat your oven 180°C (or 160°C if you're using a fan oven). Line a cupcake tin with 12 paper cases.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix together 150g of softened butter and 150g of caster sugar until soft and fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 3: Add 3 medium eggs to the bowl along with 130g of self-raising flour and 20g of cocoa powder. Mix well until you have a smooth but thick cake batter.

Step 4: Divide the cake mix evenly between the 12 cupcake cases and bake for 15-18 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Gently press down on the cupcakes while they're still warm to flatten the tops. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool.

Step 6: Once the cupcakes have cooled, melt 300g of milk chocolate for the topping. Let it cool for a few minutes.

Step 7: Transfer the milk chocolate to a piping bag and squeeze some onto each cupcake. Gently shake the cakes to help spread the chocolate out evenly.

Step 8: Top each cake with a Smartie while the chocolate is still wet.

pressing smarties into the melted chocolate

Step 9: Let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for an hour or two until the chocolate has hardened then enjoy!

Top tips

Press down on the cupcakes while they're still warm to make the top flatter. This will give them that authentic Nestle Smartie cupcake look!
Use a piping bag to top the cupcakes with the milk chocolate. This will make it easier and neater.
If you find your cake mix is a little dry, you can add a small splash of milk to help loosen it.

FAQ

Are Smarties cupcakes discontinued?

Yes, sadly the original Nestle Smarties cupcakes were discontinued. I couldn't find out the exact year they stopped being sold but I haven't seen them in supermarkets for many, many years now.

How do I make the chocolate layer flat?

Having a flat chocolate layer relies on having flat-topped cupcakes. You can bake them very low and slow if you like but I find it's much quicker and easier to just press on the cupcakes while they're still warm. Make sure to keep the cupcake case on when you add the chocolate topping too, as it will help to hold the shape.

How long will these cupcakes last?

They'll taste best if eaten within 4 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place such as a kitchen cupboard.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Smartie cupcakes are perfect for freezing. You can pop them into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat them, transfer them to a wire rack or plate and let them sit out at room temperature for an hour or two. Once thawed, do not refreeze.

More cupcake recipes:

I hope you like these chocolate Smarties cupcakes. If you make them at home, please let me know how you get on by leaving a comment or rating below. Enjoy!