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Gemini Birthday Cupcakes Recipe Easy Twin-Themed Dual Flavor Treats

Gemini birthday cupcakes - featured image

These twin-themed cupcakes combine vanilla and chocolate flavors in one delightful treat, perfect for celebrating Gemini birthdays or anyone who loves a playful dual-flavor dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
  • ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 34 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 23 tablespoons (30-45ml) heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional decorations: edible glitter or sprinkles in gold and silver, Gemini zodiac toppers or themed cupcake picks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with parchment paper liners.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter with 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and ½ cup whole milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly into two bowls. To one bowl, sift in ¼ cup cocoa powder and gently fold until fully mixed.
  7. Spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters side by side into each cupcake liner, about 2 tablespoons of each per cupcake to fill halfway. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the batters together a few times.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. To make frosting, beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, and a pinch of salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Frost cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula. Add edible glitter or Gemini-themed toppers if desired. Chill for 15 minutes to set the frosting before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Avoid overmixing after adding flour to keep cupcakes tender. Use a toothpick for gentle swirling to maintain distinct flavors. Frost cupcakes only when completely cool to prevent melting. For dairy-free or gluten-free options, substitute ingredients accordingly. Mini cupcakes require shorter baking time (12-15 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: Gemini birthday cupcakes, twin-themed cupcakes, dual flavor cupcakes, vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, swirl cupcakes, easy cupcake recipe, birthday dessert