Snow Globe Cupcakes: A Magical Holiday Treat

A simple yet tasteful addition to your holiday/winter cupcakes, that is a crowd-pleasing treat for all ages!  Grab some balloons and a package of gelatin sheets for this straightforward, edible cupcake topper recipe.  Print the recipe below, watch the quick tutorial, and read on to see a new revolutionary way to use the Instant Pot for baking!

Snow Globe Cupcakes: A Magical Holiday Treat

Looking for a show-stopping dessert to wow your family and friends this holiday season? These Snow Globe Cupcakes are the perfect blend of whimsy and deliciousness! With a little creativity and some simple ingredients, you can create edible snow globes that will delight guests of all ages. Plus, I’ll show you how to use your Instant Pot to bake the most moist and flavorful cupcakes ever. Let’s dive in!

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The Inspiration Behind Snow Globe Cupcakes

This recipe was born out of a desire to elevate my holiday dessert table. After years of baking traditional pies and cookies, I wanted something fresh, fun, and kid-friendly. Enter the edible snow globe—a creative twist that transformed basic cupcakes into a magical centerpiece. These cupcakes have been a hit at every holiday gathering since their debut in 2015, and I’m thrilled to share the recipe with you.

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What You’ll Need

To make these enchanting cupcakes, you’ll need the following:

• Platinum Gelatin Sheets: These provide the clearest, most durable globes. Regular powdered gelatin won’t work as well.
• Mini or Water Balloons: These act as molds for the globes.
• Clothespins and String: For hanging the balloons to dry.
• Frosted Cupcakes: Homemade, store-bought, or baked using the Instant Pot.
• Edible Decorations: Sprinkles, candies, or mini icing figures like trees or snowmen.

Pro Tip: For a more sophisticated look, swap out the festive decorations for sugared rosemary sprigs and cranberries.

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How to Make the Snow Globe Toppers

Creating the edible globes is easier than you think, but it does require some patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Gelatin:
   Soak gelatin sheets in ice water for 5 minutes. Cut them in half if needed to fit your pot.
2. Melt the Gelatin:
   Use a double boiler method to gently melt the gelatin with a bit of water and optional sugar for sweetness. Let it cool to a warm, liquid state before using.
3. Create the Balloon Molds:
   Lightly coat the balloons with nonstick spray for a smoother finish. (I spray a small spritz onto my hand, rub my hands together, and then smooth them over the balloon. Applying too much spray or spraying it directly onto the balloon will make the finished globe less transparent.) Dip each balloon into the gelatin about two-thirds of the way, then hang it to dry using clothespins and string.
4. Recoat and Dry:
   After 8 minutes, dip the balloons a second time for added strength. Allow them to dry completely for 24 hours.
5. Remove the Balloons:
   Once dry, pop the balloons and carefully peel them away from the gelatin globes. Trim the edges for a clean finish.

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Baking Cupcakes in the Instant Pot

Did you know you can bake cupcakes in an Instant Pot? This method yields incredibly moist and tender cakes, and it’s surprisingly simple:

1. Prepare the Batter:
   Use your favorite boxed mix or homemade recipe. Fill silicone or stainless steel cupcake molds about three-quarters full.
2. Set Up the Instant Pot:
   Add 1.5 cups of water to the pot, place a trivet inside, and stack your cupcake molds in two layers. Cover the molds with lids or foil.
3. Cook:
   Pressure cook on high for 24 minutes (adjust for mini or large cupcakes). Allow a full natural pressure release before removing the cupcakes.
4. Cool and Decorate:
   Once cooled, frost the cupcakes and add your edible snow globe toppers.

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Tips for Success

• Patience is Key: Allow the gelatin globes to dry for the full 24 hours to ensure they’re strong and durable.
• Use the Right Gelatin: Platinum gelatin sheets are a must for clear, professional-looking globes.
• Keep It Cool: Let the melted gelatin cool to a warm temperature before dipping the balloons to avoid melting or warping.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Snow Globe Cupcakes are more than just a dessert—they’re a conversation starter! Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, attending a work event, or simply baking for fun, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. Plus, the Instant Pot method makes baking a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

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Ready to create your own winter wonderland? Gather your supplies, follow the steps, and let the magic begin. Don’t forget to share your creations—I’d love to see how your Snow Globe Cupcakes turn out!

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Cupcakes are a great choice because they’re easy for little hands to hold and look like a snow globe base. However, you can also place these toppers on decorated sugar cookies or even cinnamon rolls!

 

 

 

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Instant Pot Cupcakes

Tried, tested, and true bake times below for silicone or stainless-steel cupcake liners utilizing the “pot-in-pot” method.  If you follow this no-fail guide, I am confident that you won’t go back to the oven.

Using pre-made box mix or homemade cupcake mix, fill silicone or stainless steel cupcake liners to about 3/4 full. Stack pans and be sure to place the lid on the top pan(both pans should be covered). The specific pans that I have been using for years are cost-effective and well made. These pans are easy to stack, come with steamer lids and a sturdy locking handle. Use these not only for this recipe, but to cook different dishes at the same time in your Instant Pot.

COOK TIMES@ HIGH PRESSURE. ALLOW A FULL NATURAL PRESSURE RELEASE!

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