Playful Dinosaur Themed Cupcakes (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 113g unsalted butter, room temperature (1 stick)
02 - 149g granulated sugar
03 - 2 large egg whites
04 - 114g sour cream
05 - 59ml milk (skim, 1% or 2%)
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 150g all purpose flour
08 - 1 tsp baking powder
09 - ¼ tsp salt

→ Vanilla Frosting

10 - 339g unsalted butter, room temperature (3 sticks)
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 - 227-339g powdered sugar
13 - Dash of milk or heavy cream (as needed)
14 - Teal and green gel food coloring

→ Dinosaur Spikes

15 - 8 oz vanilla almond bark (4 squares)
16 - Teal, green and orange gel food coloring
17 - Sprinkles (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin pan with cupcake liners.
02 - In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add egg whites, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat lightly to combine.
03 - In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture a few spoonfuls at a time, mixing until just incorporated.
04 - Fill each muffin liner half full with batter. Bake for 17-19 minutes at 350°F or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
05 - Roughly chop the vanilla almond bark into smaller pieces. Place in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, until completely melted.
06 - Divide the melted almond bark into three bowls. Add different gel food coloring to each bowl. Transfer each colored mixture into a squeeze bottle. On a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or parchment paper, create small triangular shapes. Add sprinkles if desired. Allow to set completely before removing.
07 - In a mixing bowl, beat butter and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until fluffy (1-2 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. If frosting becomes too thick, add a dash of milk or heavy cream. For extra fluffy frosting, add 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream with the final addition of powdered sugar and whip for 3-4 minutes.
08 - Divide the frosting into two portions and add teal gel coloring to one portion and green to the other. Beat until colors are fully incorporated. Transfer each colored frosting to a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip (such as Wilton 1M).
09 - Pipe the frosting onto the cooled cupcakes. Top each cupcake with five dinosaur spikes, alternating the placement (one in front, one behind, etc.) for the best visual effect.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature before beginning.
02 - Sifting the dry ingredients contributes to a fluffier cupcake texture.

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