Burger Cupcakes: The Sweetest BBQ Treat You’ll Ever Make
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s cute, creative, and totally kid-approved (without being a Pinterest fail), these Burger Cupcakes are the answer. They look just like mini burgers but are actually made of cupcakes, brownies, and frosting—aka the ultimate sweet trickery.
Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, a birthday party, or just want a fun kitchen activity to do with your kids, these little guys are always a hit. Plus, they’re made from simple ingredients and boxed mixes, because let’s be real: moms are busy, and baking should be fun—not stressful.
There are many cheeseburger cupcake recipes out there but what I love about this one is that it combines so many flavors. Cupcakes with icing, brownies and coconut flakes! A flavor explosion and cute to boot!
You can mix the colors of icing yourself with food coloring or take the easy method (my recommendation) and buy already colored tubes of icing at the grocery store! Such a time saver!
Why you’ll love these:
- They’re adorable. Instant smiles and “OMG you made those?!” reactions guaranteed.
- Super simple ingredients. Cake mix + brownie mix + frosting = done.
- Fun for kids to help with. Let them “decorate the burger” with frosting ketchup and lettuce.
- Perfect for parties or themed BBQ nights. Dessert just got way more entertaining.
- Make ahead and store well. One less thing to worry about on party day!
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Hamburger Cupcake Ingredients & Tools
KITCHEN TOOLS:
- Cupcake or Muffin Tin
- Cupcake liners
- 2″ Round Cookie Cutter
- Bread Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Hand Mixer
- 9×13 pan
INGREDIENTS:
- Yellow Box Cake Mix and ingredients on back of box
- Fudge Brownie Box mix and ingredients on back of box
- Sweetened coconut flakes
- Green Food Coloring
- Tube of Red Icing
- Tube of Yellow Icing
- Sesame Seeds
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How to Make The Cutest Burger Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven according to the box directions on your cake mix and brownie mix boxes. If the temperatures are different, start with the lower temperature and work on that mix first.
Bake the Buns: Follow the box instructions and bake the yellow cake mix in a cupcake tin lined with cupcake liners. You’ll want them golden and fluffy! Let them cool completely, then slice each cupcake horizontally to make a top and bottom bun.
Bake the Burgers: Bake your brownies in a standard 9×13 pan—nothing fancy. Once cooled, cut out small circles using a cookie cutter or the rim of a small glass. These are your burger patties!
Assemble the burgers:
Squeeze the yellow icing in a flower shape on the bottom half of a “bun”. Allow the icing to fall over the edges just a bit so it can be seen when assembled.
Place a brownie round on the bottom half of a cupcake.
Use red frosting to pipe “ketchup” around the edges.
Sprinkle on green coconut or pipe green frosting for the “lettuce.”
Top with the other cupcake half to make your “burger bun.”
Kid-Friendly Tip!
Set up a “Burger Bar” where kids can decorate their own hamburger cupcakes. It’s messy, fun, and makes for the best family memories (and some pretty hilarious creations).
If you’re craving a baking project that’s playful, easy, and perfect for making memories with your little ones, these hamburger cupcakes are it. They’re the kind of treat that says “I totally nailed this mom thing” with very minimal stress.
Now go make some cupcake magic—and don’t forget to eat dessert first. 😉
Hamburger Cupcake Recipe
Hamburger Cupcakes
Equipment
- 1 2in round circle cookie cutter - can also use a small glass
Ingredients
Cupcake Bun Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow Cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs, large
- 1/2 cup oil
- Sesame seeds
Burger Topping Ingredients
- 1 box fudge brownie mix
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup Water
- 2/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 eggs, large
Brownie Burger Ingredients
- 1 tube Red frosting
- tube Yellow frosting
- Green Food Coloring
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the box directions. Add to a cupcake pan that has been lined with cupcake liners and sprinkle on sesame seeds to the tops of the batter. Bake as directed.1 box Yellow Cake mix, 1 cup water, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, Sesame seeds
- Once cooled, remove the cupcake wrappers and slice the cupcakes horizontally creating a "bun" with a serrated bread knife.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the box directions. Add to a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper and add the chocolate chips to the top of the better. Bake as directed.1 box fudge brownie mix, 1 cup chocolate chips, 1/4 cup Water, 2/3 cup Vegetable Oil, 2 eggs
- Once cooled, remove from the pan and use a 2 inch circle cookie cutter or a small juice glass to cut the burger patties.
- Prepare the "lettuce". Add the shredded coconut to the ziploc bag and add a few drops of green food coloring and shake utnil the coconut has turned green.Green Food Coloring, 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
Assemble the Burgers
- Using the yellow frosting, add a flower shape to the bottom of the cupcake bun as mustard.tube Yellow frosting
- Add a brownie burger patty.
- Using the red frosting, add a squiggle layer of “ketchup” frosting on the top of the burger patty.1 tube Red frosting
- Top with "lettuce" coconut flakes. *You could also use green frosting
- Top with the seseame seed side of the cupcake bun.
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