Easy Hamburger Cupcakes: The Ultimate Fun Cookout Dessert (Made with Cake Mix!)
The unofficial kick-off to summer calls for recipes that are not only delicious but also bring a smile to everyone’s face. Recently, while revisiting some beloved older recipes, these delightful Hamburger Cupcakes immediately stood out as the perfect choice. They’re not just a dessert; they’re an experience, guaranteed to charm guests of all ages at your next outdoor gathering. Imagine the surprise and delight as your friends and family realize these aren’t savory sliders, but sweet, miniature burger-shaped cakes!
It’s hard to believe that the original version of this recipe was first shared on my blog way back in June of 2012. Seven years might seem like an eternity in the fast-paced world of food blogging, but I’m proud to have a collection of hundreds of tried-and-true recipes that have stood the test of time. This blog might be considered a “dinosaur” by some, but for me, it’s a treasure trove of culinary memories and shared experiences, offering endless inspiration to my readers. And honestly, what could be better than providing a wealth of delicious ideas to brighten someone’s day?
The earliest photographs of these iconic hamburger cupcakes hold a special place in my heart, as they were actually taken by a dear old friend, Tonja. She originally created these whimsical treats for her children’s party, capturing their charming appearance in a quick photo. I immediately recognized their potential as a fun, unique dessert and enthusiastically featured them on my blog. Since that day, they’ve been a consistent favorite, delighting readers and inspiring countless smiles at gatherings.
The Nostalgic Story Behind These Fun Cupcakes
My friendship with Tonja dates back to an interesting turning point in 1991 when I inadvertently “took her job.” While it might sound like the start of a rivalry, our story unfolded in a much more endearing way, blossoming into a lasting friendship.
I started a full-time role as a bridal consultant at a local salon, and for weeks, the whispers I heard revolved around the talented girl who had previously held my position. It felt like her name, Tonja, was constantly on everyone’s lips.
Funnily enough, when Tonja would visit or call, the conversation had shifted, and suddenly *I* was the topic of discussion. This playful dynamic eventually led us to connect, and any initial awkwardness or “jealousy” quickly faded.
Our bond grew stronger when we both found ourselves pregnant with our first children, coincidentally both expecting boys! As stay-at-home mothers, our days were filled with phone calls – and I mean, *all day*. We’d juggle charging cordless phones, swapping them out when one beeped, ensuring our conversations never stopped. We often met at the mall, pushing our boys in strollers, simply for “something to do.” (I honestly think 1995 was the last time I experienced boredom!).
Tonja has always been the baker in our duo; I was the cook. She consistently whipped up amazing cookies and other sweet treats. In fact, one of my most cherished Christmas recipes, Grandma Davis’ Sugar Cookies, is also her family recipe, a testament to her baking prowess. One evening, she sent me a picture of these utterly adorable cupcakes she had made for her daughter’s softball party. I knew immediately I had to share them!
The response was overwhelming! After I shared the picture on my Facebook page, everyone wanted to know how to create these ingenious little desserts. It was clear these “burger” cupcakes were destined to become a blog favorite, and they’ve been bringing smiles ever since.
What Simple Ingredients Do You Need to Make These Hamburger Cupcakes?
The beauty of these Hamburger Cupcakes lies in their simplicity. You don’t need fancy equipment or gourmet ingredients. With just a few staple items, most of which you might already have in your pantry or can easily pick up at any grocery store, you’ll be well on your way to creating these charming treats:
- Box of Yellow Cake Mix: This is your base! Any standard yellow cake mix will do. It provides the perfect “bun” color and a reliable, delicious flavor.
- Water, Oil, Eggs: These are the standard additions to prepare your cake mix according to package directions.
- Chocolate Fudge Frosting: This forms the delicious “burger patty.” Its rich, dark color is perfect for mimicking a grilled patty.
- Red, Yellow, and Green Frosting: These vibrant colors are essential for creating the “ketchup,” “mustard,” and “lettuce.” You can buy these in squeeze tubes for extra ease or use tinted white frosting.
- White Jimmies (Sprinkles): The final touch! These small, white sprinkles are strategically placed to give your cupcake “buns” the quintessential “sesame seed” look.
That’s it! A minimal list for maximum fun and flavor. This recipe is designed for ease, allowing you to focus on the creative assembly rather than complex baking processes.
When preparing your cupcakes, a crucial tip is not to overfill the cupcake liners. I’ve made this mistake myself a few times, resulting in a pronounced “muffin top” that can make slicing a bit trickier. Aim to fill them about one-third of the way, allowing them to bake just to the edge of the liner for a nice, flat surface.
Once your cupcakes are baked and cooled, the fun begins! Carefully slice the top off each cupcake, creating two distinct halves – the top and bottom of your “bun.” Take the bottom half and generously frost it with chocolate fudge frosting. This dark, rich layer instantly transforms into your savory “burger patty.” Next, pipe or drizzle green frosting around the edges for a crisp “lettuce” effect, followed by vibrant yellow and red frostings to represent the classic “mustard and ketchup” condiments. The visual transformation is truly amazing!
Gently place the top portion of the cupcake back onto your frosted “burger” assembly.
For the ultimate finishing touch, generously sprinkle white jimmies (sprinkles) over the top of each “bun.” This creates an incredibly realistic and appealing “sesame seed bun” effect that truly brings the illusion to life. These little details are what make these cupcakes so captivating and fun!
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Tonja and I have shared a remarkable friendship for over two decades. While time moves swiftly and our lives have naturally evolved, leading to fewer in-person meetings, the memories we’ve created together remain vibrant. This particular photo captures a fun moment from around the same time this post was originally published.
It was taken at the Def Leppard and Poison concert held at our local ball field, TD Ameritrade Park. You might recognize it as the esteemed venue for the College World Series each year. We were fortunate enough to have fantastic seats in the ninth row. But the night took an exciting turn right after Poison’s set when a security guard unexpectedly invited us to move to the front row! It was an absolutely incredible experience, and we captured this photo that night, cherishing the good times and unforgettable rock concert memories.
These cupcakes truly are super cute and bring joy to everyone who sees them! My son, a keen observer, immediately dubbed them “Crabby Patty Cupcakes.” If you’re a fan of SpongeBob SquarePants, you’ll instantly grasp the adorable reference. It’s just another testament to how these playful treats can spark imagination and bring a smile to anyone’s face!
Discover More Clever & Creative Cupcake Ideas:
If you love the idea of transforming simple cupcakes into imaginative desserts, you’ll enjoy exploring these other clever creations:
- Piña Colada Cupcakes: Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with these delightful, coconut and pineapple-infused treats, perfect for a summer escape.
- Neapolitan Cupcakes: Enjoy the classic trio of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors all in one irresistible cupcake, a nostalgic favorite for many.
- Bubblegum Cupcakes: A whimsical and fun dessert that captures the sweet, playful essence of bubblegum in every bite, sure to be a hit with kids!
- S’Mores Cupcakes with Graham Cracker Frosting: Bring the campfire classic indoors with these irresistible cupcakes featuring a graham cracker base and toasted marshmallow topping.
- Minnie Mouse Cupcakes: Adorable and festive, these cupcakes are perfect for themed parties, delighting guests with their iconic design.
So, who’s ready to absolutely wow everyone at their next BBQ or summer gathering with these fantastic Hamburger Cupcakes? They are truly the perfect, playful, and incredibly easy dessert for any cookout! Happy baking! 
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Print Recipe
Hamburger Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- water oil and eggs to prepare mix, as per package directions
- Chocolate Fudge Frosting (store-bought for convenience)
- Red Yellow and Green Frosting (store-bought, or tint your own white frosting)
- White Jimmies (sprinkles, for the “sesame seeds”)
Instructions
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Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Line your cupcake pans with paper liners and spray lightly for easy removal. Fill each cupcake liner approximately 1/3 of the way full. This ensures they bake evenly and don’t create a large “muffin top,” which will make slicing easier.
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Bake the cupcakes following the package instructions, keeping an eye on them until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the pan and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, carefully slice the top off of each cupcake, creating a “top bun” and a “bottom bun.”
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Take the bottom half of a cupcake and either pipe or gently spread a generous layer of chocolate fudge frosting onto it. This will form your “burger patty.” Next, drizzle or pipe the green frosting along the edges to resemble fresh “lettuce,” followed by the yellow and red frostings in a zig-zag or swirled pattern to mimic “mustard and ketchup.”
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Carefully place the reserved top half of the cupcake onto your assembled “burger.” Finally, sprinkle the white jimmies liberally over the top “bun” to create that classic “sesame seed bun” effect. Arrange your finished Hamburger Cupcakes on a platter and prepare for the compliments!
Notes
While this recipe emphasizes convenience with a box mix and store-bought frostings, feel free to use your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe and frosting recipes if you prefer. The key is the fun assembly!
Nutrition