Experience the magic of childhood with our enchanting Dairy Free Lucky Charms Cupcakes recipe. These whimsical treats are a delightful fusion of nostalgic charm and sweet indulgence, featuring the iconic marshmallow shapes of Lucky Charms cereal. With every bite, you’ll be transported to a world of whimsy and delight, making these cookies perfect for both children and the young at heart. Perfect for St Patrick’s Day and any other fun occasion.
Why I Made These
We love combining colourful marshmallows with our favourite baked goods and these cupcakes are no exception. Silky vanilla buttercream, freshly baked cupcakes and crunchy marshmallows are a match made in heaven.
Why You Need to Make These
Making dairy-free Lucky Charm cupcakes is a delicious and inclusive choice for those with dairy allergies or dietary preferences. Plus, they offer a whimsical and colourful treat that is sure to bring joy to any gathering or celebration.
Easy to create and full of smiles, you are going to love these for any occasion. Kids also love having a go at decorating these so why not make it a family affair and have fun together?
Ingredients and Substitutions
These cupcakes are a breeze to make, using our favourite vanilla cupcake recipe and small batch vanilla buttercream. Both recipes are vegan but as the Lucky Charms marshmallows include gelatin, this has not been marked as a vegan recipe. Check out the FAQs for more recipe info.
How to Make Lucky Charms Cupcakes
This is a decorating tutorial so you will need to make your buttercream and cupcakes in advance. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.
Mixing the Buttercream
Crush up some marshmallows and fold them into the buttercream with a spatula.
There are no precise measurements for this – add as many as you desire.
Decorating the Cupcakes
Now comes the fun stuff! We’re going to decorate the cupcakes with our marshmallow buttercream.
Cut approx an inch off the end of the piping bag and pop the piping nozzle inside. Add the bag to a cup or mason jar, fold over the top to form a cuff, then fill with buttercream.
Squeeze the bag to push the buttercream towards the nozzle and twist the end slightly (for better grip).
Hold the piping bag slightly above the cupcake as you squeeze out the buttercream and pipe a swirl.
I usually start from the outside and work my way in but there is honestly no wrong way to do this.
Top with marshmallows and cereal pieces. How cute do these look? I hope you’ll agree that these would be perfect for a fun party or even just as a pick-me-up cupcake. I mean, who can resist cereal and cupcakes?
Storage and Freezing
Storage: these cupcakes are best enjoyed as soon as they are decorated but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If your room is particularly warm or humid, store them in the fridge instead.
Freezing: the decorated cupcakes can be frozen but bear in mind that the texture of the marshmallows and cereal pieces will be affected. I would recommend freezing the cupcakes before adding the extra marshmallow and cereal pieces. Defrost in a sealed container at room temperature then add the final decorations.
Cupcake FAQs
I am using my 12-cupcake vanilla cupcake recipe alongside my small batch of vanilla buttercream. Feel free to half, double or triple the recipes (linked in the recipe card) if required.
Unfortunatly not. The Lucky Charms marshmallows contain gelatin which is not vegan friendly. If you want to make vegan Lucky Charm cupcakes, sub with coloured vegan mini marshmallows or create your own royal icing transfers to attach to the cupcakes.
You can, however, they are better decorated no more than a few hours before serving. The marshmallows will soften slightly over time, due to the fat in the buttercream.
We are creating a simple swirl with an open star piping nozzle. Due to the marshmallow bits in the buttercream, an open star tip is required to ensure that it doesn’t clog when piping the buttercream.
More Colourful Recipes
If you enjoyed reading about these Dairy Free Lucky Charms Cupcakes and are looking for more fun, kid-friendly treats, check out these family favourites:
- Try these irresistible Lucky Charms Drop Cookies (dairy free)
- You can’t go wrong with colourful sprinkles in our Funfetti Drop Cookie recipe (vegan, nut free, soy free)
- How about some cute Easter Bunny Chocolate Donuts (vegan)
Dairy Free Lucky Charms Cupcakes
Equipment
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 12 Cupcakes
- Vanilla Buttercream (small batch recipe)
- Lucky Charms Cereal (divided) (*see note)
Instructions
- This is a decorating tutorial so you will need to make your buttercream and cupcakes in advance. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before decorating.12 Cupcakes, Vanilla Buttercream
- Crush up some marshmallows and fold them into the buttercream with a spatula. There is no precise measurement for this. Add as many as you desire.
- Cut approx an inch off the end of the piping bag and pop the piping nozzle inside. Add the bag to a cup or mason jar, fold over the top to form a cuff, then fill with buttercream.
- Squeeze the bag to push the buttercream towards the nozzle and twist the end slightly (for better grip).
- Hold the piping bag slightly above the cupcake as you squeeze out the buttercream and pipe a swirl. Top with marshmallows and cereal pieces.Lucky Charms Cereal (divided)
Video
Notes
- Prep: Before starting this recipe, make sure you divide the Lucky Charms cereal to separate the marshmallows from the cereal pieces. My kids love this part (and often sneak a few!)
- Storage: these cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If your room is particularly warm or humid, store in the fridge instead.聽
- Freezing: the decorated cupcakes can be frozen but bear in mind that the texture of the marshmallows and cereal pieces will be affected. I would recommend freezing the cupcakes before adding the extra marshmallow and cereal pieces. Defrost in a sealed container at room temperature then add the final decorations.聽
I love how tasty and adorable these cupcakes are! The cupcakes are so tender, and the buttercream with the Lucky Charms marshmallows is a great combination.
I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed these cupcakes. Thanks for commenting!
The kids and I made these after school yesterday. So much fun to make and came out perfect! Thanks for sharing!
So glad you all had fun making these.
How cute are these cupcakes? Can’t wait to try this recipe.
So cute right! Hope you enjoy them.
Very colorful best for Easter. thanks for sharing
Thanks, they’re perfect for Easter.
I’ve been looking for a dairy free treat to make for St. Patrick’s Day. These cupcakes are perfect and too cute!
Glad you found the recipe. Hope you enjoy them!