Cookout Cupcakes (Cheeseburger Cupcakes) – A Fun Retro Dessert Kids Love
There’s nothing more fun than a dessert that makes people smile—and these adorable Cookout Cupcakes do just that!
I’ve been making these “retro” treats for years, and my grandchildren still get excited every time I bring them out. They used to call them “Krabby Patties” from SpongeBob, and honestly… they really do look like tiny cheeseburgers!
I recently made a batch for a family cookout, and while the kids loved them, the biggest surprise was how excited the adults were too. These cupcakes are simple to make, easy to customize, and always the star of the dessert table.
If you’re looking for a fun, kid-friendly cookout dessert, these cheeseburger cupcakes are guaranteed to be a hit.
These are so easy to make and you can do them very simple or get fancy with the decorating. I did a very simple version for my cook-out cupcakes.
What Are Cookout Cupcakes?
Cookout cupcakes are playful cupcakes designed to look like mini cheeseburgers. They’re made using:
- Yellow cupcakes as the “buns”
- Chocolate cupcakes as the “burger patties”
- Colored frosting for “ketchup,” “mustard,” and “lettuce”
They’re a fun and nostalgic dessert that’s perfect for cookouts, birthday parties, school events, and summer gatherings.
HOW TO MAKE COOK-OUT CUPCAKES
INGREDIENTS
(Full list of ingredients and instructions in printable recipe card.)
- box of yellow cake mix
- box of chocolate cake mix
- eggs
- vegetable oil
- water
- confectioner sugar
- Crisco solid shortening
- food colorings
- may use your favorite icing if preferred**
INSTRUCTIONS
To prepare the “BUNS”…Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the inside cups of muffin pans with no stick cooking spray. (about 32) Mix a (15.25oz) box of yellow cake mix as directed on box. Spoon about 2 1/2 tablespoons of batter into each cup and bake about
8 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center. Remove to a cooling rack.
To prepare the “Burgers”… Mix a (15.25oz) box of chocolate cake mix as directed on box. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mix into muffin pans, sprayed with no stick cooking spray. (about 64) Bake 6-8 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Remove to a cooling rack.
To prepare the condiments… Prepare your favorite icing recipe. Here is the recipe I use.
2lb confectioner sugar
1/3 cup Crisco shortening
1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water
- To make the frosting, place the confectioner sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the shortening and 1/4 cup water. Slowly beat together on the lowest speed of mixer. Add additional water a tablespoon or 2 at a time and increase speed on the mixer. Beat until smooth.
- Divide icing into separate small bowls. Using a toothpick or end of a plastic butter knife, add the coloring paste to each bowl. If icing is too thick, add drops of water and stir to desired consistency; if too thin, add small amounts of confectioner sugar.
- Divide into 3 bowls, add coloring paste to each (yellow for mustard, green for lettuce, and red for ketchup)
Assembling the Cookout Cupcakes
- Slice yellow cupcakes in half horizontally.
- Spread green frosting on the bottom half.
- Place chocolate cupcake on top.
- Add red and yellow frosting (let it drip slightly).
- Place top bun on top.
- Add a small dollop of green frosting and a decorative toothpick.
Cut the yellow cupcakes in half horizontally, spread some green icing on bottom half, place chocolate cupcake on top, spread some red and yellow icing on top of this and then top with remaining cupcake top. It looks great when the red and yellow are dripping over the side.
Place each cook-out cupcake on a paper cupcake liner, add a little green icing on the top and add a party toothpick to each.
Why You’ll Love Cookout Cupcakes
- They are such a fun dessert and take cupcakes over the top at any party.
- Kids (of all ages) love them, and to help decorate them.
- A fun, nostalgic dessert everyone recognizes
- Perfect for cookouts, parties, and family gatherings
- Easy to make using boxed cake mixes
- Always a conversation starter on the dessert table
Recipe Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Cupcakes
- You can use your favorite icing if you prefer, but make sure it is one that is a decorating type recipe.
- Do not use cupcake liner papers for these. They won’t have the appearance of a burger and the cake will stick.
- Spray the muffin tins well with no stick cooking spray.
- Use a serrated knife for clean slicing.
- Keep chocolate cupcakes smaller than buns (half size).
- Let frosting drip slightly for realism.
How to Store Cookout Cupcakes
- These are best if served the day they are assembled.
- Make 1 day in advance and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if you use a frosting with dairy products. My icing does not have to be refrigerated.
- The baked cupcakes can also be frozen in an airtight container for about 1 to 1 1/2 months. then prepare the frosting and assemble on the day you are serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I store the cupcakes in when I am making them ahead of time?
A good option is a deep container with a lid. Make sure it is deep enough that the icing won’t hit on the lid. Cupcake carriers are another option.
Can I bake the cupcakes, freeze them, and decorate prior to my party?
YES. this is what I do frequently. It saves you time for sure. I don’t recommend freezing them for much more than a month ahead as they can dry out faster.
Do I have more chocolate cupcakes than yellow ones?
Yes. I freeze the leftover chocolate cupcakes and can make more another time, just by mixing up the yellow cake mix.
Some ideas of other foods that kids like to eat at cook-outs are in this post. A few years ago I did a Healthy Snack presentation for our state PTA conference one year and the kids loved making these snacks.
A Sweet Memory
I want my grandchildren to remember fun recipes like this when they are older—something special that Grandma Honey made just for them. These little traditions are what make the sweetest memories.
This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.
"RETRO" SNACKS…COOK-OUT CUPCAKES
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- water
- 2 lb confectioner sugar
- 1/3 cup Crisco shortening
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- To prepare the “BUNS”…Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the inside cups of muffin pans with no stick cooking spray. (about 32) Mix a (15.25oz) box of yellow cake mix as directed on box. Spoon about 2 1/2 tablespoons of batter into each cup and bake about 8-10 min or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in center. Remove to a cooling rack.
- To prepare the “Burgers”… Mix a (15.25oz) box of chocolate cake mix as directed on box. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the mix into muffin pans, sprayed with no stick cooking spray. (about 64) Bake 6-8 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Remove to a cooling rack.
- To make the frosting,place the confectioner sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the shortening and 1/4 cup water. Slowly beat together on the lowest speed of mixer. Add additional water a tablespoon or 2 at a time and increase speed on the mixer. Beat until smooth.
- Divide icing into separate small bowls. Using a toothpick or end of a plastic butter knife,add the coloring paste to each bowl. If icing is too thick,add drops of water and stir to desired consistency;if too thin,add small amounts of confectioner sugar.
- Divide into 3 bowls, add coloring paste to each (yellow for mustard, green for lettuce, and red for ketchup)
- Cut the yellow cupcakes in half horizontally and spread some green icing on bottom half, place chocolate cupcake on top, spread some red and yellow icing on top of this and then top with remaining cupcake top. It looks great when the red and yellow are dripping over the side.
- Place each cupcake on a paper cupcake liner, add a little green icing on the top and add a party toothpick to each.
Notes
- You can use your favorite icing if you prefer, but make sure it is one that is a decorating type of recipe.
- Do not use cupcake liner papers for these. They won’t have the appearance of a burger and the cake will stick.
- Spray the muffin tins well with no stick cooking spray.
I just sent this like to Amara, my granddaughter. We have to make these! Wish I had read this before the 4th. They would have been perfect but summer isn’t over!
I use to make so many things like this but forgot about them over the years. My goal this summer is to pull out some of those old ideas and make them again so the grandkids will remember them. You are right..lots of summer left to try them.
These look amazing!! So much time and love were put into these. Great Job!!!
Thank you, the kids always like them a lot.
Just adorable! I’ve made them before – used a brownie for the hamburger – they were a huge hit at our family carnival. I actually used boxed mixes too, and one of the dads, who owns a very successful chain of restaurants – complimented them profusely! He said I could sell them at his locations. LOL – for me, making a dozen was enough to put me on the couch for a week!
I like the brownie idea really well. Isn’t that hysterical how adults like these as much as kids do.
These look amazing