Cap’n Crunch Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Marshmallow Frosting
As a stay-at-home mom living in a small rural town that I did NOT grow up in, I know all about how hard it can be to find friends.
So several years ago, when I started taking cake decorating classes in the bigger city an hour away, I was hopeful.
And when I met a woman who was also a stay-at-home mom and lived in a small town not too far from mine, I thought maybe I had finally found a friend.
Never mind that my oddball radar was going off like crazy. I had convinced myself that I was too picky and judgmental, and needed to keep an open mind or be cold, lonely, and friendless for all of my born days.
So I ignored the warnings, and asked if she wanted to come over one afternoon to hang out and work on some of our cake decorating homework.
On the designated day, I got up, dressed in clothes that didn’t include fleece pants or slippers, and made sure my house was clean.
Then the bell rang.
It was her.
And when I opened the door, she immediately (and loudly) announced that she was hungry.
As I ushered her in, I kept thinking to myself how weird this was. Why didn’t she eat before she left? What woman announces that she is hungry as soon as someone she BARELY KNOWS answers the door?
Isn’t that sort of rude?
But I ignored it. Again, maybe I was being judgmental. So I kindly asked her if she would like me to put together some cheese and crackers, or a bowl of chips and dip.
And this woman replied, “got any cereal?”
GOT. ANY. CEREAL.
Once again, I pushed my sarcastic remarks and funny looks aside, and opened my pantry, at which point she proceeded to act as though she were making a life changing decision.
I mean…I do keep a nice variety if I do say so myself. But still.
After a great deal of debate and mental anguish, she decided on Rice Chex.
So I poured her a bowl, (the whole time trying to decide how obvious it would be if I grabbed my phone and started texting my husband about her) and handed it to her with a spoon.
She proceeded to sit and slurp her cereal.
LOUDLY.
And I couldn’t take it any longer.
I judged.
And oooohhhh….she deserved it. It was such an uncomfortable moment…me sitting there looking at this woman that I barely knew, loudly slurping up cereal like she didn’t have a care in the world.
It was weird.
See why I’m a hermit? Antisocial? People have MADE me this way, y’all…..I am but a victim.
Needless to say, the friendship slowly fizzled out. And I learned to always listen to my oddball radar.
This story has nothing to do with these cupcakes. Except that they are both cereal-related. I tried to think of a fancy transition, but nothing came to mind.
Cap’n Crunch is one of my all time favorite cereals, so it was fairly obvious that I needed to turn it into a cupcake. Plus, if a cupcake has cereal in it, that pretty much means that you can eat it for breakfast.
Duh. So obvi.
(click here for printable recipe)
INGREDIENTS
1 box Duncan Hines Classic Yellow cake mix
1 cup buttermilk
4 large eggs
1/3 cup oil
4 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal, plus more for garnish
Preheat oven to 350. Line 24 muffin tins with baking cups and set aside.
Using a food processor or a large Ziploc bag and rolling pin, crush 2 cups of the cereal very finely (to a cornmeal consistency). In the bowl of a mixer, add the cake mix, crushed cereal, buttermilk, eggs, and oil. Beat on low speed about one minute, stopping to scrape down sides of the bowl. Increase speed to medium and beat 2 minutes more. Fold other 2 cups on uncrushed cereal into the batter.
Fill liners 2/3 full and bake for 12-15 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Allow to cool on cooling racks.
To Make Frosting:
2 sticks butter, at room temperature (I used salted)
1 cup peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup milk
4 cups powdered sugar
7 oz jar marshmallow creme
In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the 2 sticks of butter, peanut butter, milk, and vanilla on medium low speed until well blended.
Slowly add powdered sugar and beat on low until just barely blended. Increase speed until medium and beat for about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Fold in Marshmallow Creme, not fully combining to allow for a swirl of marshmallow throughout.
Frost cupcakes generously and add a sprinkle of cereal to the top.
Even if you don’t like Cap’n Crunch, you really need to find a use for this frosting. For serious.
Okay, so…….two things you learned today #1 Peanut butter frosting with marshmallow swirl is awesome #2 Never slurp cereal at the house of someone you barely know–it is weird and you will be judged harshly and possibly blogged about at a later time.
Pretty sure my work here is done.
Have a happy Wednesday, hope you’re all safe, warm, and cozy!!
Thanks for visiting my blog! I realize you could be doing more important things with your time. Like watching the news or washing socks. I hope you stay awhile. Much more fun than socks, I promise. 
Captain Crunch~and Marshmallow Creme!
Two of my FAVORITE things EVER!
These cupcakes look HEAVENLY!
YUM~O~LA!
xo
Delighted I know where YOU are now!
People are crazy. I'm so hesitant to reach out to potential friends because I'm afraid of socializing with crazy, or boring, people. It's bad. Making friends never gets easier- it's awful!
Oh, how yummy these sound! Your writing always makes me giggle. Oddballs will now be known as Cereal Ladies.
How interesting! I definitely want to try putting cereal on cupcakes! They look delicious.
And, some people are weird. I wonder sometimes what these people parents think of them!
I love you and your judgmental ways!! :)
judge on ! (and don't let strangers into you house!!)
To bad I don't have captain crunch in Australia! I'll just have to find something similar. These look great. And how wacky about the cereal slurper..
My sons 16th birthday is tomorrow and we have been snowed in by the Blizzard of 2011 in missouri. so i'm searching my house for all the ingrediants for these cupcakes because Cpt. Crunch is his favorite, mine also. They will have to wait till the ice melts, we have no butter milk or marshmellow creme! But they will be made soon and sound wonderful! I'm also a cookbook queen.
Kristan, you ALWAYS make me laugh! Thanks, because I love to laugh:) I have a daughter that loves Cap'n Crunch. I want to make these and see if she can guess what the secret ingredient is:)
Ooooh, adding marshmallow to peanut butter frosting — what a GREAT idea. Is it okay to admit here that I currently have peanut butter frosting in my fridge and I have absolutely NO intention of using it on a cake or cupcakes? Its there just so I can eat it when I want it.
Wow, i never thought of having cereal on cupcakes…perfect for Sunday's breakfast :-)
Thanks for sharing, they look great! Captain Crunch as one of my favorites when i was a kid, to. I never really thought of alternate uses now that i am a grown-up :-)
Awesome recipe- LOVE the frosting idea! :)
You crack me up. I would have acted the exact same way. I mean, if I was the cereal lady. Us oddballs gotta stick together.
I KID!
Love these cupcakes… I LOVE captain crunch… and I would LOVE for you to make me some! I can just see me snacking away on these as I sit in my hospital room ready to give birth. The nurses would be crazy jealous!! :) Just might have to make some…
Blessings!
Amanda
See this is why we are friends. I grew up/still part time live in a rural town and I still struggle with making new friends. It is hard! And the people are crazy. Legit crazy. Like shooting their spouses with a b.b. gun. Or having intimate relations with animals. I completely understand how you are victimized and then feel antisocial. I'm the same way.
As always, this recipe is genius.
My fave = Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch. I could eat the whole box in one sitting.
Cap'n Cruch PB is delicious :))
That lady sounds like a nut…bc seriously, who chooses Rice Chex?
I know exactly what you mean about the oddball meter! We once knew this couple that it should have been easy to be friends with – her American, him British, just like us. The guys were even from a similar area of England. But the wife – yikes. She was the antithesis of me. High maintenance, snooty, and downright mean to her husband. It didn't take long before I was begging off going out together and the friendship fizzled. These cupcakes, however, rock my socks. I love Cap'n Crunch. I'm so glad they worked out!
I too have ignored my oddball meter after moving to new towns. Live and learn (and lock the doors).
Oh, at least she was not a cereal killer, sorry, cheesy funny. Is your oddball meter going off on The Park Wife?
I am going to try your Valentine brownie bites, so glad I found your blog!
OMG that lady does sound "odd" – haha I guess you didn't become friends with her? I need to make this cupcake for my husband!!!
Thanks a lot, I had the 2 yr olds birthday all planned out for tomorrow, no I have to do an overhaul because these cupcakes NEED to be made! We might have to do a "test" batch tonight…
Hysterical story. ;)
I adore the Cap'n Crunch cupcakes. Who could not love cereal in a cupcake?
for my super bowl party, all of my desserts have cereal components. it's a "super BOWL" theme… this is getting me excited for what my own desserts will turn out like! these cupcakes may have to make an appearance :)
thanks for posting!
-meg
@ http://www.clutzycooking.blogspot.com
@ http://www.myscribblednotebook.blogspot.com
That frosting sounds super yummy! It's definitely going in my to-make folder!
I wish I had stories like yours. My life seems so boring next to crazy cereal lady stories!
I'm right there with ya, I feel like a "anti-social" most of the time and my husband thinks I'm too judgmental. I have been burned one too many times.
Great recipe!
Okay, that is seriously a bizarre yet funny story. And those cupcakes…sign me up to make some of those!!! I'm so doing that.
Found you on the Cupcakes blog…..
LOL, that is so disturbing…sorry you had to experience that. :-P These cupcakes look so good though – I love Cap'n Crunch!!
WOW. Is really all I can say…there are some very bizzarro people in this world.
These cupcakes and a cup of coffee sound like the perfect pair. Wish I had one now!!!
Peanut butter marshmallow frosting?! Yes, please!
And, wow… What a crazy story! Very bizarre.
Oh my goodness! That sounds delicious! I'm going to try the frosting for sure!
You sound JUST LIKE ME! We must live in the same town. I call it, StephenKing'sVille! You wirte like me too. PS I heart Cap'n Cruch too!
I've been looking for a recipe to use the 2 cans of Marshmallow Fluff in my cupboard! Can't wait to try it out!
I am so making these for my Best Friends Bday. Capn' Crunch is her most favorite cereal. It hurts the roof of my mouth too much. NEVER NEVER second guess the weirdo senses. It's almost like Spiderman's spidey senses, could you imagine what would happen to that town if he ignored his?:O)
My cereal loving boyfriend just drooled over your post at the mention of the title. I definitely have to try this later this week!
Awesome transition!
You know, sometime I would love to know how you get that cool frosting swirl so pretty and high.
Funniest post ever. What a wacko.
Cereal? I mean, good gracious.
Yep.. that would be awkward!! LOL… I too find sometimes its best just to leave the socializing to others!! I'm quite content to play in my kitchen or sewing room with the company of me, myself and I!!
ooh btw, I mentioned your blog on my blog post this evening! I just love reading your posts. You crack me up!
Cheers!
Andrea
Oh, this might be my FAVORITE blog post EVER!!! Kristan! Please move to Texas! Please! I promise never to ask you for cereal!
And the cupcake are darling and totally appropriate for breakfast!
Oh no she didn't! Too funny! I would have had the same reaction, and yes I would have blogged about it later. Some people! GAW!
I'm thinking the kiddos will love these cupcakes. Who knows they may even want to help make them. Thanks for the recipe!
I looove this frosting!!! I actually love any frosting with marshmallow creme! I used it for my peanut butter cupcakes…http://lilmrshousewife.blogspot.com/2011/02/peanut-butter-cupcakes-w-peanut-butter.html
Thank you for the inspiration!!! :D
(edit: silly spelling errors!)
I could eat this frosting in one sitting!
If you don't have buttermilk you can sub 1 cup milk and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix the two and let sit 5 minutes. I do this with biscuits all the time and it works perfectly. Don't have an idea on a sub for marshmallow creme. We are snowed in too in Oklahoma.
What a strange woman. I guess there are always going to be some weirdos out there. I think it's funny the she wanted cereal, did she not have any at her house? Strange.
How bizarre. Always trust your senses! And food noises send me over the edge. No adult needs to smack and slurp food.
I wish you lived by me so we could be anti-social together. And so you could walk me through how to use my food processor because I'm a class-A dunce.
I am so making these tomorrow.
I really wish you lived near me. I would friend the crap outta you.
you have some really great ideas, thank you for sharing!
Haha, your story cracked me up!! And those cupcakes look DELICIOUS! Thanks for sharing; both the story and the recipe! ;)
Greetings from Germany @ {nifty thrifty things}
That story totally made me laugh – so something I would do to :)
I just found your blog and you are my new hero. Capn Crunch in a cupcake? This is what I want my dying meal to be.
I was rivited to your story! You, my dear are a wonderful writer and SO funny!!! I tend to be quite the hermit myself so I totally understand. Your cupcakes look as pretty as any I've ever seen! You are very talented!!!
It sounds like a chapter out of my own life! I am a victimized, hermit, cookbook collector (354 at last count), too! I can't wait to try these but, if you don't mind I'm going to substitute my favorite…Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter cereal.
Thanks for sharing!!
You were featured today over at Today's Top 20!
Amanda
http://www.todaystoptwenty.blogspot.com
Oh, you make me laugh! I think if we had been stay at home moms (which I am) in the same cake decorating class, in nearby small towns we would be friends. :) I would not have told you I was hungry on my 1st visit, however would GLADLY take you up on the chips and dip once we were friends. !!! :) –Laura
I don't like cap'n crunch a bit – but you had me at peanut butter marshmallow frosting.
I kept reading. And your last line made me laugh – because I was your target audience right there. I most definitely need an excuse for that deliciousness. YUM!
Hi! I just discovered your blog last night and man I was reading ALL of your posts and it took me 5 hours to get off my Droid phone, that's how I was reading them, on my phone! LOL!!! I wasn't even done going through all of your entries but I was super tired hehe …I had to make the cap n crunch cupcakes first thing today and O boy they were delicious!!! My hubby is a Fireman and he's at work today so I took a lot of them to him and his guys that way I wouldn't be a big time pig and eat them all by myself..I can't wait to try more of you recipes! have a good night?
Mandy
this is a really cute idea, and i'll be honest–my heart stopped and my saliva glands kicked into full gear at the very thought of peanut butter marshmallow frosting. swooooon. :)
Hey! My name is Amber and a good friend of mine threw me a link to these cupcakes! Love your blog, and these cupcakes! I took your recipe and put my healthy spin on it for delish cupcakes with 170 less calories and 14.7g less fat… let me know if anyone's interested in my adapted recipe!
P.S. …I would also judge a cereal-slurping stranger…
Ok, I will obviously have to make these cupcakes, but more importantly, your story made me practically pee my pants with laughter! I am a stay home mom as well and making friends can be very difficult…..we've all gotten stuck on a play date with an odd cereal slurper a time or two!! :)
Ok, that woman is a wackado. Just odd.
But the good thing is that I just baked these cupcakes!!! The frosting is so incredible! The cupcake is good. The Cap’n Crunch get chewy like a moist cake type ice cream cone. That’s not to say I would ever push it away if one was set in front of me.
Thanks for all your awesome recipes!!!”
so while looking for other ideas for.a capn crunch cupcake I stumbled upon this….
not to.say your cupcakes don’t sound.good,but I’m looking for a cupcake make of cereal.
this perhaps…..
I’m going to crush capn crunch into a powder, either mime in a light amount flour and add and egg and oil, and a tually make batter like that. OR I’ve been making pancake cupcakes. just follow the recipe for pancakes but pour in a muffin tin. I could powder the cereal and use the batter for my cupcakes (the easy way out….) and then for the frosting just a basic cream cheese frosting but a cereal milk reduction with fresh berries in it…. I’m going to test it this evening!! :)
A) LOVE LOVE LOVE the story about the cereal lady, SHE is the reason SAHM’s find it difficult to make friends. B) I can not wait to try this recipe, I tried Cap’n Crunch french toast and have decided that it is pretty much the best cereal for something other than cereal in the world. C) Has anyone tried this recipe with the Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch?
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Best.frosting.ever! I used it recently and I was lucky there was any left over for the cupcakes! YUM!!!
OMG, this post had me LOLing all the way back to my hermit closet.
I don’t know what I like more: the Cap’n Crunch Cupcakes or the classic truism that Oddball Radar is not to be ignored.
It’s hard to make new friends, but it’s even harder to avoid judgement when a stranger is slurping cereal at your kitchen counter.
Keep doin’ whatcha do!
LOL! Soooo FUNNY! I’m a realtor & took a new client out to see homes last night. The minute they got in my car the husband started whining that he was hungry. I usually pack some simple snacks if the client has kids coming along but I wasn’t prepared for a 30 year old toddler. Dude, I just met you; I’m not buying you food.
I know exactly how you feel. I’ve moved within the past two years and I still cannot call anyone a “friend” or even a “close friend”.
I’ll be taking some classes and if I meet any loud slurping cereal nuts, I’ll let you know!
NEVER ignore your oddball radar. God put it there for a reason. AND. If an elevator door opens and there’s a creepy man wearing a raincoat (without pants) who you think looks like a rapist — DON’T get on. Trust me on this. Oprah explained all about listening to our inner voice. I only wish I’d listened to my inner voice before I married my no-good-nic husband!
Wow…I thought I was the only one!! :) I, too am living in a small/rural town where I DID NOT grow up. In fact, somedays it feels like I’m on another planet…even though I’m just a state away! AND…I have an oddball ‘new friend” story that is just too awful to post on the internet. So, I feel your pain…and I’m SO glad I found your blog! :)
I am so making this frosting!!!! But I have to know how long to the Freakshow stay??? I would have judged her from the moment I opened the door! You deserve a cupcake just for letting her in!!!!
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Have a question…These cupcakes sound VERY yummy but my issue is the frosting…I have a few people in my life allergic to peanut butter…so with that what would you do…omit the peanut butter or substitute…Please let me know cause I would so love to make these but have to do something different with the frosting…Thank you
Could I use cap’n'crunch with the berry crunch?
-XOXOAlaina
[...] frosting ingredients below have been cut in half from the original recipe, which you can see here. I had a TON of frosting left over, and cried a bit when I had to throw it [...]
Too funny. Not sure which I enjoyed more…the story or the recipe. I was raised in a small rural town so my oddball radar is always on. Just remember it’s usually right!
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