It’s no secret… I’m a little Marvel-obsessed. And I’ve been on an Infinity War high — well, technically a low with that ending. Ever since I saw the movie in May, I’ve been dreaming up some Marvel eats that I could make.
So I made a plan to make some infinity stone cookies. But Peter Quill can pretty much sum up that plan…
“Let’s talk about this plan of yours. I think it’s good, except it sucks. So let me do the plan and that way it might be really good.”
Yep, those initial infinity stone cookies were an epic FAIL! I’m talking Pinterest-worthy fail. I’ve exiled them from my memory and will likely never talk about them again. But… that fail only motivated me to find an even cooler idea to share with you, my Marvel-obsessed friends… infinity stone cupcakes. (I think Peter would approve of these.)
I originally found inspiration from Alana Jones-Mann’s DIY: Gemstone and Geode Cupcakes, and when I saw her gorgeous geode creations, I knew they would be the perfect Infinity War-inspired treat. Now this recipe took some time for me to master, but I am oh-so-pleased with the results!
Will you be able to eat just one? As Thanos said, “The hardest choices require the strongest wills.”
Infinity Stone Cupcakes
What You Need:
- Cupcakes
- Frosting
- Food coloring or gel (purple, red, blue, green, yellow, orange)
- Corn syrup
- Sugar
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cupcake pan
- Small pot
Let’s start with your edible infinity stones. If you’re planning to make these infinity stone cupcakes for a party or get together, plan ahead so you have enough prep time. You’ll need to repeat the infinity stone process six times, once for each stone color.
If you’re more familiar with melting down sugar than I am, you may be confident enough to split one batch of melted sugar/corn syrup into multiple pots, adding a different color to each and saving some time. But this was my first time, and I was not that skilled. You see, the second you turn the heat off and add your food coloring, the mixture starts to cool — fast. So make sure you’ve read the instructions below — or that you’ve watched my infinity stone how-to video on my Instagram TV channel — and then you’ll be ready to go.
Creating Your Edible Infinity Stones
For each stone color, you will make a thin piece of candy, which will eventually be broken down into small crystals, and two thicker pieces, which will be smashed into your stone pieces. Before you begin cooking, prep your baking sheet and cupcake pan which you will pour your candy mixture onto when your sugar and corn syrup melt down. First, place a piece of parchment paper on the baking sheet. Next, place two small pieces of parchment paper into two holes in the cupcake tin. Set both pans aside.
Before you begin melting down your sugar and corn syrup, let me take a moment to warn you to be careful! Melted sugar is very hot, so be sure to use caution.
And actually, I think another Peter Quill quote is needed here, too.
“Alright, Guardians. Don’t forget, this might be dangerous, so let’s put on our mean faces.”
In a small pot, mix together one cup of sugar and two tablespoons of corn syrup. Turn your stove on to medium-high heat. Stir the sugar mixture continuously. As the sugar begins to break down, you’ll notice the mixture begins to get “wet.” Continue stirring to help the mixture melt evenly and to prevent it from burning.
Once your sugar mixture is melted and begins to boil, cover it with a lid and let it boil further for a minute or so. Once your mixture reaches a light brown/light caramel color, remove the pot from the heat, continuing to stir the mixture. Quickly add two drops of food coloring or gel to the mixture, stirring well.
Fill your two parchment-covered cupcake holes with the melted mixture. These two candy pieces will be used for your larger infinity stone pieces. For the remainder of the mixture, pour it out on your parchment-covered baking sheet.
Transfer both pans to the refrigerator and cool for 30 minutes.
Once the time has passed and your candy has hardened, remove it from the fridge. Place the large, flat piece in a large plastic bag. Place the smaller stone pieces in a separate, small plastic bag. Now it’s time to break up your stones. Wrap each plastic bag with a dish towl, and using a hammer, smash the candy into pieces. Make sure to leave some bigger-sized gems for your main infinity stones. For the remaining pieces, break them into small crystals using a hammer or a food chopper and set aside. These small, finer pieces will be used to cover the tops of the cupcakes in crystals.
Repeat this process for each stone color.
Decorating Your Infinity Stone Cupcakes
Bake cupcakes in the flavor of your choice.
Ice your cupcakes liberally. Then, for each color, dip an iced cupcake in the small, crushed crystals, covering the top of the cupcake entirely. Place a couple of your infinity stone pieces in the middle. Repeat this process until you’ve “collected” each infinity stone cupcake.
*cue Avengers theme song*
The power stone cupcake…
The time stone cupcake…
The mind stone cupcake…
The soul stone cupcake…
The reality stone cupcake…
And the space stone cupcake.
Are you as excited as I am to bring home Avengers: Infinity War on Blu-ray?! I’m counting down the days until I can watch it again. To help you plan for your purchase, check out this article from IGN on what stores are offering Avengers: Infinity War collectible Blu-ray and 4K covers, special features, and more.
This is so cool, and looks so delicious!
Author
Thanks Jen! They definitely result in a sugar high… but it’s worth it!
This looks so awesome! I love the bright colors and the good instructions for the sugar crystals! I’m right there with you on not being as familiar with melting sugar! Good job!
Author
Thanks Lisa! It definitely got easier each time I melted down a new color. But it was a little intimidating at first!
OMG now I have an excuse to make these and have an Avengers: Infinity War viewing party when it comes out! So much fun!
Author
I think that sounds like an amazing excuse! I hope they turn out for you! Share photos if you make some. 🙂
These sure are fun, and pretty, too! I find that when I have a baking fail, it’s usually followed by something fab, so glad to see!
Author
I guess we can’t get everything perfect the first time – I mean, where’s the fun in that? 🙂
I love how these came out! That’s pretty funny that you had a cookie fail first – I’ve definitely been there!
Author
Thanks! I was relieved when the cupcakes turned out! If both had flopped, that would have been a major bummer.
They look great! The colors are perfect.
Author
Thanks! The food gel I used was great. They offer a lot of vibrant colors!
Love, love, love these! I’m a huge Marvel fan and I honestly can barely wait until another one comes out. I NEED answers! These are super cute and creative though, you did an amazing job!
Author
I’m right there with you! I don’t know if I can wait until 2019!
Oh my gosh! These are SO cute! You totally nailed this.
Author
Thanks Helen! They were a lot of fun to make! 🙂
How early in advance can I make the sugar geodes?
Author
Hi Gemma— I took my time to make the sugar geodes and made them over the course of a week, one color at a time. And I kept my leftover pieces for quite awhile after in a cool place and used them for other recipes! Just make sure they are stored in a cool place.
Such a cute birthday party!! I love the way those cupcakes came out!
Author
Thanks!
These are so cool! Your recipes are always the best, and so creative! I love the quotes throughout the post!
Author
Awww thank you so much! 🙂
Love this recipe so much! Hope to try it soon! 🙂
Author
I hope you do! Be sure to share pictures. 🙂
Ahhhh! The fact you posted this on my birthday makes me SO happy! I’m considering this MARVEL-ousss cupcake post a subtle birthday gift to me from youuuu hahaha. Your decorating is SO terrific and the staging is such fun, Monica you slayed with this!
These are so cool!
Author
Thanks! 🙂