There’s something magical about baking with kids. The excitement in their eyes as they watch the batter transform in the oven, the giggles that accompany the swirling of vibrant frosting, and the sheer delight of decorating with colorful sprinkles it’s a joy like no other. That’s why we love easy, creative treats like these Little Fishy Cupcakes!
This past weekend, we had a family cookout, and these ocean-themed cupcakes were an absolute hit. The little ones adored decorating them, and the adults couldn’t help but admire their adorable designs. These cupcakes are not just easy to make but also a fantastic way to spend quality time with kids in the kitchen. Plus, they’re perfect for birthday parties, classroom treats, or even a fun Mangia Mondays baking tradition!
How to Make Little Fishy Cupcakes
Ingredients:
- 1 box of Pillsbury cake mix (or your favorite cake mix)
- Ingredients listed on the cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 tub of white frosting
- Blue food coloring
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Sprinkles (for added ocean treasures)
- Goldfish crackers or Swedish Fish candy
- White or blue writing gel (or frosting in a sandwich bag for piping)
Directions:
- Bake the Cupcakes:
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions.
- Line a cupcake pan with paper liners and prepare the batter as directed.
- Fill each liner about 2/3 full and bake as per the instructions.
- Let them cool completely before decorating.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- While homemade frosting is always wonderful, a quick and easy shortcut is using store-bought frosting.
- Add a few drops of blue food coloring to white frosting and mix well until you achieve the desired ocean blue color.
- Decorate Your Ocean Cupcakes:
- Spread the blue frosting over each cupcake. For an extra oceanic effect, use a spoon or spatula to create wave-like scallops in the same direction.
- Dip the bottom of each frosted cupcake into graham cracker crumbs to create the appearance of a sandy sea floor.
- Sprinkle a few edible “treasures” (like colorful sprinkles) onto the sandy area.
- Place a Goldfish cracker or a Swedish Fish on each cupcake to serve as your little fishy.
- Use a piping bag (or a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off) to add small bubbles using white or light blue frosting.
And just like that, you have an ocean-inspired treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat!
Expand the Theme – Create an Entire Ocean Scene!
If you want to take this idea a step further, consider making an ocean or aquarium-themed cake to go with your Little Fishy Cupcakes.
For my son’s birthday, I once created a full under-the-sea cake to complement the cupcakes. Here’s how you can do it too:
- Use rock candy and jelly beans to mimic colorful rocks on the ocean floor.
- Get creative with sea plants—slice and twist fruit roll-ups to resemble seaweed.
- Add gummy sharks, octopuses, or other sea creatures for extra fun.
- Arrange Swedish Fish and Goldfish crackers swimming across the cake.
This type of cake is a showstopper at birthday parties and a fantastic complement to the Little Fishy Cupcakes. Plus, it’s a great way to let kids use their imaginations while decorating.
Why We Love These Cupcakes for Mangia Mondays
Mangia Mondays is all about celebrating the joy of food and sharing delicious moments with family and friends. These Little Fishy Cupcakes perfectly capture the essence of fun, creativity, and togetherness. They’re easy enough for a casual weeknight baking session yet impressive enough for special occasions.
Another great reason to make these cupcakes? They can be made nut-free! Many parents are concerned about allergies, especially when bringing treats to school or large gatherings. That’s why I always use Pillsbury cake mix, as it does not contain trace amounts of nuts like some other brands. It’s a simple step to ensure everyone can enjoy these delightful cupcakes without worry.
Tips for the Perfect Ocean Cupcakes
- For a more realistic ocean look, use different shades of blue frosting. Simply divide the frosting into two or three bowls and mix in varying amounts of food coloring. Swirl them together when frosting the cupcakes.
- Want to add more sparkle? Use edible glitter or shimmer dust to give the cupcakes a magical, underwater feel.
- Make them even more interactive by letting kids decorate their own cupcakes. Set up a “decorating station” with different toppings like chocolate pearls, gummy sea creatures, and extra sprinkles.
- Store leftover cupcakes properly to maintain freshness. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate them if you’ve used perishable decorations.
Final Thoughts
Baking these Little Fishy Cupcakes was such a delightful experience, and they brought so much joy to our family gathering. They’re simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable—perfect for any Mangia Mondays tradition or special occasion. Whether you’re whipping them up for a party, a school event, or just a fun day in the kitchen with kids, these cupcakes are sure to make a splash!
Have you tried making ocean-themed treats before? I’d love to hear your creative ideas. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your own Mangia Mondays traditions with us!
Let’s keep the baking fun going—share your Little Fishy Cupcake creations and tag us on social media!
