Description
Have some fun with your creative side and decorate turkey cupcakes this Thanksgiving! These easy cupcakes can be made from scratch or using boxed cake mix.
Ingredients
Meat Prep Essentials
Pat turkey dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture helps binders stick.
Gently mix (don’t overwork), or the texture may become dense.
Optionally dry-brine by seasoning and letting rest 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients.
Marinades / Rubs (Seasoning Mix)
Here’s a simple seasoning “rub” that you mix into the ground turkey:
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
1 small carrot, grated
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
You can stir these into the ground turkey and let rest 5–10 minutes (or refrigerate 30 minutes) for flavor melding.
Pantry Staples
1 large egg (to bind)
¼ cup plain breadcrumbs or panko (or gluten-free alternative)
1–2 tablespoons milk or water (to adjust consistency)
Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing cupcake tin)
Instructions
1. Pre‑Cooking Prep: Easy Turkey Cupcakes Recipe
Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
Grease a standard 12‑cup muffin or cupcake tin.
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, seasoning mix, egg, breadcrumbs, and a splash of milk or water.
Gently mix until uniform but don’t overmix.
Divide mixture into 12 equal portions and press into the tin like little savory cupcakes.
2. Cooking Method: Easy Turkey Cupcakes Recipe
Bake in the preheated oven for about 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 74 °C (165 °F).
For a crisp top, you can switch to broil for 1–2 minutes at end, watching carefully.
3. Doneness Check: Easy Turkey Cupcakes Recipe
Use a meat thermometer: 74 °C (165 °F) is the safe internal temperature for ground turkey.
Alternatively, cut into the center — meat should be opaque and juices clear.
4. Resting: Easy Turkey Cupcakes Recipe
Let the turkey cupcakes rest in the tin for 3–5 minutes before unmolding.
This helps them hold shape and keeps juices.
Notes
Cupcakes: If you prefer, you can use store-bought cupcake mix and follow the instructions on the box.
Frosting: If the frosting is too soft, put it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes, then mix for 5 seconds. You can also use store-bought frosting if you prefer.
Store cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cupcakes for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 411kcal
- Sodium: 149mg
- Fat: 24g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: Turkey Cupcakes