Food & Cooking Recipes Dessert & Treats Recipes Cupcake Recipes "Broken Glass" Cupcakes 3.2 (858) 27 Reviews By Martha Stewart Test Kitchen Martha Stewart Test Kitchen The recipes developed by our test kitchen team have undergone a rigorous process of development and testing, ensuring that every element is optimal, from ingredient amounts to method and cooking time. This process includes triple-testing recipes to ensure they meet our high standards. The many stellar cooks and food editors who have been part of our team include Sarah Carey, Lucinda Scala Quinn, Jennifer Aaronson, Shira Bocar, Anna Kovel, Greg Lofts, Riley Wofford, Lauren Tyrell, and Lindsay Leopold. Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 29, 2019 Print Rate It Share Share Tweet Pin Email Prep Time: 45 mins Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins Yield: Makes 3 1/2 dozen The recipe for the "glass" is essentially one for caramel. The trick is to cook it for a shorter amount of time than usual so it stays clear. Ingredients For the Cupcakes 4 ½ cups cake flour (not self-rising) 2 tablespoons baking powder ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg Salt 1 ½ cups whole milk 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar 7 large egg whites, room temperature For the Caramel 1 ½ cups granulated sugar ¾ cup water For the Frosting 1 pound cream cheese, room temperature 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 6 cups confectioners' sugar ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup cherry preserves, strained, for garnish Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Make the cupcakes: Line cupcake tins with baking cups. Sift flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 3/4 teaspoon salt into a medium bowl. Combine milk and vanilla in a measuring cup. Beat butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to medium, and gradually add granulated sugar in a slow, steady stream. Beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to low, and add flour mixture in 3 additions, alternating with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour. In a clean bowl, whisk egg whites with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold one-third of the whites into the cupcake batter. Fold in remaining egg whites in 2 batches. Divide batter among baking cups, filling each halfway full. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center of each comes out clean and the tops spring back when lightly touched, 18 to 20 minutes. Let cool completely in tins set on wire racks. Meanwhile, make the caramel: Bring granulated sugar and water to a boil in a small high-sided saucepan, stirring, until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to medium-high, and cook until mixture just starts to turn pale gold around edges. Remove from heat, and immediately pour caramel onto a rimmed baking sheet. Working quickly, tilt pan to spread caramel to edges to make a very thin layer. Let cool to harden. Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Beat until creamy and spreadable. Frost each cupcake using an offset spatula. Twist pan to release and break caramel in order for it to resemble broken glass. Place a shard or 2 of caramel "glass" in the center of each cupcake. Drizzle or pipe cherry preserves where caramel has entered the cupcake. Cook's Notes Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Frosting can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Caramel can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day; break just before using. Frosted cupcakes can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Top with caramel shards and cherry preserves just before serving. Rate it Print