Party Perfect Panda Cupcakes for Kids in Bali, Indonesia

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a cupcake tray with 8 liners.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

In another bowl, cream the butter and grated palm sugar with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated. Mix in the pandan essence for a tropical aroma.

Alternate between adding the dry ingredients and the coconut milk to the butter mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until smooth. Avoid overmixing to ensure a light texture.

Step 2: Bake the Cupcakes

Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to evenly distribute the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 3/4 full.

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 3: Decorate the Panda Faces

Using a spatula or piping bag, spread or pipe the whipped cream or buttercream frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.

Roll out the black and white fondant. Cut small circles for the panda’s face, oval shapes for ears, and smaller black circles for the eyes.

Position the fondant pieces carefully on the frosted cupcakes to assemble the panda face. Use chocolate chips for the nose and pupils.

Sprinkle shredded coconut around the edges of the frosting to create a fluffy, textured effect resembling fur.

Add final touches, such as edible glitter or small edible flowers, for a festive look.