Make a Splash with These Adorable Swimming Bear Cupcakes

Oh my goodness, you guys, I just have to share the cutest cupcakes ever, Swimming Bear Poke Cake Cupcakes! These little guys are not only adorable, but they also taste incredible. Seriously, they’re like a sweet little beach getaway in cupcake form! With the blue Jello soaking into the cake, these cupcakes have the perfect burst of flavor. I mean, who wouldn’t want a tiny bear swimming in Jello and surrounded by colorful candy? It’s like a party in your mouth!

I made these for a fun family gathering, and let me tell you, they were a huge hit! The kids (and adults) were completely enchanted by the gummy bears on rafts and the sweet peach rings that made it look like the bears were lounging by the water. I couldn’t stop smiling seeing everyone’s faces light up. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, so even if you’re not a baking pro, these cupcakes are easy enough for anyone to tackle. The Jello-soaked cake keeps them super moist, and the blue icing just makes them pop.

If you’re looking for something to make a splash at your next summer party or family gathering, these Swimming Bear Cupcakes are perfect. They’re fun to make, fun to eat, and they’ll definitely be the star of the show. Trust me, once you make them, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Ingredients

• 1 15.25 ounce box white cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare it: Start with a simple white cake mix to make the base of your cupcakes light and fluffy.

• 1 3-ounce package blue Jello: The blue Jello adds a fun, vibrant splash of color and flavor that makes these cupcakes really stand out.

• 1 ½ cups boiling water: The boiling water helps dissolve the Jello quickly, creating that perfect jiggly texture inside the cupcakes.

• 1 16-ounce container white icing: A generous amount of white icing creates a smooth, creamy layer to top off each cupcake.

• Blue food coloring: A few drops of blue food coloring give the icing a bright, beachy look that ties everything together.

• 44 bear graham crackers: These cute little bear graham crackers are the perfect swimmers for your cupcakes, adding both fun and crunch.

• 11 peach gummy rings: The peach gummy rings make the ideal “rafts” for the bear grahams to float on, such a playful touch!

• 11 rainbow sour belt bites: These rainbow sour belt bites add a burst of color and tangy sweetness to the cupcakes, complementing the flavors perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Start by preparing the white cake mix according to the instructions on the box. Mix the ingredients together and bake the cupcakes as directed. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack. After they have cooled, use a wooden skewer or a fork to poke holes all over the top of each cupcake.

2. In a bowl, combine the blue Jello with 1 ½ cups of boiling water. Whisk the mixture until the gelatin is fully dissolved and the liquid is smooth. Carefully spoon the prepared Jello into the holes in each cupcake, filling them as much as possible.

3. Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least one hour, allowing the Jello to set inside the cupcakes.

4. Once the cupcakes have chilled, take the white icing and add 3 to 4 drops of blue food coloring. Beat the icing until it reaches your desired shade of blue, ensuring it is well mixed and smooth.

5. Use a spatula or knife to spread the blue icing over the top of each cupcake, covering the entire surface evenly.

6. Take one bear graham cracker and place it in the center of each peach gummy ring. Position these bear “rafts” on top of half of the cupcakes.

7. For the remaining cupcakes, place a rainbow sour belt on top of each one. Then, spread a small amount of blue icing on the bottom of 11 bear graham crackers and carefully place them on top of the sour belts.

8. Press the remaining bear graham crackers gently into the top of each cupcake, placing them next to the bears on rafts for a fun, playful look.

9. Once everything is set, the cupcakes are ready to serve! Enjoy these adorable and delicious Swimming Bear Cupcakes.

Tips for the Perfect Swimming Bear Cupcakes

• Cool the cupcakes completely: Make sure the cupcakes are completely cool before you poke the holes and add the Jello. This helps prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy or falling apart.

• Don’t overfill with Jello: When adding the Jello, only fill the holes halfway to avoid over-soaking the cupcakes. You want a nice balance of flavor without making them too wet.

• Chill for long enough: Let the cupcakes chill for at least one hour so the Jello has time to set properly inside the cake.

• Use a spoon for Jello: A spoon or small measuring cup makes it easier to control the amount of Jello you add to each cupcake, ensuring a consistent look.

• Customize the icing color: You can adjust the amount of blue food coloring based on how vibrant you want the icing to be. A little goes a long way!

• Press the graham crackers gently: When placing the bear graham crackers on top of the cupcakes, press them gently to avoid pushing too deep into the icing.

• Add extra candy for fun: You can experiment with different candy toppings like gummy bears, or even add a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair!

• Use fresh cupcake liners: To make sure your cupcakes are easy to remove and look neat, use fresh cupcake liners that won’t stick to the cake.

• Refrigerate before serving: After assembling the cupcakes, give them another quick chill before serving. This helps everything stay in place and gives the cupcakes a firmer texture.

Get Creative!

• Mix up the flavors: Try adding different flavored Jellos like strawberry or lime for a unique twist on the classic blue. You could even use flavored cake mixes, such as lemon or vanilla, for added variety.

• Experiment with toppings: Swap the peach gummy rings with other fun candy options like sour gummies or fruit slices for a different look. You could even use mini marshmallows for floating “rafts.”

• Personalize the bears: If you’re feeling crafty, you can decorate the graham bear crackers with edible markers or frosting to create custom designs. Give them little clothes or hats for extra personality!

• Go all out on decoration: Add more fun elements like edible glitter, sprinkles, or tiny candy umbrellas to make the cupcakes even more festive and eye-catching.

• Create a beach scene: Use crushed graham crackers as “sand” around the edges of the cupcakes or add tiny candy seashells for a beach-inspired look.

• Use themed liners: Find cupcake liners that match the theme, like ones with ocean waves or beach patterns, to take your cupcakes to the next level.

• Make it a layered cake: Instead of cupcakes, bake the cake in a larger pan, poke the holes, and create a swimming bear-themed poke cake. You can still use the bear grahams, Jello, and toppings!

• Try different textures: If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle crushed pretzels or toffee bits on top before adding the icing for a salty-sweet combination.

Serving & Storing

• Serve chilled: These cupcakes are best served cold. The Jello needs to stay set, and the icing holds up better when chilled, so store them in the fridge until ready to serve.

• Serve on a fun platter: To keep the theme going, serve the cupcakes on a beach or ocean-themed platter, or even a simple white plate to make the blue Jello and icing really pop.

• Store in an airtight container: To keep the cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days.

• Keep the bears intact: If you’re not serving them immediately, consider adding the graham bear “rafts” just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.

• Serve at parties: These cupcakes are perfect for kids’ birthday parties, summer BBQs, or any beach-themed event. They’ll be a hit at any gathering!

• Room temperature for a bit: If you’re serving them at a party or event, let the cupcakes sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off. This helps bring out the flavors.

• Freeze for later: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cupcakes (without the graham bear crackers on top). Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before adding the bears and serving.