Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes - Cream Cheese Topping
- felichiccuisine
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
by Feli Chic'Cuisine
These elegant Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes are a savoury twist on the classic sweet treat - light, fluffy bites infused with smoked salmon, lemon, and creamy Greek yogurt. Perfect for brunch, party appetisers, and festive entertaining.
Elegantly adorned with fresh herbs like dill, chives, oregano, or thyme, these mini smoked salmon bites are as visually stunning as they are flavorful, offering a burst of freshness and sophistication in every mouthful.
Perfect for a refined New Year’s Eve table or any festive gathering, family celebration, or stylish brunch, these appetizers can be prepared in advance and finished with a delicate cream cheese topping just before serving. A truly elegant treat that will impress and delight your guests with every bite.
There’s a special charm about food that looks pretty, tastes luxurious, and still remains incredibly simple to make. These Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes tick all those boxes and more. They’re delicate, refined, and irresistibly delicious; yet surprisingly quick to put together.
They’ve become one of my favourite appetiser recipes to serve for brunches, holiday gatherings, and even casual evenings with friends. They always disappear fast, and someone always asks for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect for entertaining – They look impressive but take no time to prepare.
Full of flavour – Smoky, creamy, tangy, and fresh all at once.
Light and tender – Thanks to Greek yogurt and a touch of lemon.
Customisable – Add herbs, spice, citrus zest—make them your way.
Make-ahead friendly – Bake the cupcakes in advance and decorate before serving.
Elegant presentation – They instantly elevate any table.
You might also like to try: Prosciutto Mushrooms Cream Cheese Puff Pastry
How to Make Step-by-Step Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a mini muffin pan with paper cases and set aside.
Prepare the Salmon and Butter
Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces. Melt the butter gently in a small saucepan over low heat.
Activate the Yogurt
Mix the baking powder into the Greek yogurt. This little trick helps create a lighter, softer texture.
Make the Batter
In a large bowl, combine:
flour
egg
yogurt mixture
melted butter
salt and pepper
Stir gently until combined, then fold in the smoked salmon and a splash of lemon juice.
Fill each muffin case about two-thirds full.
Bake
Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on your oven and the size of your muffin cups.
Keep an eye on them; overbaking can make them dense or cause them to sink as they cool. Transfer the cupcakes to a rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
Mix the cream cheese with wasabi (if using) or finely chopped chives. The wasabi adds a subtle heat that pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, but it’s optional.
Decorate
Pipe the topping onto each cooled cupcake using a piping bag and decorative tip.
Finish by adding fresh herbs such as dill, chives, oregano, or thyme. This adds both colour and a burst of freshness.
Tips for the Best Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes
✔ Use High-Quality Smoked Salmon:
Since smoked salmon is the star ingredient, go for a high-quality brand. A well-balanced, slightly smoky salmon will add the best flavor.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter:
Overmixing can make the cupcakes dense. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
✔ Adjust the Wasabi to Your Taste:
If you like a little heat, add more wasabi to the cream cheese, but go slowly - it’s strong! If wasabi isn’t your thing, you can skip it entirely or substitute it with a bit of horseradish for a milder kick.
An Elegant Christmas Table to Welcome Your Guests
✔ Make Them Ahead:
You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add the topping just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Experiment with Toppings:
While cream cheese is a classic choice, you can also try crème fraîche or mascarpone for a different texture. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a few capers can add a nice touch as well.
The Secret to a Light and Fluffy Texture
Mixing baking powder with Greek yogurt isn’t just a coincidence, it’s a smart baking trick! The yogurt’s natural acidity activates the baking powder, creating tiny air bubbles that help the cupcakes rise.
Perfect Wine Pairing for Your Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes
These mini cupcakes pair beautifully with a glass of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay. If serving them at brunch, they go wonderfully with a Mimosa or a Bloody Mary.
Pairing Suggestions:
My Recommendation: Umbrele Sauvignon Blanc 2023
''Umbrele Sauvignon Blanc Recas Winery is a fantastic example of a Romanian Sauvignon Blanc wine. This Sauvignon Blanc is fantastic. Fresh, crisp and dry with vibrant fruit on the palate. Well balanced flavours with a lovely long and fresh aftertaste''.
These Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes are a delightful blend of flavors and textures - light, creamy, smoky, and fresh. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing for brunch, or just want to impress your guests with something unique, this recipe is a must-try.
Love this recipe? Please leave a comment and star rating. ★★★★★ Your feedback, suggestions, and adaptations are very helpful to other bakers!
Recipe
Enjoy!
“For last year's words belong to last year's language. And next year's words await another voice."― T.S. Eliot
Have you tried making this Mini Smoked Salmon Cupcakes? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe in the comments below. Or, tag me on Instagram (@FeliChic'Cuisine) when you post your recipe creations. Let's inspire each other. Thank You!
*All Photographs on Feli Chic'Cuisine, signed Feli Chic'Cuisine are copyrighted.
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