Munch Madness: Cupcake Finals

Who will take the cake?

Episode: Munch Madness

The Kitchen hosts went head-to-head cooking up classic dishes to represent their respective regions. The winners of the first rounds advanced to the Cupcake Finals. Jeff Mauro and Sunny Anderson battled it out in the finals, creating regionally inspired desserts for the judge to determine who would take the cake in The Kitchen's "Munch Madness" tournament.

Jeff Mauro makes Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cupcakes, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

Jeff Mauro makes Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cupcakes, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

Jeff Mauro's Chocolate Caramel Pecan Cupcakes

What you'll need:

  • 24 chocolate cupcakes (made from a box cake mix)
  • 2-inch round biscuit cutter
  • Store-bought hot fudge
  • Store-bought caramel frosting
  • Pecan halves
  • Flaky sea salt

How to:

  1. Remove the cupcake centers with a biscuit cutter and set aside.
  2. Pipe hot fudge into the cupcake centers.
  3. Place the removed cupcake centers back into the holes.
  4. Frost each cupcake with caramel frosting.
  5. Garnish each with a pecan half and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Sunny Anderson makes Sopapilla Cupcakes, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

Sunny Anderson makes Sopapilla Cupcakes, as seen on Food Network's The Kitchen

Sunny Anderson's Sopapilla Cupcakes

What you'll need:

  • Two 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons creamed honey, plus additional for drizzling
  • 24 yellow cupcakes (made from a box cake mix)
  • 4 cups fried wonton strips
  • 1/4 cup cinnamon sugar

How to:

  1. To make the frosting: Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and add the sugar and honey. Whip with an electric mixer until soft and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Spread the frosting generously over the cupcakes.
  2. To make the crunchy topping: Place the wonton strips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat until warm to the touch, about 45 seconds. Add the cinnamon sugar and toss until evenly coated.
  3. Use your hands to lightly crush the topping and mound on top of the cupcakes. Drizzle with additional creamed honey and serve immediately.

Next Up

How to Make a Cabbage Vase for Spring Table Decor

The perfect spring feast isn’t complete without the perfect table decor! The Kitchen shows you a fun and unique way to spruce up your table…with an item straight from the garden.

Piece of Cake "Lazy Brunch" Party

New Year's Eve is a late night for many people, but that doesn't mean you can't entertain on New Year's Day. The Kitchen has a few super simple ideas that make for a fun brunch with minimal effort--you can sleep in and still be a great host!

Slow Cooker Hacks

Your trusty slow cooker is brilliant for so much more than just soups and stews. Here are some favorite tricks from the crew at The Kitchen.

Halloween: Party Food Crafts

Throw a scary-good Halloween party with these frightfully easy and delicious party food crafts that are sure to impress your guests!

The Greatest Tools

The Kitchen hosts share new and innovative ways to use three classic kitchen tools—the cast-iron skillet, the fish spatula, and the rasp grater. Learn how to teach old tools new, exciting tricks!

3 Ways to Use Frozen Ravioli

Learn The Kitchen co-hosts' three ideas for putting frozen ravioli to work.

Save the Seeds After Carving Your Pumpkin — Here's What to Do with Them

Learn three new ways to flavor this fall-favorite snack.

Munch Madness: Tool Takedown

A head-to-head match-up between the latest tools and traditional culinary techniques!

Basketball Cupcake

If you're thinking of what to make your dad this year for his big day, look no further. This treat is the perfect gift for the sports lover with a bit of a sweet tooth: an amazing basketball cupcake. 

Stuffed Cupcakes

You've seen how to take your cupcakes up a notch by decorating them, but have you thought about taking the insides to the next level? Try out these stuffing ideas to enjoy cupcakes that are delicious from the inside out.

What's New

Latest Stories