A Spectrum of Color for Easter

Okay, so I’ll admit to you all right now: I realize that my “adventures in trying” are turning into my “adventures in trying cupcake recipes.” But my taste-testers aren’t complaining, so I’ll just continue right along this road. And thanks to my shiny new, candy apple red Kitchenaid Artisan mixer – they’ll only get better from here on out.

With Easter is just around the corner, I figured my co-workers deserved a colorful treat. I didn’t test any new recipes – but instead just had a fun experiment in decorating a classic yellow cake with buttercream icing. While they may take you about an hour longer than usual to make, I don’t think you’ll hear any complaints. Read More

Orange Creamsicle Delight

I found this recipe via Pinterest (of course!) on one of my favorite blogs, My Baking Addiction. She calls them Chocolate Cupcakes with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting. But we were all convinced this frosting tasted just like a creamsicle, hence the name change-up. If you like light, moist cakes – this is one of the best I’ve had. Enjoy! Read More

Spiked Cupcakes for St. Patty’s Day

If you’re looking for a crowd pleasing treat for St. Patrick’s Day this weekend, look no further than these adult-friendly Irish Car Bomb Cupcakes. I’ll admit, they took awhile to make, but they were relatively simple considering the number of elements. Thanks goes to Quick Feets, Good Eats for posting this treat on Pinterest (recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen). Enjoy! Read More

Cookies & Creme Perfection

I made these cupcakes for a friend’s dad who LOVES cookies & creme. They were a huge hit! Although semi-homemade, they certainly don’t disappoint. The Oreo on the bottom is always a great little hidden treat, too. Enjoy!

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NYC Cupcake Showdown

So we all know that I have a minor obsession with cupcakes. I’m always looking for new recipes, or bakeries where I can taste test the concoctions of those much more experienced than I. On a recent trip to New York City, I decided it was time to pit two popular bakeries against one another: Magnolia Bakery and Crumbs Bake Shop.

In between other obligations, I managed to pop into the Midtown locations closest to my hotel. I only tried one cupcake at each, and didn’t really choose two that were similar in any way – but I’ve definitely chosen a favorite. Read More

Blue Bird Bake Shop Cupcakes

Mmmm… cupcakes. We all know I have a small obsession with these baked goods. Lately, I’ve taken a break from my own baking adventures, so I was thankful when a friend brought a smorgasbord of flavors from Orlando’s Blue Bird Bake Shop to my recent book club get together. Read More

Mint Cookies & Cream Cupcakes

There’s a chocoholic at my office, and she recently had a birthday. As a belated treat, I’m treating her to Mint Cookies & Cream Cupcakes – since I know from her pinning habits on Pinterest that she has a thing for Oreos.

This time, I’m testing myself a little. Mixing and matching recipes and adding a few touches of my own. The recipe for the Chocolate-Mint Cake (less the Oreos) is from Martha Stewart. The recipe for the Cookies & Cream frosting is just a basic buttercream with Oreos added to the mix.

The result: Oreo goodness. Read More

Margarita Cupcakes!

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, I thought it was only appropriate that my Cupcake of the Week incorporate tequila in some fashion. The result? Margarita cupcakes!

The recipe uses the cake from my Easter cupcakes (with lime zest added) and a Tequila Lime Buttercream that I found on a blog called Good-Bye Gluten. And for those who are not lovers of tequila – don’t fret. You can barely taste it. Read More

Irish Cream Cupcakes

Oh how I love Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur. So when I came across a recipe for Irish Cream Cupcakes with Bailey’s Buttercream Frosting, I was hooked!

The recipe was simple. Despite having nearly a cup of liqueur in batter, you can barely taste the Bailey’s (maybe that’s good, maybe that’s bad – depends on who you ask). After tasting today, a friend had the suggestion of brushing the tops of each with liqueur, allowing it to soak in and dry before frosting. Brilliant!

My favorite part (and seemingly everyone’s) was the frosting. To. Die. For. I was a little heavy handed with both the liqueur and vanilla (ummm, why not?), so a little more sugar could’ve been added for a thicker consistency. But no one seemed to care. Let’s just say I was happy to savor the leftovers. Read More

Easter Treats

For this week’s office treat, I decided to bake an Easter themed cupcake. I found a great little design/recipe by Jodee Brooks, a food columnist in Avon Park, Ohio. Credit for this recipe goes 100% to her. View the original posting here.

Taste tester verdict: The best cupcakes yet! Mission accomplished. Read More