Bake 52: Red Velvet Cupcakes

 We are officially in the home stretch of our baking year.  This week marks the end of another cycle and leaving only one cycle left.  Only 7 weeks left!  I can't believe it.  

This week was red velvet sheet cake and it should surprise no one that I made cupcakes instead.  Because that's what I do.  Cake isn't usually on the top of my dessert list but the last couple cakes we've made have started to change my mind.  It might be the cream cheese frosting.  Cream cheese makes everything better.  These were pretty quick and simple and easy to share with friends.

Was anyone else surprised with how little chocolate is actually in these? 

The only complaint I had was that the recipe stated I would get 24 cupcakes (but since I halved the recipe I expected 12) if I used a 1/4 cup scoop.   And I did, and I was careful about it.  And I only ended up with 9 cupcakes.  So if you are okay with only 18 cupcakes, then use the 1/4 cup scoop.  If you want 24, then use a 3 T of batter for each cupcake.  And yes, I did the math.  I think the only time I use math is when I am cooking. :)

So the difference in the directions would be:  Line cupcake pans with liners or spray with cooking spray.  Make batter, and spoon 1/4 cup (or 3 T depending on how many you want) batter into each liner.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes.  Cool and frost.  

 I also halved the frosting recipe and it was plenty for half a batch of cake.  Each of these cupcakes has PLENTY of frosting, as you can see.  You might even be able to get away with 1/4 a batch of frosting.  I also added about 2 cups of extra powdered sugar (to half a batch) to get it to a firmer consistency.   If you are just spreading it on the cupcake, it doesn't really need to be firmer though.

If you are sad about the election, maybe whipping up a batch of these will make you feel a little better.  Remember what I said about cream cheese?  Makes everything better. ;)   You can get the recipe at Janet's blog.  She was our host for the week and chose the recipe.  Thanks for picking a great recipe Janet!

Bake 52: New York Style Crumb Cake (cupcakes)

Do you ever have those days?  Lately I have felt like I can't find my head only to discover, hours later, that it is in fact, strapped to my neck.  I've had a lot of those days lately.  So it's really not a surprise that I added an ingredient to these crumb cupcakes.  But more on that in a minute.  

This was a first time for me, making crumb cake.  

Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and Easter

 Last year, my brother, Matthew, requested carrot cake for his birthday.  He insisted that I make it from a box.  I rolled my eyes and told him that I would make one from a box and make a homemade one to see which he liked better.  I was completely convinced I would change his mind.

Coconut Lime Cupcakes (with Cream Cheese Frosting)

Happy Spring!  Okay, so I am a little late since the first day of spring was a couple days ago.  But I had every intention of not being late.  Does that make anyone feel better?   I have had cupcakes in my head for a while now, which is abnormal for me.  I know that they are a big deal, but I don't really make a lot of cupcakes.  Even though, I am pretty sure, Martha would hate me if she knew me, I can safely say she knows how to make a cupcake.  

Bake 52: Boston Cream Cupcakes

I don't think it will surprise anyone that this was my week to host and pick the recipe.  I probably should feel bad that Valerie was being good and picked Bran Muffins and then the next week, I dropped the cupcake bomb on everyone, but I really don't.  I think it was while I was making and sampling the pastry cream that I decided this was a pure genius decision and forgot completely that there were other people on Earth let alone in the baking group.  I mean seriously, a cupcake with pastry cream and a gooey chocolatey glaze?  It's no wonder it's one of the first things I noticed when initially flipping through my new book.  Do you see that little ray of light on the front of the cupcake.  Is it just me or does it look angelic?