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I've been experimenting with cupcakes and frosting the past few weeks in search of the perfect little treat a Mad Hatter unbirthday party at the end of the month. In doing so, I have a few tips to share that will make your baking easier and more successful.
- boxed mixes vs. from scratch: actually favored the boxed mixes to scratch, esp. when baking for the masses. and when my local grocery has them on sale 10 for $10, it's hard to beat. personally, I think the frosting makes a cupcake, so I always make homemade.
- add moisture and richness to a boxed mix by adding 1 small package of chocolate or vanilla pudding (depends on what type of cake you are making)
- the bake time on the box is always too long and I tend to burn the bottoms of my cupcakes. watch your cupcakes and pull them out of the oven when they are still slightly undercooked (there is never a baking time for mini-cupcakes...I cook them approx 5-6 mins)
- if you have no pudding on hand, decrease the number of eggs recommended by 1 to make your cupcake moist.
- decreasing your oven temp by 25* will also help make your cupcake moist. you can also place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack while pre-heating.
- place your batter in a large ziploc bag. snip of the corner and pipe the batter into the cupcake liners. this keeps your pans clean and liners free of charred edges. this is esp. helpful when making mini-cupcakes.
- pipe your frosting-so much easier and cleaner. I just use ziploc bags so I don't have to clean piping bags/hardware.
- get creative-use candy, sprinkles, flags, etc to decorate.
- I store mine in an air tight container in the fridge. I like 'em cold.
- make sure you eat more than one. enjoy!
Chocolate Frosting
(tangled & true)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup melted chocolate chips, cooled
- 1 to 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- tsp. vanilla
- milk if needed
Directions: Beat butter until smooth, add melted and cooled (though still liquid) chocolate chips. Blend in powdered sugar to desired taste and consistency. Stir in Vanilla. If too stiff add small amounts of milk to reach desired consistency. For a lighter consistency beat vigorously.
***this is a very rich frosting. didn't LOVE it. still on the hunt for the best chocolate frosting. do share!
