Saturday, February 16, 2008

Cupcake Love

Candy Heart Cupcakes

Sometimes simple is just as sweet. I know I'm a little late posting these, but I thought I would share the recipe. It's a really good cake mix enhanced recipe (that is, if you don't mind using a mix). I found it in the Bundt Classics Recipe Book and used it for these cupcakes. So here goes…

Rich Chocolate Cake
1 (18.25 oz.) pkg. dark chocolate cake mix
1 (3.4 oz.) pkg. instant chocolate pudding
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line cupcake pans with baking cups.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except chocolate chips.
4. Mix 2 minutes on medium speed.
5. Increase speed to medium-high; mix 3 minutes.
6. Stir in chocolate chips.
7. Spoon into cupcake pans.
8. Bake at 350 for around 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean and cool.

Makes about 24 cupcakes

Note: If you want to use this recipe in a Bundt cake pan, then heat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour a 10 to 12 cup Bundt pan and fill 3/4 full. I've made it this way several times and it's so good, it doesn't even need frosting. Just sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top. Here's the Bundt Cake Pan I use. It's great!

Recipe from Bundt Classics, 2003.

Buttercream Frosting
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1b. 10X powdered sugar
1-3 teaspoons milk, half and half or cream

1. Using a mixer, cream softened butter and vanilla with a mixer until smooth.
2. Add sugar gradually, allowing butter and sugar to cream together before adding more.
3. If you want it a little creamier, add a teaspoon of milk at a time and beat on high until you get the right texture.

All gone

33 comments:

kat said...

hey may i know how many cups is equivalent to one can of cream cheese? thanks!

Mike said...

Those cakes look amazing, and I love the final photo!
Mike

Livy said...

Those look yummy! I am trying to learn how to bake. A long and difficult process... But I made some cute cupcakes for Valentine's that look a little like yours. You have talent!

Nanette907 said...

These are so cute!! I really enjoyed looking at your other creations, I love everything you do (making me hungry for sweets!!) How do you get the pictures to come out so beautifully? It really helps to do great justice to your treats!

Nanette907 said...

What kind of camera do you use?

Beth said...

Just visited your blog for the first time. I am impressed! Gorgeous photography, and subject matter that is dear to my heart :-)

Bakerella said...

Hi kat - one can of ready-made cream cheese frosting is:
16 oz. / (1 lb) / 453 g
or 2 cups

mike - thanks!

livy - these were fun and even better… easy!

nanette907 - I have a canon rebel xti and use a 50mm fixed lens. That's really what deserves the credit. It's a great camera.

Thank you beth!

BellaLovesPink said...

I'll have to try your cake mix extender. Mine stinks! BTW: You're photos are AMAZING!!!

Ali said...

bakerella - I was needing to send you an email asking you a question, but I couldn't find an address. Could you email me please? I'd like to feature you this week at website that I write for. Thanks!!

-Ali
divinedomesticity@gmail.com

The Bullknitter said...

I just came across your blog. It looks amazing. I can't wait to explore it further.

Anonymous said...

Your cupcakes look so delicious! I work for a television show in NYC and am interested in speaking with you about your ideas.

Would you mind giving me a call today?

Thank you!
Laura
917-438-5726 (w)

VeggieGirl said...

I agree - sometimes it IS the simpler desserts that satisfy the most. those cupcakes are nothing less than adorable and delicious-looking!

Breanna said...

I just found your blog, and am amazed, and now a little hungry... I'll be stopping by often!

sara said...

i just stumbled on your blog and i LOVE it! i am just learning how to bake yummy things and i was having a hard time finding things i wanted to make or knowing just where to look to find good recipes and fun, cute things to try...but i just found my answer...thanks so much! :)

Summer said...

I just found your blog...it is amazing! You have so many wonderful ideas and your photography is beautiful! I was wondering if I could put your link on my blog?
I'm at:
thecrookedcurve.blogspot.com

Tricia said...

Mmmmmmmm. Thanks for the recipe! The photos are just beautiful too!

Bakerella said...

bellalovespink, ali, the bullknitter - thank you!

Laura - I'm still speechless.

veggiegirl - they were yummy!

breanna - come back any time.

sara - Yeah, it's even more fun to bake things that are cute, too.

summer - sure, go right ahead.

tricia - you're welcome. I like that chocolate cake recipe a lot. It's really good in the bundt pan.

Hayden and Julia Wreyford said...

I wish that Brach's ® would come up with the same candies for St. Patty's day...I could sooo throw down some of these cupcakes in green!
OOOH, you'll have to make some :)
Thanks for the recipe!!!
Julia

Megan said...

How funny, I just tried this recipe using a butter cake mix and vanilla pudding (omitting chocolate chips) for a wedding cake and it didn't turn out. I did it twice. I'll have to try chocolate.

Kristin said...

I just gained 5 pounds just reading all your posts! I want to try every recipe!!

Karen said...

Hello! LOVE LOVE LOVE your stuff! Can you tell me exactly (or close to) how much batter to put into each cupcake liner to get them to that perfect height? It is my number 1 delimma!

Kathy said...

Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for an Excellence Award over on my blog http://threeonfood.blogspot.com/!!! Guess you'll have to pass on the torch now. I love your blog, btw!!! :o)

Happy Baking!
Kathy...

Anonymous said...

Wow, I read your entire blog (first time I have ever been intrigued enough to do that) and I love everything you do. And the fact that you take the time to talk about it! Thanks

Bakerella said...

Julia - that would be cute. I agree, they should make some.

Megan - I usually have pretty good luck with this one.

kristin - funny.

karen - I probably put a little over halfway. I have the same issue, so sometimes I'll mix it up and try different heights.

kathy - Thank You. I'll check it out!

anonymous - wow! thank for letting me know. I'll try to keep it interesting.

Jennifer Ramos said...

WOW! every single post is just as tasty as the one before....Love the shots...who shoots your product??


Jen Ramos
'100% Recycled DESIGNER Cards'
www.madebygirl.com

Bakerella said...

Thanks Jennifer. I've been doing the photography. It's been fun, just wish I knew more about it.

I went to your site. Great designs. and I like your candy hearts photo too.

kari said...

Bakerella,

I was wondering if you have any tips on making buttercream frosting thicker... I am unable to decorate with the frosting because it runs right down the sides.

Any help/suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

<3
Kari

Bakerella said...

Kari - Try the recipe from this post. It's usually thick for me. And test it before adding the milk. I usually add that to make it a little creamier. And if you are referring to this recipe that you are having trouble with, maybe you let your butter get too soft. It should just be at room temperature. Hope this helps.

Buttercream Frosting
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1b. 10X powdered sugar
1-3 teaspoons milk, half and half or cream

1. Using a mixer, cream softened butter and vanilla with a mixer until smooth.
2. Add sugar gradually, allowing butter and sugar to cream together before adding more.
3. If you want it a little creamier, add a teaspoon of milk at a time and beat on high until you get the right texture.

Linda said...

They look so cute! I would like to try your recipe for the frosting. How much powdered sugar did you use? I don't understand what it says in your recipe, we work with different sizes here.

Bakerella said...

It's basically, 1 regular-size 1 lb. box of domino's brand powdered sugar. Hope this helps.

http://www.dominosugar.com/products/confectioner.asp

sugarlens said...

I made these and they turned out GREAT!! I love all your stuff.

http://www.sugarlens.com/2008/04/sugars-m-cupcake.html

kimar9791 said...

Those are so sweet. Reminds me of grade school. I'll have to remember this for next year, or maybe for those 75% off candies after V-day.
Thanks!

www.livingindomesticity.blogspot.com

Bakerella said...

sugarlens - yay

kimar9791 - good idea. I'm sure you can find them on sale.