Dating someone new means meeting all sorts of new people.
Listen… I know I’m getting old and this isn’t my first jump into meeting the groups of friends, the work buddies, the casual friends, the bosses, the grandma, or the adopted dog of the strapping young gent that I’m dating. Sadly, all this experience has made me no less awkward and devoid of grace. I have a tendency towards embarrassing sweat, stuttering and knuckle cracking that is less than charming… Or! I just talk about my kitten, or the family dog, or this giant white rabbit that attacked me in 4th grade and no one believed me but it TOTALLY happened… and then I just leave other people feeling weird… and it’s all just awkward.
Anyhow! I’ve devised two personal tactics to detract from such boneheaded behavior: wear a pretty dress and heels and always bring cupcakes (or cookies or brownies or granola… or pie). This way, I feel pretty and I turn into a tall girl… and people instantly love me when I had them a box of chocolate and sugar. It’s a little bit of a dirty trick and it works every time.
Sprinkles? A lifesaver. Who could resist?
These Vanilla Bean Cupcakes are a classic. They’re exactly like every cupcake I ate between the ages of five and nine.
Dense but moist cake with an undeniable vanilla flavor.
They’re sweet. They make me want a balloon animal made for me.
These un-frosted but baked cupcakes also freeze well.
And they taste great right out of the freezer… all hard and cold and gnarly. But that’s not their best use.
They really should be smothered in chocolate buttercream and eaten in mass.
This is absolutely my favorite Chocolate Buttercream recipe. It’s smooth and thoroughly chocolaty, without being stiff and overly sweet like chocolate buttercream can sometimes become. I didn’t invent Chocolate Buttercream. The inspiration comes from a Los Angeles bakery I worked in.
The secret ingredient is Ovaltine powder and heavy cream. If you can’t get your hands on Ovaltine, you might try using hot chocolate mix. Yea. Weird… but totally delicious! Count on it.
Vanilla Bean Cupcakes
makes 24 cupcakes
from Organic and Chic
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cup granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped out
2 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two cupcake pans with paper liners and set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together milk, vanilla extract and vanilla bean seeds. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, fit with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This may take 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating for one minute after each addition. If the batter begins to looks a bit curdled, that’s alright.
with the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and the vanilla milk mixture in three batches, starting and ending with the flour. When the batter is almost combined, stop the mixer and finish mixing the batter with a spatula, making sure that any flour bits at the bottom of the bowl are well incorporated.
Divide into the lined cupcake pan and bake for 25 minutes or until golden and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely before frosting.
The Best Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes or one 8-inch layer cake
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup Ovaltine
Cream together butter, cocoa powder and salt. Butter mixture will be very thick. Turn off the mixer, scrape down the sides of the bowl and add powdered sugar. Turn mixer on low and mix in powdered sugar while adding milk and vanilla extract. As the sugar incorporates, raise the speed of the mixer to beat the frosting. Beat until smooth. In a 1-cup measuring glass, stir together heavy cream and Ovaltine. Turn mixer speed to medium and pour cream mixture into frosting in a slow, steady stream, until you’ve reached your desired consistency. You may not need the full amount of Ovaltine and cream. Spread or pipe onto cupcakes. Yuuuuuuuuum!!
Racquel
I have had troubles with cup cake recipes. After reading this 1, I was hesitant because the measurments looked quite different from the others I’ve tried. But these turned out amazing and delicious. Now bookmark as my go to cup cake recipe. Thank you so much. It makese feel so good when I succeed in baking.
Natalie
These were amazing!!! I made them for my husband’s birthday. Our 2 yr old loves cupcakes and my husband thought they’d be a good way to have portion control…that is until we tasted them! I had to freeze the second dozen or we would have eaten those too! Delicious! Thank you! I can always count on your site to have the best recipes!
Mary Steffel
Hi Joy,
I have a challenge for you if you choose to accept it. So, I made these cupcakes yesterday (they were amazing!) but there was one problem. My first attempt at the chocolate frosting was a fool’s errand. I used cake flour instead of powdered sugar (I’m in Switzerland and didn’t read the writing, just saw the cake and cupcakes on the front of the package and thought that was what I needed). So, I’m left with essentially the “frosting” with flour instead of sugar. I thought maybe I could use it to make some sort of chocolate cake type dessert but I have no idea how to go about that. Do you have any advice for me? Challenge accepted?
NRS
Joy, which type of ovaltine do you use? Rich chocolate or chocolate malt? Thanks!
joythebaker
either works well! i used the chocolate malt. you can’t go wrong.
NRS
Thanks Joy! I used the chocolate malt ovaltine today and it is so so so yum! Do you think ok to keep room temp for a couple of days or must it go in the fridge at end of day 1?
NRS
I meant to clarify: can cake/cupcakes frosted with this buttercream sit out room temp for a couple days or must they go in the fridge at end of day 1?
Nidhi
Hi Joy,
Long time lurker, first time commenter! I love your blog and your recipes have never failed me. I’m not much of a baker, but your recipes have inspired me to bake. I’m now planning to bake a 2-layer 8″ cake and 84 (yikes!) cupcakes for my son’s 2nd birthday. I hope I haven’t gone over my head with this baking thing. I have you to blame for it!
Anywho, I’m planning to use your vegan avocado cake recipe for both the cake and the cupcakes (I’m not vegan, but can’t stand eggs). I also plan to frost both with your chocolate buttercream frosting (one with ovaltine). I had a few questions.
Since I have so much baking to do, I plan to start it on Thursday for the Saturday evening party. The plan was to bake the 2 cake layers and all the cupcakes on Thursday. Then frost everything on Friday.
1. Is this viable or should I push this earlier or later by a day?
2. Say, I baked everything on Thursday, how do I store it, such that it still tastes good on Saturday evening? We’ll have the AC running in the house, but the oven will make the place hot. I live in San Jose and anticipate the temperature will be somewhere around the mid-80s in mid-Sept.
3. The party is in the evening around 4:30 PM. The park is shaded, but who knows how how it would get! Will the frosting survive sitting outside for an hour?
4. I’ve been reading at multiple places that the cake layer should be frozen before leveling them (makes cutting easier). However, I also read somewhere (I think it was thekitchn.com that freezing vegan bakes flattens them, something about the vinegar and the baking soda, http://www.thekitchn.com/3-ways-to-freeze-cupcake-batte-126022). So, should I freeze the cake layers before decorating them? How about if I froze them for longer, just so that I have less baking to do closer to the party?
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the help and the blog!
Nidhi
Ash
Made these today. Very delicious cupcakes. My husband liked these better than the ones I used to make . Thanks for the awesome recipe.
Julie
I see you noted you can freeze them? Any suggestions for freezing? ie how long and how to store them, how long to thaw? Have a big fundraiser coming up and would love to be able to make some in advance. Thanks!
joythebaker
They’ll keep in the freezer for a few months and will probably take about an hour or so to thaw.
Amanda
I tried the buttercream recipe and it was awesome! I put it on a birthday cake and it was such a hit. It was the perfect amount of sweetness without being to much. It will definitely make it again.
jules
Oh my word, this frosting is da bomb (ugh I know that’s so 5 years ago). I normally don’t even like frosting that much but this is soo good. I used it for my lamington cupcakes that I’m posting on my blog next week!
Tamine
Hi! What is ovaltine?
Samantha
I followed the recipe and my frosting came out tasting salty.
Catherine
Joy, I made these gems for a Middle School girls Bible study. Those little girls loved the fact that I was baking cupcakes for them. However, they thought the frosting was too salty? They’re a bunch’a weirdos. This frosting was DELICIOUS! I had quite a bit of it leftover in the fridge and after taking about a 1,000 swipes of the stuff, I decided to just throw it out. It was sad, I thought of all the times you say it’s okay to eat chocolate for every meal… but I couldn’t do it even though I told myself that the Zumba class I attended this morning could cover all the calories I was consuming.
All that to say both cake and frosting is heavenly. I just need a boy and his family to impress…
Beth
LOVE these cupcakes! My kids wanted to celebrate Buzz Lightyear’s birthday today (?) haha so I found this recipe and made a cake out of it- SO DELICIOUS. The frosting was amazing, I didn’t have heavy cream or Ovaltine, but I had Swiss Miss hot chocolate and evaporated milk, and it was FABULOUS. Sticking this one in my recipe box for SURE. Happy Birthday, Buzz! :)
Ashley - Freshly Vegetarian
Beth, I want to convert this into a cake recipe as well. How long did you bake it for?
Beth
Hi Joy, I checked out the ovaltine at the store – there’s “original” and chocolate. Which one do I use?! Maybe it doesn’t matter, but my perfectionist tendencies are hoping for an answer from you! :)
Cupcake recipe
Congrats! This is really mouth watering and indulging too.
Kelly
These cupcakes are amazing! I have made them 3 times in the last month and they were loved by kids and adults alike. Delicious!
Shannon
If I were going to make these as minis would I need to adjust anything in the recipe or baking time?
Dotty
BEST. BUTTERCREAM. EVER. Made it tonight for a friend’s birthday surprise tomorrow, and quite frankly, I’m not sure there’ll be anything left by that time!!
joythebaker
were they in a breathable area or were they covered. moisture is what would make them get sticky on top.
Malia
I DID IT! I’m not a baker….like ever. EVER. Ironically, I am obsessed with baking/food blogs…really anything with frosting or sparkles. BUT I made these to prove that I could. AND THEY ARE WONDERFUL. I WAS SO SO PROUD. I posted them on my facebook:)
THANKS JOY! You are the bomb.com
Ivy
Your cupcakes look so lovely! Last time I made cupcakes they turned out a bit on the harder side….do you know what could’ve went wrong?
Rosie
Thanks for posting the frosting recipe!! I used malted milk powder instead of Ovaltine, and the frosting was A HIT!!! I used it on chocolate malt cupcakes.
Kelly
I just made these…OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My mind is blown! The cupcakes themselves are so delicious but this is by far the best chocolate frosting I’ve ever had! Yummmmmmmmmmm!
Robin
YUM! Thanks so much for the recipe! A cupcake lunch never hurt anyone…
Daniela
I just tried the frosting, and after reading the comments carefully, I used room-temperature cream and was cautious not to over mix; my frosting still curdled :( any idea why??
vonnie
Hi Joy
These cupcakes looks fab! I am tempted to use this recipe to bake for my girl friend’s 30th birthday!
Can I please ask you which piping tip do you use to create perfect swirl?
Thanks!
Krafty Keely
This is probably the best, easiest vanilla cake recipe ever. I have also turned it into a chocolate cake recipe by adding about a cup of cocoa powder :)
MIMI
Just made this delicious Chocolate Buttercream Frosting but paired it with the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cupcakes (minus the Cookie Dough since my grandson is allergic to peanuts) Had some of the heavy cream mixed with Ovaltine left over and couldn’t resist tasting it – YUM! Now I’m thinking of whipping the remainder of my cream with more Ovaltine and making chocolate whipped cream to serve with fresh sliced strawberries.
Paige P.
So I made this frosting for a cake for my girlfriend’s birthday and the buttercream seemed to “separate” a little (not sure if that’s the right word but it seemed a little grainy). I’m not sure what I did wrong. The flavor itself is divine but the texture is a little off, does anyone know why this might have happened?
joythebaker
Butter can separate if it is over beaten in the mixer, or if too much liquid is added. Once it separates, it doesn’t ever really get normal again. I’m sorry this recipe gave you trouble!
KayAar
Made these tonight. My kids and husband loved it. Thanks
Jacoby
The voice of raitoalnity! Good to hear from you.
betty
tried these out on monday night with cream cheese frosting- they were the best vanilla cupcakes ive ever made! thank u :O)
DouxProject
Hey Joy,
Do you suppose these could be made into two layer 8″ cakes? I’m planning to make this tomorrow in a cake version. Let me know!
theycallmekatie
I’m wondering too!
Ashley - Freshly Vegetarian
Hey Joy / DouxProject, did either of you make this into a cake, instead of cupcakes? I’m looking for a good vanilla cake recipe and was wondering if this could be the one! Let me know :)
ninu
=) first time … i usually go with egg based buttter cream but imn pregger and my sis cant stomach the egg based ones so i started checking for a good normal chocoalte buttercream and lo and behold you turned up… i made it but im pretty sure i did somethign wrong… the buttercream looks kinda curdled !!! its not smooth and as it sits it seems to be seperatng before my very eyes… !! is it cause my cream was cold? My butter ws at room temp but the cream wasnt. could that be it? It tastes yum but im trying to frost with it and it just wont stay and plus the curdling looks terrible … sigh.. pls help !
Paige P.
This was my EXACT problem!! I tried it twice and followed the directions exactly. My butter was room temp but the cream/Ovaltine was chilled, could this where we went wrong? Joy help us please!
Linda
Silly question… but where can I find vanilla bean at? These look absolutely delicious!
Stacy
These look amazing…
Thanks for sharing
Stacy @ CreatingSweetSmiles.BlogSpot.com
Christina
Dear Ms. thebaker,
I just wanted to thank you for the frozen cupcake trip. And, yes, they’re super tasty frozen :)
Thea
I can’t wait to make these! I’m a total fan of Mexican Chocolate, and now one can find it in powdered hot chocolate form instead of the octagon hard discs. Joy, do you think this would work? Thank you for inspiring so many including me!
joythebaker
think powdered Mexican hot chocolate would be totally delicious! give it a go!
kimberlycun
these are so, so, cute! thanks for the frosting recipe, i just can’t wait to try it!!
Rabia
I’ve made many, many of your recipes. I check your website almost every other day. And I’ve never commented until I made this frosting. Joy, you’re a reputation-saver. Whatever you get for doing the blog, it isn’t enough. THANK YOU!
If you’re ever in India and you need medical help, you know who to call. :)
joythebaker
deal!
Kristin Wear
I made these for my son’s 1st Birthday party yesterday and they were a hit!! That frosting is the best.
PS. I didn’t have any Olvatine or hot chocoloate mix so I just used a scoop (which is exactly 1/3 of a cup, I checked) of Slim Fast!!
joythebaker
hahaa! slim fast! too funny!
Douxproject
Hey,
Thank you for sharing this one – they were so so good! So comforting too, packed with a strong vanilla flavor yet not overbearing as vanilla gets sometimes. You are so right about the chocolate buttercream icing – it is the BEST! I am never making chocolate buttercream another way. They definitely complement the awesome vanilla cupcakes :)
Sabina Sophia
I just made two trays of these for a birthday party I’m going to … covered’em up in chocolat icing, a few sprinkles, and ta-dam, I’m gonna be popular ! They taste incredible – light and vanilla-y, sweet but not too dense – yes I already ate one.
Thank you for the fabulous recipe ! :)
Julie
“Yum! It looks like a Dunkaroo.”
-My husband (That’s the best compliment coming from him, I promise)
Susan
Wow! These cupcakes definitely are the best ever! Simple but so yummy! Thank you!!!!
amish baby crib
Nice cupcakes. They look so delicious and pretty! Thanks for sharing a very nice inspiration.
Sarah
I made these cupcakes tonight to go with some chocolate fudge buttercream I had left over from another project, and they are a delight. My husband proclaimed them his favorite vanilla cupcake ever. Thank you! I love the blog.
nicole
Hi Joy,
I only have whipping cream, not heavy cream. Will this work in this recipe for frosting cupcakes for my son’s party- today! ;)
If you can reply asap I would appreciate it!
Sarah
I love making deserts and I can almost do any dessert except for cakes (they always turn out flat :( ). However, I really wanted to do something different and completely homemade for my friend’s bday party. So I gave these a try and they were really wonderful. I didn’t make the same frosting as I didn’t have Ovaltine at the time but the cakes turned out really “Fab” so thank you Joy sooooooo much. Wonderful recipe ^_^
Anne
Simply fabulous. These are scrumptious cupcakes and the icing is a dream. Thank you so much!
Jenna
I just made these cupcakes and as I had predicted by the crazy amount of eggs it required, tasted like scrambled eggs in cake form. Not very appetizing. I followed the recipe exactly, and I don’t understand why it tastes so overly egg-y. There are much better Vanilla cupcake recipes out there, I’m surprised this one was chosen.
panamanancy
So, made this chocolate buttercream this afternoon. I imagined how it would taste, then it tasted even better. Wow. This will be my go-to frosting from now on! Thanks!
kimberly sue
so, joy…..
i had a minor meltdown moment (in a good way) when i went to central market the other day and saw that, FINALLY, blood oranges are in season. and what would i do with blood oranges? BLOOD ORANGE CUPCAKES. and what would i top them with?
CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM. that’s where you come in. this chocolate butter cream was SO PERFECT for these cupcakes. i snuck a little orange extract into the mix instead of vanilla and it was a match made in cupcake heaven.
thanks!!!!
Courtney
YUM! You are right….no one can resist a girl who brings chocolate and sugar! Good call.
Stephanie
I just made these cupcakes and I must say, they’re delicious! I made a vanilla buttercream as I was making them for a friend who didn’t want anything chocolate. I added red jimmies and put them in red liners for the Chiefs vs. Ravens game today :)
tsmom
Oh man I need one (or 6) of those right now!!
Corey
This buttercream frosting is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so good :)
Amber Temple
You make dating sound like fun…kinda wish I had tried it :(
Jess
I’m quite ready to try this Ovaltine trick for buttercream frosting. As I just finished my first wedding bake-a-thon over the weekend (144 buttercream topped cupcakes and one 8-inch layer cake completed), buttercream has been on the brain. And on the clothes. And in the hair. I’m definitely going to whip up a batch of this recipe as soon as I can. Maybe I’ll take a pretty cake to my in-law’s house for Christmas or something.
Jessica Bates
I just made these! The buttercream is the best chocolate frosting I’ve ever had! Totally worth the big container of ovaltine I had to buy to make it. The cupcakes are good as well, but I’m not sure if I did something wrong. I know they use butter instead of oil, but they were very crispy and buttery on the outside. Do yours turn out the same way? Some were even almost too oily. I did double the recipe to make a bunch for a bake sale so maybe that’s why they were a little funny. Do you have any tips for doubling the recipe? Should I have cut back on the butter?
frances g.
hi joy! you are my new fave blog for so many reasons (recipes, photos, humor, to name a few). just thought you should know that. :)
i made your best chocolate buttercream today. it’s got a great texture and spreads like a dream! i could only find chocolate malt ovaltine and it made the frosting taste a bit salty. next time i make it, i’ll either leave out the salt or ovaltine and see how that goes. thanks for sharing your yummy recipes — i’m so happy i found your blog!
frances g.
ok, so the person i made the cake with your best chocolate buttercream called me the other day to let me know how they liked the cake. she said the salty taste must have been in my head, cos she tasted nothing but sweet, delicious chocolate frosting. in fact, she said she usually picks the frosting off her cake and leaves it on the plate (i know, i know. i may have to stop speaking to her) but this time she ate every last bite of it. thanks again, joy!
Tanya
It’s clear that you could rule the world with this trick. Brilliant!
retro sweets
What a giant rabbit attacked you? Oh well, never mind… I’ll make a balloon animal for you for posting these cute yummy temptations. Nice blog I’m really having a great time! :)
Heather Davis
Dating you would be a blast I am sure. You make the simple look sumptious. Thanks for reminding me why vanilla & choc is still the best.
clémence
I love your pics and recipes, what a yummy place to discover early in the morning!!
Randi S
I made the frosting tonight for my hub’s birthday cake. I have never made frosting from scratch before and was super nervous, but this was so easy and so delicious! Now, if I could only get a great cake recipe for high altitude baking to go with this awesome frosting!
Jessie
I made these with hot chocolate and they were DELICIOUS!! The only down side? I didn’t have sprinkles to make the frosting precious and not look little… unsavory when piped.
Priscilla
Joy,
so would you say these are dense vanilla cupcakes? What is the difference between these and the previous vanilla cupcake recipe you put up that only makes tweleve with one stick of butter? I am trying to decide which to make between the two.
Gracias, Priscilla.
Sanjeeta kk
Wow! those tiny gorgeous cup cakes are a real temptation. Lovely frosting. Good to have stumbled here, hope to come for more. Best wishes.
Andrea
Love the cupcakes, the frosting the spirnkles and the PAPER with the pink circles! I got the recipe, the sprinkles, the technique, but….. I WANT THE PAPER! lol
Denise Michaels @ Adventurous Foodie
You’re right about showing up with treats. It always makes you a little more welcome as a guest and someone new introduced into a family or a group of friends.
My husband tends to think I go a little overboard with this. Left to his own devices, I think he’d pick up a pound of macaroni salad at the deli counter. I’m more likely to make an amazing Oreo Cheesecake or Southwest Salad with black beans, jicama, avocadoes and grilled chicken.
sterling style
Amazing! I love vegan recipes even though I’m not vegan. These look so yummy!
Sarah
Making the buttercream frosting as we speak…. I snuck a taste! Delicious! The sweetness is subtle and nice. And this goes perfect- I’m making them for my first varsity basketball game to get the in with the upperclassmen haha! Seriously- I’m gonna be very popular;) This post couldn’t have come at a better time for me!
Stanislav
I know the feeling of not having time to do a lot of reading on others blogs or even post something every now and then! I am glad you did take the time to make this cupcake as it looks absolutely perfect for the holidays indeed! My mum prepared something similar;)
Dajda
Good luck with meeting all those new people. I’m sure they’d like you anyway, even if you had no idea how to make cupcakes! :)
Marla {family fresh cooking}
Joy, your story is adorable & I love how you transform when you bring over the treats. Not sure if I have ever commented over here before – but please do expect me back. Your writing, recipes & photos are amazing. Love the use of Ovaltine powder in the frosting!! Best of luck in upcoming dates :)
Val
I recently made cupcakes after not having eaten them in a very long time. And while I didn’t even question liking them, to my great distress I found them way too sweet. It was the vanilla frosting that killed it for me. I think I should give your chocolate buttercream a try. Hopefully that will bring me back to the wonder of cupcakes!
DonnaLD
I’m going to make these for my grandparent’s 65th wedding anniversary on Monday…can’t wait, I’m sure they will be delicious!!! I got the Organic & Chic book a few months ago and haven’t tried any of the recipes yet, so thanks for inspiring me to make one!
CarrieLovesKeith
“They’re sweet. They make me want a balloon animal made for me.”
Love it! :)
Lala
oo yum. cupcakes make my heart twitterpate a bit?
i will have to make these with my seesters.
sprinkles are the bomb!
Megan
Love these! It’s so fun making cupcakes and decorating them like a party. I especially love the sprinkle picture + table cloth.
I bet all of the new boy’s friends and family love you already. I do, and I’ve never even met your cupcake totin’ self.
Anne
Definitely going to make these for my mom’s birthday on Monday! Great timing Joy, as always. =)
Caryn
Such a big fan of your blog, Joy! I have only been a follower for about 3 weeks and have already baked 6 of your recipes (all were sooooo tasty). I just mixed up these vanilla cupcakes and they are baking in the oven as I type this. The batter is DELISH and they smell like heaven. These will be a perfect ‘Thank You’ for a co-worker who did me a solid this week. So, ‘Thank You’ to you for providing me the perfect recipe!
the salty girl
hehe, that’s my tactic, too, joy!!! i love the vintage plates. even though i’m more ‘gourmet’ now than when i was 8 years old, yellow cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles is still my favvvorite.
Linda V @ Bubble and Sweet
Oh yes I’m sure your cupcakes endear you to any new group you meet and the huge bonus is you can then talk kitchen without it being all awkward. Have never tried ovaltine frosting sounds interesting.
Amy @ Serve At Once
Smooth moves, Joy. Very smooth!
All I can think of when I look at that buttercream recipe is, “Be sure to drink your…Ovaltine?”
Gen
Nice cupcakes! Anf hey, don’t worry, you’re not getting old! Your tactics are a must!
sabah saeed
We just had our first big snowfall here in chicago today and all I wanna do is sit inside, sip hot cocoa, and bake. These sound perfect and delicious. Also, good thing I am addicted to ovaltine and have it in my pantry which means I don’t have to leave my apartment! So excited to make these!
Jen
really good tactic! and they sound delish – must try :)
Natalia - a side of simple
“More ovaltine, please!” And more sprinkles, too! ;)
Lucia
Colorful food always works to make new friends. Everyone loves good colorful food.
Traci
I love it. That is precisely how I met my college girlfriends. They had a tv watching night every week and I brought cake cookies. Instant win. Instant friendship! Who can say no to sugar and sweet?
Jessica
Absolutely nothing wrong with baking to meet/make friends. :)
kim'bly
WHO WOULDN’T LOVE YOU?!
Felicia L.
yum!! I think I will use choco mil instead of ovaltine since thats all I drank growing up in el sereno. I cant wait to make these for everyone I know.
p.s. anything frozen is guaranteed to be extra wonderful!
emily
joy-
i love your commentary. :) i think you have some pretty awesome strategies…but i would definitely fall out of my heels, causing me even more embarrassment. but these cupcakes look like winners, and maybe noone would be able to laugh at me with their mouths full of these, eh? eh?
priscilla
Joy please put a new chocolate cupcake recipe up please the classics are the best!
natalie
I might have to make this frosting, we have ovaltine in the pantry that is never used…
priscilla
Joy, can i swap out the milk for buttermilk, because i want my cupcakes fluffier and lighter. Any ideas?
joythebaker
stick with regular milk. this recipe calls for regular milk for good reason. there’s no baking soda, so there are slightly different reactions going on.
Sara Tea
These look excellent. I love tricking people with sweets!
Rebs
Hi Joy. I love your blog and enjoy reading it. Sometimes I want to look through your archives and then I search and search but never can find them. Where do I click? Thanks for the help. :) Btw those cupcakes look delish!
joythebaker
you can either look at the recipe index or just scroll down and down…. forever.
MelanieMH
I had no idea that a pretty dress, heels and goodies could take away all MY anxiety when meeting the boy’s friends,parents,etc. When I first met my now exboyfriends parents I took gingerbread men..and consequently baked for them quite often acually!*L* Could be the reason his mom still sends me lovely cards throughout the year! (Strange I know!) :) BUt never thought about doing that with the friends too!! You are so bang on! That’s it..next guy I date is gonna be swimming in treats. (The last one I dated didn’t even like desserts…we were so wrong for each other!)
Casey
Ummm, these look yummy. And simple. I like simple :)
Lilianna Grace
I love your blog! Your recipes are nothing less than beautiful and sensational, and this looks as if it’s no exception to that rule. I am so grateful to all the wonderful bloggers, like yourself, who are willing to take time out of their lives to share these amazing creations with the rest of us! Thank you!
Amy T
Cupcakes look yummy, I know I’m nuts ( the family thinks so). I don’t like chocolate frosting of any kind. I am a vanilla girl, yep I know boring.
Sarah @ Shiksa Mrs.
When you get to the point where this new group of friends thinks they’ve got you all figured out, that is when you’ll need a recipe that shakes them up. I’d recommend making stuffed olives in the shape of penguins ( example here at Allrecipes.com- http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/cream-cheese-penguins/Detail.aspx) I made these for a party once and they are still being talked about :)
Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker
The cupcakes look awesome Joy! And enjoy meeting all those folks… the butterfly beginnings are the best :)
Whitney
YAY!!! I’ve been looking for an amazing vanilla cupcake!! I can now stop searching!! I just enjoy your blog SOOOOO much and honestly feel like I have a little surprise gift when I open up my e mail and see a new post! What will Joy think of next? I can’t wait to see.
Baking Serendipity
I’m a total sucker for cupcakes and sprinkles. This is a dangerous win people over recipe…I might eat too many myself!
Becky B
These look so good! I can’t wait to try it. I love how you have different colored sprinkles on different cupcakes. What a cute idea.
michelle
Shopping list: Ovaltine and lots of butter. Making these tonight!
jomamma
ovaltine…. excellent idea!
Johanna
Wow,
How Timely. I think I really irked a few of my co-workers this week. Sometimes honesty just gets you a dirty look. Anyhow, these strike me as good make up cupcakes. I’ll think I’ll make them next week.
Thanks!
Laura @ GotChocolate
I’m going to try this Chocolate Buttercream frosting and share it with my readers! PERFECT!!! Thanks!
Alma
Cupcakes look so yummy! Must make this weekend. Cupcakes make everything better! Add a pretty dress and your set!
Nicole S.
it’s my birthday on sunday and I am so going to make these for myself!!! Happy Birthday to me :)
Mackenzie@The Caramel Cookie
Pretty dress + sugar= people are guaranteed to love you!
Tori
YUM! vanilla cake with chocolate frosting is my all time favorite, and the ovaltine powder sounds like an amazing addition. Can’t wait to try this recipe! P.s. I LOVE your pink polka dot tablecloth in these pics,Where can I get one?!
When Pigs Fly
Didn’t they stop making Ovaltine? Sad day for those addicted to their 1950’s style meal replacement. Like the idea of adding cocoa mix. Yum!
Amy @DYKTMP?
Oh man. I know exactly what you mean. I bring food to parties to be cool too. And while I’m already 6′ which makes the heels out of the question, the pretty dress idea is a good one.
Sarah
Your blog makes me laugh—-Three years into a relationship with my boy and I’m still awkward with every single family member and most of his friends. I find myself rambling or saying totally inappropriate things. But I have taken up your trick as well- I bake for them or I cook for them….they seem to forget how awkward you are when their face is full of cake.
mireya
Gosh, Sara. I’ve been married to my guy for 5 years and I still say totally stupid things around his family. I’m still not sure his sister even likes me. AND she doesn’t like sweets. What gives?!?
Kocinera
These are so cute! I would definitely instantly like anybody who presented me with a plate of these. In fact, they’d probably quickly become my favorite person. That’s kinda what happens when people feed me. ^.^
Ryan
Oh my goodness, yum! Vanilla cake/cupcakes with any kind of chocolate frosting/icing has got to be my favorite ever. I will definitely be making this for my holiday work party :)
Also, I love your blog :) I read it all the time. Your blog post about how to impress a boy with baking is my favorite :D
Karri
Hey Joy,
I also had the question about vanilla beans? Where to find them? How expensive are they? Is there something that I could replace them with?
Thanks! Love your blog and all your recipes. I do the same thing when I go anywhere…just bring a baked good. I find that I make a lot of friends that way :-) .
-Karri
Caryn
I wish I knew how to make one of those little hearts; my mouth is watering.
Beautiful cupcakes and a pretty dress – you can’t lose!!!
Tonia Roberts
JUST bought a new container of Ovaltine. Will be baking cupcakes this afternoon & be so popular.
Sues
These look absolutely beautiful! And I’m sure the new guy and his friends greatly appreciated them :) Not that you need to give people cupcakes to make them like you :) You’re fabulous as is!
Vicki B
I grew up on Ovaltine! Love the stuff. Drank it all over Switzerland foamed like a latte back in the ’70’s.
These sound like the perfect Go To cupcake and frosting. So amazing someone with your humor, looks, talent and skills plus integrity feels awkward. Many people would gladly spend time listening about your kitten or killer white rabbit. I’d die and think I’d gone to heaven if my son brought you home to meet the family back when he was dating.
Dannie
I love the fact you call them sprinkles and not Jimies-I’ve always felt that was just too weird of a name…
I too am socially awkward, but I usually do apologies in the form of treats:
“I am sorry I have an embarrassing crush on you-here are some muffins”
“I am sorry we had a fight-here is some cake”
“I’m sorry you’re stressed out and your life sucks right now-have some cupcakes”
People can’t stay mad if they have sweets!
Amy's Cooking Adventures
Joy – I love the idea of using Ovaltine to flavor the chocolate buttercream! I need to go bake something!
Carissa
Joy–if it makes you feel better about the rabbit attack, when I was 14 or so I was attacked by a friend’s crazy cat and bitten ON THE REAR. No joke. And there were witnesses…cute middle school boy witnesses. It was not a good thing. Be glad no one believes you. :-)
Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
These are gorgeous! I do have a question – where do you purchase your vanilla beans? Are they terribly expensive? Though I’m sure they are worth it :)
Anna P.
Joy, I can totally relate with the awkwardness of meeting the boyfriend’s people/crew. Thanks for the dirty little secret! I’ll be sure to wear a dress+heels and bring something with chocolate and sugar to Hanukkah dinner tomorrow ;)
D
How do you make your frosting look so perfect??
candybeans
yes! this! i would LOVE a short little video of you frosting a couple cupcakes, because mine always end up looking like butt when i try and frost them with a bag.
kelli
You’ll be fine meeting everyone. It’s scary. But awesome. Good luck!
Claire
What do you use to spoon your batter so perfectly into the liners? :)
joythebaker
an ice cream scoop. the kind with one of those eject levers.
Nancy
I like vanilla flavor so I tried to make vanilla sugar, but it smells horrible! Is there a “best” kind of vanilla bean to use?
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking
Sprinkles make everything better, but fortunately, these cupcakes need no favors to be absolutely amazing. Vanilla cake is and always will be my most favorite cake, and this is a lovely recipe. Thanks for sharing, Joy!
Julie Gonsalves
granola, huh? can’t say i’ve ever arrived at a party with that in hand
elizabeth
hahah. i love ovaltine. i can’t believe i just wrote that… but it’s true! I’ll have to give this buttercream recipe a try next time. :)
mireya
What?!?! You can combat social awkwardness with a dress, heels, and sweets! Man, why have I been paying for therapy? I’ve totally been doing this wrong. I will definitely try this trick.
Holly H.
Silly question? Bake time for a 2- 9″ cakes with this recipe?
joythebaker
35-40 minutes. i’ll put it in the recipe! thanks.
Natasha @ Saved by the Egg Timer
I am so envious of your perfect frosting action!
Jenn @ Licious: A Food Blog
Yum, I love the cupcakes and I totally agree sweets are always a great ice breaker — it’s my go to trick! Instead of killing with kindness; I kill with yummy treats. I have amassed quite of few friends. :)
Katharine
Yummy. Who could resist? and if they could I don’t think I want to know them.
Scarletta @ Scarletta Bakes
I love this recipe – the buttercream looks amazing.
I also love your no-fail idea of disarming with baked goods – you have to have a heart made of limestone to resist a homemade cupcake.
Lorinda
Ooh!!! These sound so yummy, who’d have thought to use Ovaltine…. I can’t wait to give them a try. I also liked the bunny reference. Reminded me of when my kids were little and had 2 pet rabbits. One was just as sweet as could be while the other one would always attack. They name him Bunicula as he always went for blood!
joythebaker
i remember that book VERY well.
The PCOD Chick
These sure look awesome. Now, only if I could make them and eat them but I will definitely keep the chocolate buttercream recipe handy for ‘those days’.
Sheila
Joy,
I am meeting my new boy’s parents this weekend; I have been invited for dinner so I am totally picking up what you are laying down. My personal solution is to not wear heels, as I am naturally tall; with heels I tend to scare small children, and chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream frosting. I will now also add a pretty dress to the master plan and try to keep my pie-hole filled with cake as to lessen the embarrassing chatter.
Good luck to you!
joythebaker
good luck to YOU, lady!
Sheila
Hi Joy,
Follow up on meeting, it went really well! we laughed and only 1 awkward silence! You actually saved me with this recipe as “the Folks” are not fans of chocolate cake (strike one), so I made these instead… BIG hit! Thanks Joy!
Jessica @ bake me away!
gah! I’m totally socially awkward but have discovered the “bring sweets” trick also. It’s like you give people sugar goggles and they think you’re some baking goddess. Well, you *are* a baking goddess, but you know what I mean.
These cupcakes are perfect! White cake/chocolate frosting is my favorite combo. Somehow I’ve made it to 28 without ever trying Ovaltine. Must correct!
Allison
Awhhh…I just had a tooth pulled so I have to wait another 4 days to make these. I’m not sure what is more painful…..
Lula
Holy cow that looks delicious!
xoxoxo
jen @ the baked life
There’s something magical about vanilla cupcakes and chocolate frosting. It’s one of the best combos ever. Vanilla on vanilla is delicious too, but chocolate frosting is so drool worthy you should put it in everything. Cupcakes, cakes, pancakes, oatmeal, bread or on a spoon in your mouth.
tracy
nice frosting job! Kinda looks like doodie, but I like that! You know what I mean….
I like eating things frozen from the freezer. Namely, french fries & tator tots. I’d like to hear more about this rabbit experience too. Ok thanks bye.
joythebaker
frozen french fries?! you’re a weirdo.
i was left alone with a giant white rabbit and be stood up on his back legs and started hissing and attacking me. he also had red eyes. i did not enjoy that animal.
tracy
how do you feel about the bunny scene in fatal attraction then?
laura @ alittlebarefoot
nothing like a classic cupcake! i’m sure they loved you.
Krystle
These are beautiful! Who can resist a girl with cupcakes? I love your chocoalte frosting recipe I am definitely going to have to try it! Love the thought of using hot chocolate…hmmmm
Megan Gordon
I’m happy to see you used a recipe from Organic and Chic…we sell it at work and I have a secret little affinity for it. Such a sweet, colorful book. This is such a feel good classic for me, and basically my #1 birthday go-to: yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Annnndddd. Congrats on the new dating scene, new folks to meet. Fun time of year to jump right on into that!
Amy W
That buttercream looks absolutely amazing!
P.S. Did you know that where I’m from (Wisconsin), those long blue “sprinkles”, we refer to them as “jimmies”. ;)
Carissa
These look delicious! Can I make a cake out of this recipe, too? (I have 7 year olds birthday cake to make….)
J
I should NOT have read that first thing in the morning!
Now all I want are cupcakes for breakfast…
mia
Hi Joy,
I absolutely love your blog. It always makes me smile, laugh and/or drool…. all good things! :) Today’s my birthday and you inspired me to whip up a batch of pancakes to treat myself. I’ll also be making your cinnamon roll muffins to take to a brunch tomorrow being hosted by my lovely best friend leslie cardamom. This is my first time commenting on your blog, but thank you for baking inspirations and brightening up my days!
joythebaker
happy birthday!! your best friend’s name is leslie cardamom!? cardamom!? that’s awesome.
Melissa
Happy Birthday!!!!!!
HappyWhenNotHungry
These cupcakes look delicious and so pretty too! Thanks for sharing :-)
Laura @ SweetSavoryPlanet
Cupcakes can win anyone over. Ovaltine reminds me of The Christmas Story so therefore these are Christmas cupcakes!
Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic
While I love all cupcakes, vanilla with chocolate frosting is my favorite. I love the tip of wearing a dress and heels, and bringing baked goods – I do that too! Sometimes I do it just for myself (well and I eat just some of the baked goods by myself, not all). I wish I have one of these cupcakes right now…
Helen H.
This was exactly the recipe I needed last night. I ended up improvising a little bit but next time I need frosting, I am making this buttercream.
PaulaMc
Your story is hilarious and those cupcakes look so amazing! I seem to have a problem with the size of my cupcake pan and the size of the paper cups. I get a weird dent in my cupcakes so they never look very pretty. Alas. Now, Ovaltine — that’s a staple in our house. Our 3 year old drinks as much Ovaltine in milk as he can in one day. If I make this icing he may never leave the kitchen. :-)
Heather (Heather's Dish)
cupcake perfection!
Donna G
Okay so I’m 50 and I still like Ovaltine – arrest me! I may have to bake a batch of these lovelies soon, but I also need to know how to get the icing to look so perfect.
Blog is the New Black
Gorgeous pics- I love reading your blog for the pics alone! What a great recipe. :)
Amanda (Eating Up)
I like how you took a classic recipe–vanilla cupcakes and chocolate icing–and put a slight twist on it. Ovaltine in the buttercream recipe? Genius!
The Boob Nazi
I SO want to make these for my sister’s birthday next week.
sarahglitz
i’ve tried this recipe on the weekends!my friend loved it and so do i!
yummy!love ur cupcakes!
Half Assed Kitchen
Dreamy! And, Ovaltine! Fascinating.
Amanda
Cupcakes are definitely the trick to winning ANYONE over. Who doesn’t like girl with cupcakes? And these look pretty yummy.
Jenné @ Sweet Potato Soul
These photos are incredibly beautiful! You constantly inspire me!
Michelle
My daughter turns 9 today (still able to make those memories like you had – eating these cupcakes between ages 5-9) and wants a vanilla cake – perfect timing!! Can’t wait to try them!!
Michelle
Update – I did make these for my daughter’s birthday. She couldn’t wait for them to be frosted before she “sampled” one & proclaimed them to be “so good they don’t even need frosting!” They are out of this world!! Thanks for the perfect timing!!
The Blue-Eyed Bakers
Who wouldn’t like the girl that comes with baked goods!? And these cupcakes look delicious…classic and completely yummy.
Kristen@PrettySweet
Oh, my. I love vanilla-bean-anything! And I’m totally with you about bribing new people with baked goods. Works every single time.
Evie
They look so pretty! What type of icing bag thingamabob did you use?
Francine
I HEART cupcakes and its my birthday on Wednesday so I might just bake some for myself!
Atelisha
Cupcakes make evrything better!
I backed these for my niece’s class on her birthday…
I am now the coolest big sister ever!!!!!!!
thank you JOY!!!!!!!!!
dani
ovaltine – what a neat trick!
Kylie @ A Hungry Spoon
Oh these look simply perfect–simple being the key word! Sometimes I focus so much on trying to bake something “new” and “different” and “unique,” it can be easy to forget about the wonderful, comforting taste of a classic–like vanilla bean cupcakes with rich chocolate buttercream :)
jonquil
i *totally* believe you about that rabbit! those creatures bite hard & can take off toddler finger tips (it happened to a 2nd cousins’ young son)!
Rebecca
I love the paper you used as a background! What is it?
jenna laughs
YUM! I adore cupcakes. This post is a nice treat from all the Christmas cookie posts I’ve been reading on food blogs every where. Way to swim against the current, Joy. I also want to make that frosting just to eat it by itself.
Meg H.
Perfect timing on this post! I need to bake vanilla cupcakes for a friend’s birthday next week. And sprinkles of course. Lots of sprinkles.
Shushmi`
Joy – I am so happy you are dating someone new – its always exciting having those butterflies in your belly and everything is still so new and shiny and great! All the possibilities! I think anyone would be bowled over with your baked goods – although I bet you wouldnt even need them to win everyone over- maybe they are like the equivalent of Dumbo’s magic feather!
Cupcakes look delicious I have exams now but right after they are done I am baking everything and anything!
:)
Meghan
I am so excited! I have been looking for a great chocolate buttercream recipe!! I will definitely be trying these soon!!
AHHHH…I’m so excited! :)
Katrina
Yum! I looooove cupcakes (more than regular cake actually). These look gooood!
homegrown countrygirl
Joy, You are charming… even without these fabulous looking cupcakes!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
The perfect cupcake!
Jennie @ Oh, Sweet Day!
These look fantastic!!! Such a classic for me and one of my favorite still! Love the fun pink. And I’d take an animal balloon ;)
la-la-lisa
OK girl, you are just too cute for words. Seriously. I can totally relate to the boy / dating issue. It’s because you’re just too darn pretty and nice — a great problem to have. Me, I was just oblivious and then kinda snarky before snarky was cool. Plus, I was afraid to bake at the time.
Don’t change a bit. That just means you’re going to meet someone just as sweet as you. It just takes longer sometimes when you’re just so awesome. ;)
Oh and I’ve been looking for a good vanilla cupcake recipe, so thanks. My last batch (cake mix topped with an easy peasy home made ganache) were the hit of my son’s kindergarten class. I think I’ll make these for his Christmas party though. Those little guys just adore the schprinkels. The more colorful and fake looking, the better.
Ovaltine? Does that lend a malt-type flavor? I can’t remember what that stuff tastes like, but isn’t supposed to be some healthy wonder food disguised as chocolate? Kinda like nutella. Mmmmm nutella……
Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
Gor-gee-ouss. Must make Ovaltine Chocolate Buttercream STAT!!!!
love,
cathy b. @ brightbakes
P.S. I’m with ya on worming into peoples good graces with plenty of baked butter ‘n sugar;)
Estela @ Weekly Bite
I tend to get the verbal diarrhea all the time when I’m nervous ;0 You’re, sugar helps :)
These look lovely!
charlotte
This is my exact situation this weekend! Going to meet the boyfriend’s family and friends. I have baked an almond and cherry loaf cake for the parents and as we are visiting for his friend’s birthday, blondies with chocolate chunks and pecans for him. Wish me luck!
Love your blog, Joy :)
Tokyo Girl
The photos came out fantastically… I have to admit, I’ve never tried malt in cupcakes, I’m so sure it was super, duper delish.
Celia
These look so festive, reminds me of birthdays. The Ovaltine in the buttercream is genius! I would love you instantly if you showed up with a box of these at my door!
Wei-Wei
That reminds me of something I read once – bake cookies, bring them somewhere, and BAM, a couple dozen instant friends. :D
Adeline
^ oop forgot “*dinner* was going”
My Little Expat Kitchen
Ovaltine?? Oh, my boyfriend is gonna be soo happy with these cupcakes. What? Aren’t there any other guys in their early thirties who still put Ovaltine in their milk?? He’s the best, I know :)
Magda
Adeline
These look delicious! That’s probably what I’m going to spend my snowed-in weekend doing..
And I so hear you on ‘meeting the friends’. You can also add “not realising was going to be dressed up and showing up with a vaguely see-through tank top because it was hot outside” to the list. Sigh.
Lauren at KeepItSweet
mmm vanilla bean cupcakes sound great! i must make these soon!! baked goods always trump awkwardness:-)
linda
these look super yum!
& i am lovin’ all your new props for styling…just great…fun & festive!
Kathryn
I love cupcakes. It started has a way to easily give cake to my children(cake was so messy when they were young) but the love affair has grown through the years now I like cupcakes best and I make them for all the Holidays and just for fun.
These cupcakes look especially yummy!
LimeCake
Now that you’ve proclaimed this the “best” chocolate buttercream, your legions of fans would be crazy not to try it!
Silvia
So incredibly beautiful, I always use silver sprinkles, they look so festive!
Stephanie
Sounds like you’ve got a foolproof system going! Don’t change a thing! As for the sweat… loose clothing and patterned fabrics are your friends… at least until you stop sweating and relax around them. Which you should do, really, I mean who wouldn’t love you? :)
These cupcakes look delish… Vanilla beans make everything taste amazing!
jennifer
these look phenomenal!! thanks for sharing joy!
j.
the blissful baker
joy, you are hilarious. these cupcakes look amazing! especially the buttercream. i am not even a fan of buttercream, but this one sounds intriguing. plus, i LOVE chocolate. yumm!
Susanne
Hello!
I really cannot believe that you’re being awkward meeting new people – you always make me laugh reading your entries (I mean HELLO, how funny is your bunny story…)
AND you made me want to try cupcakes for the first time: I’m from europe and we’re not really used to the concept of cupcakes. Cupcake bakerys started opening just a couple years ago and so far only in the big cities. And I always wondered if I’d really like that big amount of cream on my muffin. But your’re pictures look so delicious, that I really want to try.
Leaves me with the question: How do you apply the cream to make it look like in your pictures? Are you using some kind of kitchen utensil or is there some technique to it?
Thanks in advance and fingers crossed for your date – I’m sure they’ll love you!
annie
Cupcakes are magically delicious! I remember one year I made a big, beautiful chocolate cake to take to the restaurant where we were going for my husband’s birthday, and since it’s a pain for any restaurant staff to have to deal with an outside cake, I also brought big, beautiful chocolate cupcakes for the whole staff… and you should have SEEN the amazing service we got! Plus a comped bottle of wine… magic! Everyone loves cupcakes. These look fabulous!
Esther
I like the pink background for your cupcakes! Your swirls are piped on so perfectly. Thanks for this great post. I have a question for you, where did you buy your pastry bag and where did you get that tip? I want to buy some, but I don’t know what brand to buy and such. I want that tip too, but I don’t know where you can buy such a tip. Thank you. :)
Shauna
I have to second the request on finding out where you buy your pastry bag and tip. I’ve got an office full of hungry co-workers who have specifically requested my peanut-butter-and-chocolate-dipped chocolate cupcakes for the holiday bowling party, but while they taste yummy, they look less than perfect. It’s the swirl on top that’s killing me, and I’m pretty sure it’s because I’m using a tip that’s too small with a super thick peanut butter frosting. Help, please!!
Incidentally, the boy and his friends/family/adopted dog have to love you and any hint of boneheaded behavior, even without the cupcakes (though they are a perfect touch). I mean, come on – you’re Joy! How could they not love you?? Just sayin’.
Natasha F.
Not to take over Joy’s comment thread, but I want the recipe for the peanut butter and chocolate dipped cupcakes Shauna mentions – that combination is totally my Kryptonite!
Shauna
Natasha: I posted the recipe on my blog a little while ago. Here’s the link: http://jatamanzi.blogspot.com/2010/10/experiment-in-contest-baking.html If you make them, leave me a comment and let me know how they turned out!! :)
Sarah
Girls, you can buy a pastry bag and tips at any craft store — Michael’s, JoAnnes, or any cake/baking shop. The craft stores should be a bit less expensive (and might have a coupon). They also should have several tips for purchase — ranging from small ones to large ones. Once you use a pastry bag once or twice, it’s a breeze!
Cheryl
I have a pastry tip that makes just those size swirls and the end measures just about 1/2″ across. I bought it really cheap at a cake decorating shop. You’ll have to buy the coupler too. Just google cake decorating shops in your area. Craft stores didn’t have that size tips. And if you go to a cake decorating shop you’ll be amazed at all the fun stuff they have.
Amy W
Hi! Just a super easy and super inexpensive suggestion if you can’t find/don’t have time to look for that specific tip.
I’ve made cupcakes that look super pretty like that simply by filling a ziploc bag and snipping off the corner. It works beautifully!
joythebaker
hey y’all. if you go to Michael’s or a cake decorating store… you’ll be looking for products like these:
http://www.michaels.com/Bags-Tips/products-bakeware-cakedecorating-bagstips,default,sc.html?start=0&sz=12
i have a set of tips and i use the larger rounds when it comes to frosting cupcakes. bags come in reusable canvas or disposable plastic. and i don’t always use the coupler rings. but they come in handy and are more professional.
hope that helps!
Shauna
Thanks, Joy!! There’s a Michael’s about 10 minutes from my house, so guess where I’ll be spending my money buying a large round tip this weekend? :)