Gummi Bear Mania

GUMMI BEARS AND CUPCAKES!

When I had a request for some cupcakes that incorporated gummi bears,  wasn't sure what I'd do! I started with a nice thick basic mound of fluffy cloud-like buttercream on a vanilla cupcakes! I started to have a vision-what about gummi bears sitting on cloud 9? These little gummi's were so cute and colorful against the white dreamy frosting. All I had to do was sprinkle a pinch of jimmies on top and "viola"--my new creation was born! They even look cute without the sprinkles added on-which do you like best?? See below:

Chocolate Mint Cupcakes with Crushed Peppermint Candies

CHOCOLATE MINT CUPCAKES WITH CRUSHED PEPPO-MINT CANDY

I thought these peppermint cupcakes came out too cute!! I started with a chocolate cupcake infused with mint extract and a buttercream frosting. I piped it half pink and half white and then added chopped bits of classic peppermint candies. I photographed them on pink tissue paper to really bring out the color and I think it did the trick! They really had a cool minty flavor and the kids gave them an "A-plus" rating; oh well, who am I kidding--there really hasn't been a cupcake they didn't like! Thank heavens for my family, they are my biggest fans!! lol

Another photo

Chocolate Chili Cupcakes!

Chocolate Chili Cupcake Naming Contest in honor of Cinco de Mayo~

Well, I put the radar out there on my facebook group, www.katiskupcakes.com, for help in naming my Chocolate Chili Cupcakes. This is the recipe and the story that follows. I used two different icings for the final presentation-you'll have to let me know which you like best and if you are patient and read to the end, you will also find out the winning name of the cupcake--I'm keeping you in suspense for now!

Chocolate Chili Cupcakes (Adapted from "125 Best Cupcake Recipes)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, sifted

1 teaspoon chipolte chili powder

2 teaspoons finely ground coffee

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

3/4 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

(Chocolate Glaze or Chocolate Frosting for frosting cupcakes)

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line your muffin tins with paper liners.

In a small bowl, I mixed together the dry ingredients; including the flour, cocoa powder, ground coffee, baking soda and salt. 

In a large bowl, I whisked together the sugar, oil, egg and vanilla until smooth.

In a separate bowl, I stirred together the buttermilk and instant coffee.

Next, I alternately whisked the flour mixture and the buttermilk mixture into the oil mixture, making three additions of flour mixture and two of buttermilk mixture and beating until smooth.

At this point, I mixed in the chocolate chips.

Now it was time to scoop the batter into the prepared pans. I baked them for about 22 minutes (Baking times can vary from about 22-27 minutes depending on your oven; tops of cupcakes should spring back when lightly touched).

I let these cool in the pan for about 10 minutes and transferred them to a cooling rack. After they had completely cooled, it was time to ice them!! As I stated I tried some with a sticky fudge frosting and others with a smooth chocolate ganache glaze. This recipe made 12 cupcakes.

Well, for those of you who are still reading, I am ready to divulge the winning name!! Meet the official winning cupcakes: The Cha Cha Cha Chipotle Chili Chocolate Cupcake! (Winning entrant was Cris Candelori--thanks again for the great fiery name! Loved it!!)