Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Easter Egg Cupcakes

I live at almost 5000 feet elevation which wrecks havoc on baking cookies and cakes from scratch. When we moved to Utah 8 years ago I had no idea how the high altitude would affect my baking. I've finally figured out how to fix most cookie recipes, but I'm still on a quest for a scratch yellow cake that has good texture and flavor. These Easter egg cupcakes were another try at finding that perfect recipe. Sadly, the cake part was forgettable so I won't bother to share the recipe, but the tops are super cute :)

Of course, I used my favorite buttercream frosting recipe.

Tiffiny's Favorite Buttercream

1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 pound powdered sugar (sifted if from a box)
2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or in a medium bowl with a hand-mixer), cream together the butter and shortening until smooth. Add the vanilla and mix well. Add the powdered sugar and mix on medium-low until the sugar is incorporated and the mixture is dry and crumbly. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of the milk and mix on medium-low until the frosting is smooth. Add more milk if needed, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the frosting is the consistency you want. Don't add more than 3 teaspoons.

Makes about 3 cups.

Mmmm...creamy and perfect for frosting and making grass.

I tinted the frosting green with paste food coloring.

Since there was going to be grass I put just a schmear of green on the cupcake. You need this layer so the cupcake top doesn't show through the grass.

The magic behind the grass is this decorating tip. It's number 233 and is used for grass, fur, hair, long noodles, or anything else where you need a similar shape.

Making the grass is just like making stars with a star tip: Hold your decorating bag straight up and down to the cupcake. With the tip almost touching the surface, squeeze your decorating bag to build up a little bit of a base. Then, pull away from the surface and at the same time stop the pressure on the decorating bag. It takes some practice, but as soon as you find your rhythm you'll be off and running.

Add some egg-shaped candies or marshmallow bunnies and you're done!

8 comments:

  1. Your "grass" is perfect! Love the cupcakes!

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  2. Those look like they belong in a magazine!

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  3. I was wondering how you made that 'grass.' Thanks for letting us in on the secret.

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  4. I love your grass. I once made a whole sheetcake worth and it wasn't nearly as gorgeous.. Kudos on a great cupcake.

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  5. Hú de szuper ez a fészek süti!!!!

    ReplyDelete

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