Cute and Comforting Cupcakes

Don’t cupcakes “take you back”? Childhood birthday parties, celebrations at school, a treat at grandma’s house. These little bits of sweetness are fun, easy to take along, and just the right size for indulging without feeling decadent.

If you can believe it, cupcakes are back in style. Not just among the kiddies, either. Grown adults are pounding the pavement in New York City, of all places, to the likes of the Cupcake Cafe and the Magnolia Bakery, which feature good old-fashioned cupcakes with lots of fluffy, buttery frosting. So join the trend-setters and whip up a batch of these darling little cakes.

The Cake

Go ahead, use a cake mix if you must. Use a good mix, add some extra vanilla extract, and don’t overbake the little cuties. If you are more adventurous and care to make your cakes from scratch, use any favorite cake recipe that seems cupcake-friendly. Be sure to pick out special cupcake papers, such as all one color (classic white). Keep it simple, though, because you want your true decorative statement to be made with the frosting. You can bake the cupcakes several days ahead, wrap them well, and freeze. Cold cake is easier to frost.

The Frosting

When it comes to cupcakes, frosting is the key. Use the following recipe, tint to produce soft pastels, then apply with a large, flat spreader or fill a pastry bag and experiment with different decorating tips (see May 2002 “Celebrate” for decorating info). Oh, and don’t forget the sprinkles: non pareils, “jimmies”, sugar decorations, little bits of candy – whatever your imagination dreams up.

Fluffy Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups sifted confectioner’s (powdered) sugar
1-2 Tablespoons half and half
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat butter on high speed for 2 minutes (use a whisk attachment for a stand mixer). Gradually add sugar and half and half, alternating. Add vanilla extract and beat well. Beat an additional minute, adding more sugar or liquid, if needed, until frosting has desired spreading/piping consistency.


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