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A classic yellow cake recipe with much of the butter being replaced with heart-healthy avocado and vibrant Key Lime buttercream that swirls like a dream!
Fun... can you tell? That's what we've been having here at The Café for the last four months as we've been creating, cooking and photo shooting for The California Avocado Commission .We were given a list of assignments back in January and, though a number of them are still works in progress, we'll be sharing some of the completed projects over the coming weeks. I think you're gonna' flip when you see some of these recipes; unique, fun and delicious appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts .............. desserts? With avocado?
Oh my, yes! I was a bit skeptical when I saw the assignment for an California Avocado Birthday Cake. At first it just sounded a bit odd. But then again, lots of things have sounded a bit odd when I've first heard of them. Lots of wonderful things ... like "Google" (I thought that was the dumbest name EVER when I first heard it), or blog ("What in the world is a blog?", I asked my daughter when she told me she was starting one). So I've learned not to judge too quickly, but rather, give things a try.
I got to work on the cake and, after a number of tests and tweaks, I must say the results are quite spectacular. The cake is a fairly classic yellow cake recipe with much of the butter being replaced with heart-healthy avocado. The result is a very moist cake. The avocado does give just a slight tinge of green to the batter and, to me (and a few of my taste-testers), a bit of banana-like flavor.
And see that lovely green icing? Yup, it's got avocado too! Delicious, with vibrant key-lime flavor, the avocado lends a creaminess that makes it swirl and twirl like a dream! I used a 1M Wilton decorating tip, but you could also spread the yummy icing with a knife. If you're looking for a delightful, unique dessert for Memorial Day or any summer celebration, give these California Avocado Cupcakes w/ Key Lime Buttercream a whirl... or a swirl...you'll be glad you did!
P.S. You might recognize the recipe. It's the same one I used for this cake which I shared several weeks ago. As you can see from these two versions, the sky's the limit when it comes to decorating. I'd love to see your rendition!
Disclaimer:
We are compensated by The California Avocado Commission for our recipe development and photography, but the opinions are very much our own.
For the recipe, go to The California Avocado Commission website.
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Hello- I just got done making these cupcakes and they are delicious. My only question is, why is it that the cake part sticks to the pan liners? I ended up baking them a little longer than the time specified because they were still gooey at 20 minutes. Any insight on why this might have happened? Thanks for the recipe, it is awesome!
Hi Ryan, I'm glad you enjoyed these cupcakes. Every oven is a bit different so I'm glad you baked yours a bit longer. I'm not sure why they would stick other than the fact that they don't have as much fat in them. Mine were okay once they cooled. I do like to use the grease proof liners. Perhaps if you used the grease proof ones (Reynolds make some really pretty ones) you could spray them lightly with baking spray.
Can't tell you how gorgeous these cupcakes are. Everything about them is just perfect!
So jealous of your work with the avocado commission! What a gorgeous cupcake, and I love the key lime flavored frosting!
chris, you always create the most beautiful food and these cupcakes look fantastic! i wished i'm staying near you..to sample all these cupcakes, i promise i do the washing up for you, ok?
Your cupcakes and cakes are always so, so pretty. no wonder you are doing this for the California Avocado project, Chris. That frosting is so lovely!
This is not just a cupcake!This is sheer beauty!Congrats on this edible piece of art!!!
Kisses!
I'm so impressed with your recipes like this one using avocados in desserts...who knew. I've got to try it out even just for pure novelty. The frosting does look really smooth and creamy and I do like the idea of these being much healthier for us. Great job!
You've certainly worked your magic with the avocados! These cupcakes are magnificent! 😀 (I'm still in awe over that cake too!)
Oh my goodness. The piping on these is unreal! I think these are the prettiest cupcakes I've ever seen. And the color... so pretty! I love that there's avocado in there. Hooray for avocados! 🙂
I have heard of luscious avocados being used to make pudding so this just makes sense.
Seriously, I can eat avocados forever! But not just any avocado! I prefer California ones. I heard that California avocados are richer in folate and omega-3's! To me, California avocados taste creamier and "sweeter" and more luxurious. The Florida ones, although richer in potassium, are lower in omega-3's, and they taste a little "blander" or flatter compared to their Californian brethren! The Mexican ones, forget those, they pale in comparison! Now, off to the Avocado Commission site for the recipe...
Love the flavor combination! Another spectacular decorating job, too!
I remember your stunning cake and it was hard to believe that avocados were in the cake. Now these beautiful cupcakes. Loving the green color and sounds like you are having a blast with creating such wonderful recipes. Happy Holiday Weekend!
Wow - stunning photos!!!! You are very gifted.
This cupcake made me think of wedding parties, so elegant and mind blowing. The clicks are just beautiful!
Thank you for your kind words, Chris. xo
PS...you are still the reigning cupcake queen. These are gorgeous!
Chris, the colors in post are breathtaking - you certainly created the most amazing looking cupcakes - I cannot believe the color of your icing, the perfect swirls, the wonderful muffin liners and all the other incredicle accesories to your post!
Have a fabulous long weekend!
Those are one amazing color! Avocados are just so good right now! Great job Chris..
What a vibrant green! Love the ideaof key lime buttercream on these.
My gosh Chris these are gorgeous! The colors are gorgeous.
Look at that COLOR! Incredible recipe with great flavors and photos, Chris!
Chris they are such beautiful photos! How clever you are to come up with something so pretty with avocado. I've been experimenting with it a bit lately too as you know. It makes the most delicious chocolate icing blended with cocoa and maple syrup. Nom nom nom!
Oh Chris, those cupcakes are gorgeous...and they are my favorite color. I am going to try this recipe, wish they tasted more like avocados than bananas, though!
Chris you are just so creative! These are gorgeous and what a great way to make a cake/cupcake healthier!
I have never heard of such a thing! BUT when you describe how the cake is made, it does sound alright and it makes sense, and good for you as well. They are very pretty. I have had lime cupcakes, but of course never this!
Where is the recipe????
Hi Charlotte, the recipe is on the California Avocado website. I left a link at the bottom of the post.
WOW! This is the prettiest shade of green I've ever seen...so perfect, and I bet they taste incredible! Happy Memorial Day, Chris!
The color is gorgeous, and I love avocados! Happy Memorial Day weekend!
Love this Chris! Such gorgeous colors. I remember when you posted the cake and I was smitten with the idea of avocados in cake. Still must try it! Have a lovely Memorial Day weekend!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEAUTIFUL COLOURS!!!!!!
And what a great idea to replace butter with avocado and the lime frosting.....i have to try it!!!!!!!!!!!
Bravo!!!!
So pretty, Chris! Your cupcake decorating is gorgeous, as always. Have a great weekend! 🙂
Those are so pretty! They just say springtime and/or summertime 🙂 I wouldn't think to use avocado that way either but these sound delicious!
Amazing. I love avocados but never ever thought of using in cake. As soon as my oven is working - I am going to try this cake.
Oh tell your husband these shots are superb..I love these colors together..Chris triple lined even more special~
So dreamy and pretty!
This does look like fun and the green definitely mimics avocados. Sounds like a fun project to work on.
On a different note when did google+ come out with a box like google friend connect showing followers? That's something I haven't seen yet.
Hi Vicki! I'm not sure when google+ came out with the gadget. I assume it's been awhile but I'm not sure.
These are great - I love avocado in chocolate cake.
Beautiful!
What a beautiful green color. I like to use avocado in baking, it's great! Have a nice day Chris!
Chris: I love your avocado recipes, especially the sweet ones. My eyes light up every single time that I see an avocado dessert here. I wish I could reach these little bundles of deliciousness. I think the combination of avocado and lime is just perfect and complimentary. I also enjoyed seeing your playful photos, especially the last one. Great job again!!! Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
I love baking and cooking with avocados and your cupcakes are just adorable. I can only imagine how soft and light they are!