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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.
Liz Berg says
Thank you for your kind words, Chris. xo
PS...you are still the reigning cupcake queen. These are gorgeous!
Andrea_TheKitchenLioness says
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!
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
Those are one amazing color! Avocados are just so good right now! Great job Chris..
Anna {Hidden Ponies} says
What a vibrant green! Love the ideaof key lime buttercream on these.
Sandra Lee says
My gosh Chris these are gorgeous! The colors are gorgeous.
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
Look at that COLOR! Incredible recipe with great flavors and photos, Chris!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
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!
Marigene says
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!
Veronica Miller says
Chris you are just so creative! These are gorgeous and what a great way to make a cake/cupcake healthier!
Ginny says
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!
Charlotte Moore says
Where is the recipe????
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Charlotte, the recipe is on the California Avocado website. I left a link at the bottom of the post.
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
WOW! This is the prettiest shade of green I've ever seen...so perfect, and I bet they taste incredible! Happy Memorial Day, Chris!
Dining Alone says
The color is gorgeous, and I love avocados! Happy Memorial Day weekend!
Pink Patisserie says
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!
peps says
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEAUTIFUL COLOURS!!!!!!
And what a great idea to replace butter with avocado and the lime frosting.....i have to try it!!!!!!!!!!!
Bravo!!!!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
So pretty, Chris! Your cupcake decorating is gorgeous, as always. Have a great weekend! 🙂
twodogsinthekitchen says
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!
Avivah says
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.
La Table De Nana says
Oh tell your husband these shots are superb..I love these colors together..Chris triple lined even more special~
Angie Schneider says
So dreamy and pretty!
Vicki Bensinger says
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.
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Vicki! I'm not sure when google+ came out with the gadget. I assume it's been awhile but I'm not sure.
Cher Rockwell says
These are great - I love avocado in chocolate cake.
Beautiful!
Hovkonditorn says
What a beautiful green color. I like to use avocado in baking, it's great! Have a nice day Chris!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
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!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Pepppers says
I love baking and cooking with avocados and your cupcakes are just adorable. I can only imagine how soft and light they are!