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These White Chocolate Cupcakes are moist, delicious and easy to throw together, with a fancy and festive icing technique.
Ever been to a Princess Party? We had one yesterday and these Swirly-Girly Cupcakes were the stars of the show.... other than the princess of course! I shared on Wednesday that we were headed to visit our daughter and her family in London in order to help with the arrival of a new baby - our first grandSON! We were hoping this little man would hold off just a wee bit longer as we had a little partying to do before his grand entrance into the world. Our middle granddaughter, Elle, was turning five yesterday and we had planned a family celebration.
A few weeks ago, Mommy (Mum) had bought Elle a beautiful white princess gown, The absolute perfect attire for such a festive occasion!
Arriving in London, however, we had a few doubts whether this baby would wait even one more day. As we prepared for the party we were wondering ...
and I bet you'd be wondering too! As you can see, it appeared that this new baby was quite imminent. Well, we all breathed a sigh of relief, a "mission-accomplished" sigh of relief when we concluded Elle's party.
We decided to keep things simple and order pizza for dinner, so I wanted something special and pretty for the birthday dessert. These Swirly-Girly White Chocolate Cupcakes are moist, delicious and easy to throw together. Honestly though, if you're pinched for time, just use a white cake mix. It's okay because the really fun and delicious part is the icing. It will make even a cake mix cupcake taste like it came from a fine bakery! I tried a new technique and it turned out so fancy and festive looking - I'm sure I'll be using it for many special occasions in the future.
Though it looks a bit involved, the technique is really fairly simple. (But we'll keep that our little secret, deal?). I used three different colors, but I think two would work just as well.
Do you know any princes or princesses? No? Well, I believe any family member or dear friend is worthy of a royal celebration! So, check out the technique/recipe below and give it a go - it's a "keeper", for sure!
- 1 & ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ⅓ cup of butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 ounces of good quality white chocolate chips or a 4-ounce white chocolate bar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 1 cup plus1 tablespoon milk
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Instructions:
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Preheat oven to 325˚F.
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Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners of your choice. (I like to use two contrasting patterns, I add the second one after baking. Also, if you can find the greaseproof liners, they work wonderful. They look just as pretty after baking as before.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
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In another large bowl (or with a stand mixer), cream the butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until light & fluffy (2 to 3 minutes).
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Add the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the melted white chocolate and vanilla - mix well.
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Add the dry ingredients alternating with the milk in 2 to 3 portions. Mix well after each addition. Divide batter evenly into prepared cupcake pan.
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Bake cupcakes until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with dry crumbs (about 22 minutes). Let cool completely before frosting.
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Adapted from The Fig Tree
- 2 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 vanilla bean halved and seeds scraped or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 4-6 tablespoons milk
- 6 cups powdered sugar
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Beat cream cheese and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
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Add 4 tablespoons of milk and vanilla bean seeds (or vanilla bean paste or vanilla) beat again for 2 minutes.
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Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Beat until light and fluffy. If too thick add a bit more milk, just a teaspoon at a time. If too thin add a bit more powdered sugar. (It needs to be thick enough to hold its shape, but not so thick that you have difficulty swirling the icing through the decorating tip.)
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Prepare icing as directed and divide into two or three bowls, depending on how many colors you want in your swirls. Add food coloring to achieve desired colors. I really like the gel food coloring, it gives much deeper, richer colors and comes in a wide variety of beautiful hues.
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Lay out 2 or 3 (depending on how many colors you are using) pieces of plastic wrap (approximately 18"-20" long) on your work surface. Spread out the contents of each bowl on a separate piece of the plastic wrap lengthwise, forming a rectangle, approximately 8" long. Starting with one long side, fold plastic wrap over the icing and roll into a cylinder-shaped tube. Secure both ends with a knot. Repeat with the remaining colors.
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When you're ready to ice the cupcakes, fit a large pastry bag with a large star decorating tip. (I use a Wilton 1M) or snip a tiny corner off of a gallon-size zippered bag and fit with a large star decorating tip.
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Cut off one of the knot ends from each tube and place tubes in prepared pastry bag. Pipe cupcakes as desired. Have fun watching the three beautiful colors unfold!
Angie's Recipes says
What beautiful two-toned cupcakes! Simply dazzling!
Congratulations on upcoming arrival of your grandson!
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
I love that icing technique, Chris, and would be so proud of myself if I could actually do it. I'm not known for my piping skills (actually I usually make quite a mess of it)but it would be fun to try. What a precious little Birthday Girl.
Blond Duck says
I love the pink and green!
Mary says
The cupcakes are gorgeous but your granddaughter steals the show :-). I'm so glad that her brother delayed his appearance for a day or two. Have at day. Blessings...Mary
Paula {Salad in a Jar} says
The technique for the icing is brilliant! Already imagining the possibilities for different colors as well as flavors.
I know you are excited about God's newest blessing coming to your life. Amazing, isn't it?
LeiShell says
What an adorable cupcake idea. If I ever something so girly that needs these, I am making them!
GLENDA CHILDERS says
What a treat to know that you arrived and are celebrating birthdays and soon a birth day. So happy you could be there. Praying for a safe arrival of your grandboy.
Fondly,
Glenda
Julia says
The cupcakes are so pretty - saw them on FoodGawker.
Lizzy Do says
What a wonderful photo of you with Elle...she looks delighted with her cupcakes and her princess attire! And you outdid yourself with these stunning cupcakes. I've always wanted to try that icing technique, but I need to practice on one color a few more times 🙂 Can't wait to hear about your new grandson!
Dining Alone says
What a great and memorable birthday for that adorable girl. I would have LOVED a dress like that when I was her age. Can't wait to hear about the arrival of your grandson! Have a wonderful weekend.
Sandra Lee says
Well aren't you the clever one! Love your technique. Usually I put the different colors of frosting in the large piping bag sans the plastic wrap and it's super messy. Your granddaughter was indeed the belle of the ball.
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Oh my gosh, I want a princess party!! Can I have one at my age? But in order to have this party you must bring me your cupcakes.
Your grandaughter looks so adorable!!! She is truly a blessed little princess! Wishing her a Happy Birthday!!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
So beautiful Chris I must try this out myself and a gorgeous little Birthday girl. Happy Birthday!
I'm feeling your next post may be an announcement judging by that photo of your daughter!
Tanya - Three Square Meals says
My niece will absolutely love these! They are so feminine and flawless!
mia xara says
Hi Chris, your grand-daughter is so blessed to have you as a grandma!!! You all look amazing in the pictures and so do the cupcakes!!Such a nice pairing of colors and such a great technique!!!Hope you'll get to welcome your grandson in the world soon!Have a great weekend!
Hovkonditorn says
These are so cute! Lovely pictures!
Pacheco Patty says
Very sweet post! I need some swirly girly white chocolate cupcakes in my life;-)
Gloria says
omygod dear these cupcakes look absolutely gorgeous and beauty!! my daugtber love these when she saw and your little princess is soooo cute!!
Martha says
They look so pretty! and delicious! Happy birthday to your little princess and congratulations on your new grandbaby boy!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Beautiful cupcakes, Chris! These look like just the thing for a princess party 🙂
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says
Such pretty cupcakes are so fitting for a beautiful Princess. Congrats on your new grandson, very exciting. Best wishes to all. Enjoy your visit!
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says
These are so cute!!! How could a little girl not love these?? (Heck, I want them at my birthday and I'm going to be 24 soon!)
Chatty Crone says
I would love to have a princes party for me!!!
Kate says
That is amazing...actually both are: the gorgeous cupcakes and that the baby waited! Congratulations on the pending arrival of your grandson!
Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
The cupcakes are beautiful and so is the Birthday Girl! Glad you got the celebration in:@)