This weekend was one full of birthdays. I had so many parties to attend, and so many cupcakes to make! Chocolate and mint cupcakes seemed to be the only way to go!
I am going to be completely honest; while I love making cupcakes, I can not make frosting for the life of me. I don’t know what my problem is! I have tried many recipes, and while some turn out okay, they just aren’t right. This time I followed a recipe from my Joy of Cooking cookbook, and it turned out not very sweet and sort of gummy in texture, so I went to town adding powdered sugar and milk, and it became much better. If any of you dolls have a recipe for frosting that is wonderful (and not too difficult!), or any pointers about making frosting, I would really appreciate hearing them.
Despite that the frosting on these cupcakes wasn’t exactly how I had envisioned them being, they turned out fabulous. The flavor was just right. Though the frosting tasted extremely strong and minty by itself, it balanced perfectly when it was paired with the light and fluffy chocolate cupcake.
♥ 2 cups white sugar
♥ 3 cups all purpose flour
♥ 2 teaspoon baking soda
♥ 1/2 teaspoon salt
♥ 1/2 cup cocoa powder
♥ 2 cups water
♥ 1 cup canola oil
♥ 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
♥ 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl sift together sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Stir in water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
- Pour into line muffin tins and fill 2/3 full. Bake for 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out dry.
For the frosting:
- Follow your favorite vanilla frosting recipe. Substitute mint extract for vanilla, and add 3-4 drops of green food coloring.
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Lidian says:
I adore chocolate plus mint - those cupcakes looks fab!
My quick and easy buttercream frosting: take a bunch of margarine or butter, soften it up, and just add powdered sugar until it starts to act like frosting. Then add a dab of milk and a dab of whatever extract you are wanting…more sugar if it is too thin at this point.
Yeah, I know there are no measurements! I am usually SO tired by the time I have made the cake that I just go, oh the hell with it, get out thebowl and ingredients and start mixing.
The above not-much-of-a-metod DOES seem to work for me though. Have no had complaints.Have had compliments in fact. At which I smile modestly and don;t tell them what I did!
Cheers! Lidian
April 13th, 2008 at 9:40 am
MissCedar says:
April 13th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Maddie says:
Those look soooo good! If only I wasn’t the only one in this house to like chocolate and mint. I might just have to make a batch for myself!
April 14th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Jillian says:
The first time I made frosting I was pretty young and had no idea that “confectioners sugar” meant powdered sugar … so my frosting ended up really crunchy!
April 14th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
MissCedar says:
Jillian- I think my sister had the same problem once…the frosting was all gritty tasting!
April 14th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
jd says:
Mmmm - these look so good! I love chocolate & mint together - it’s the perfect combo!
I’m actually planning my law school graduation party right now, & have been looking for some fun & tasty recipes… These cupcakes are a great idea.
Thanks!
April 17th, 2008 at 9:51 am
jd says:
PS I forgot to mention that you should take a look at “Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World” or “The Joy of Vegan Baking” for some good frosting recipes.
Those cookbooks have really helped me, but I’ve found that frosting can still be difficult sometimes…
April 17th, 2008 at 9:53 am