Kinda.
My dear husband celebrated his 38th birthday recently.
Which is actually up for debate since he is a Leap Year baby and is technically only 9 1/2.
(Does that make me a cougar?)
Even though birthday gifts quickly got cut when we started a budget, there is always room for cupcakes.
I think thats my new motto.
“There is Always Room For Cupcakes.”
Its catchy. You can have it if you want.
I think my new favorite alternate motto is, “Make it Yours!” I seem to say that a lot.
He decided on chocolate. *I* decided on rich almond vanilla frosting. Wow. I’m in love.
Do you like my new cupcake stand?
I went to the thrift store this weekend. Its a .25 (thats twenty five cents) 6×4 inch platter on top of a .50 (fifty cent) crystal candle holder.
Yeah. I paid .75 (seventy five cents) for the whole thing.
These are mini cupcakes. Only three average size cupcakes fit on the stand.
Do you like this cupcake stand?
The price tag says $2.00. How cool is that? I spray painted it white and viola!
Ok. I am done talking about my thrift store finds on my baking blog. Promise.
However, it also works well for the mini cupcakes!
You know I cannot leave well enough alone. I wanted to try something new! (new to me)
The winner by unanimous vote?
Heath Chips.
The combination of sweet almond vanilla frosting over moist chocolate cake is enough to make my mouth water… but then add in the slight crunch of a delicious Heath chip that melts away to a rich buttery goodness and well… it’s just about perfection.
If you try it, let me know how you make it yours!
Be sure to stop by my flickr group if you want more inspiration.
And feel free to stop by twitter and say hello! @manda2177
Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Add vanilla. Combine. Add flour mixture alternately with the milk. Mix well.
- Fill the muffin cups ¾ full. Bake for about 15 minutes.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
Your cupcakes are gorgeous! 🙂
Recipe for sweet almond vanilla frosting please… because my mouth started watering as soon as I read it. 😀
mmmmmmm….. heath chips… vanilla almond frosting… YUM!
“There is Always Room For Cupcakes.” This is a motto I can live by! That frosting sounds fabulous!!!
I went to the thrift store for some food props this weekend, too! 😉 Made it out with 2 pieces and a book for my nephew from under 3 bucks! Love that!
Love these! And I love your cupcake stand too. 🙂 (Also, don’t listen to Tastespotting – your pictures are always gorgeous!)
my guy is a leap year boy too, 7 1/2 this year lol. He wanted chocolate too. I made him a chocolate torte. 1lb bittersweet chocolate, 1lb unsalted butter, 1 cup strong coffee – melted in a double boiler. 8 eggs, 1 cup of sugar wisked together. When the chocolate, butter, and coffee are melted and cooled combine with eggs and sugar. bake in a greased springform pan for an hour at 350. Covered it in strawberries and powdered sugar.
also LOVE the cupcake stands
I’d leap over anything for those cupcakes and that classy, creative glass cupcake stand. 😉
Can you please post the recipe for both the vanilla almond and the mint frosting? I NEED them! :o)
Happy Birthday to your hubby 🙂
I love the cupcakes, they look amazing!
at first I was thinking what are “health chips” I guess I read it real fast and added letters LOL HEATH chips I would love. I make toffee and love when there are “crumbs” to top off things with. Your look so delicious!
Those look so amazing!!
Way awesome thrift store finds…so creative!