Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Christmas Tree Cupcakes
Recipe:
Yeild: 12 Cupcakes
Ingredients:
For the Cupcakes:
-1 vanilla cake mix + listed ingredients on the box
-12 sugar cones
-red and green food coloring
For the Frosting:
-1 cup unsalted butter, softened
-1 cup granulated sugar
-1 cup milk
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-4 tbsp all purpose flour
– pinch of salt
-green food coloring –
m&ms (optional)
-powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions:
For the Cupcakes
1. Prepare the cake batter according to the instructions and line a cupcake pan with 12 cupcake liners
2. Divide the batter equally into three bowls. In the first bowl, add the red food coloring. Add green food coloring in another bowl. Do not color the third bowl
3. Add in each color of batter into all of the cupcake liners, one spoonful at a time. Fill each one around ¾ of the way
4. Take a toothpick and lightly swirl the batter, taking care not to overdo it or else the colors will mix and the batter will turn into an unpleasant color
5. Bake according to the instructions, about 14-17 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted
6. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
1. In a medium saucepan,combine the flour, sugar and salt.
2. Add the vanilla and milk and turn the flame on medium heat.
3. Stir the mixture constantly until it reaches a boil. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the mixture thickens up into a pudding-like consistency
4. Remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl. Place a layer of plastic wrap on top, making sure that the plastic is touching the mixture so that it doesn’t form a skin and cool to room temperature
5. Cream the butter using an electric mixer until pale and fluffy
6. Add in the cooled mixture one spoonful at a time until completely combined.
7. Whip the frosting until the consistency is fluffy and light.
Assembling the Cupcakes:
1. Add ¼ of the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Tint the remaining frosting with the green food coloring. Add a small amount of brown food coloring for a slightly darker pigment
2. Pipe a circle of frosting around the rim of each of the cooled cupcakes
3. Place a sugar cone face down on each cupcake Transfer the rest of the frosting into a piping bag fitted with a number 30 star tip.
4. Pipe a dollop of the frosting around the sugar cone, starting at the bottom and then work your way to the top.
5. Repeat with the rest of the cupcakes and add any additional toppings if desired to decorate the trees
6. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and enjoy!
