Sunday, February 15, 2009

Birthday Cupcake

I've been busy planning Chasen's 11th birthday for JUNE!
I sent in the deposit for Camp Valley Trails where the birthday boy and his guests will enjoy rock wall climbing and flying on a zip line. The camp is also serving us dinner of hot dogs and chips and we will be making s'mores around the campfire.
So what will the birthday cake be?
Once again, Martha has come to my rescue!
I googled camping cupcake and found this amazing recipe for a s'more cupcake.
It has a graham cracker crust, chocolate cupcake with more graham cracker topping and a toasted marshmallow frosting.
I know it's a bit sophisticated, but Chasen is turning 11.
I called him over to get his "opinion" and....
he LOVED it! YEAH!
His party is June 5th so I will keep you posted....:)
Chocolate Graham Cracker Cupcakes
Makes 2 dozen
2 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 20 squares)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Marshmallow Frosting
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard muffin tins with cupcake liners; set aside.
Sift 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix ingredients together on low speed.
In a large bowl, mix together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and continue mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add boiling water and stir to combine; set cake batter aside.
Place graham cracker crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl; stir until well combined.
Place 1 tablespoon graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup. Use the bottom of a small glass to pack crumbs into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Reserve remaining graham cracker mixture for topping.
Place 2 teaspoons chocolate in each muffin cup. Transfer muffin tins to oven and bake until the edges of the graham cracker mixture is golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and fill each muffin cup three-quarters full with cake batter. Sprinkle each with remaining chocolate and graham cracker mixture. Return to oven and bake, rotating pans halfway through baking, until tops are firm and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan and let cool completely.
Transfer frosting to a large pastry bag fitted with a large plain round or French tip (such as Ateco #867 or Ateco #809). Pipe frosting in a spiral motion on each cupcake. Transfer cupcakes to a baking sheet. Using a kitchen torch, lightly brown the frosting, taking care not to burn the cupcake liners. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container, up to 2 days.
Marshmallow Frosting
Makes enough for 2 dozen cupcakes
8 large egg whites
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Directions
Place egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set over a saucepan with simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes.
Transfer bowl to electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat, starting on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until stiff, glossy peaks form, 5 to 7 minutes. Add vanilla, and mix until combined. Use immediately.

5 comments:

Cottage Rose said...

Hello Donna;; Oh wow those look so great!!!!!!!!!!!!! gosh I wish I was closer to go to the party, it all sounds so fun. I can't wait to see photos............ :]

Hugs;
Alaura

Char said...

I am gaining weight today just posting with all the lovely delights that have been offered. Beautiful cupcake and would love a taste, Happy Pink Saturday, Char

Pink Slippers said...

That recipe looks so yummy! I can't wait to see it all come together.
...and the I ate the fully cooked stuff :)
Wendy

Polka Dot Moon said...

I'm always hungry when I read your posts ;)
Your parties are the best! Can't wait to see photos of this one and your friends "Tiffany" party :)
Denise

(p.s. waiting on the rain....and no All Stars for us. Happy to rent a movie and got to go out for a bite on Valentine's Day!!)

testing 1 said...

This cupcake was created by my local cupcake idol Trophy Cupcakes, and let me tell you, they taste twice as good as they look!