Monday, June 25, 2012

It's a Baby! Simple, Beautiful Baby Shower Cupcakes


These sweet cupcakes were ordered by a friend of mine who was throwing a baby shower a few weeks ago. I just love the color scheme for the party!


The baby's first name starts with a D (I never did ask what her name is gonna be) and the design my friend wanted was simple and elegant. The flavors were dark chocolate and vanilla with a vanilla almond buttercream. For the vanilla cake, I followed the recipe on the link, omitting the almond extract and doubling the vanilla. As for the icing, this recipe is a little more detail oriented. I really love the texture of it, though, and it holds up really well, especially if you're using it for a wedding cake. For the decorations I rolled fondant and cut out 1 inch circles. Once dry, I piped the polka dots and letter D on each one in navy royal icing. These were easy, delicious, and beautiful!



Recipes:

Royal Icing (makes about 3 cups icing)

3 Tablespoons meringue powder
4 cups confectioner's sugar
6 Tablespoons warm water

Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks. If you want stiffer icing, use less water and for thinner, use more, adding 1/2 teaspoon at a time.

Wilton Snow White Buttercream (adapted from here)

2/3 cup + 3 tablespoons water, divided
1/4 cup Meringue Powder
12 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon no-color almond extract
3/4 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

In large bowl, combine 2/3 cup water and meringue powder; whip with electric mixer at high speed until peaks form. Add 4 cups sugar, one cup at a time, beating at low speed after each addition. Add remaining 8 cups sugar and 3 tablespoons water, shortening, butter and corn syrup in 3 additions, blending well after each. Add salt and flavorings; beat at low speed until smooth. Keep bowl covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Rewhip before using.

If you're not really concerned with keeping it pure white then don't worry about using the no-color almond and clear vanilla. If you do want it pure white then follow the directions on the link as-is (you'll notice I halved the shortening, added butter, and omitted the butter flavoring).

Be sure to stop by Shaken Together where I'm guest posting today and follow along this whole week with Keri's Patriotic celebration. Also, stop by Happy Go Lucky where Kara is doing a series of favorite finds under $10. Today, you'll find a list by yours truly! :)

Lots of fun stuff is coming up so stay tuned for the where and what! Until next time, happy reading and more importantly, happy cupcake-ing!








10 comments:

  1. These are so Cute! I have never heard of meringue powder, I have to go online and get me some :-) Heather would you like to guest post on my blog, I have dates available in August? I would love to have you!

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  2. These are adorable. I love the simple design.

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  3. These are beautiful and simple...love!!

    I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Thanks for being so inspiring to me (and I'm sure many other bloggers) every single day! Congratulations! http://www.waittilyourfathergetshome.com/2012/06/27/the-versatile-blogger-award/

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  4. Hahaha! What a great idea for a shower to use the baby's first initial as decorations but not giving it away till the baby is born. I know that's probably not what happened but a great idea to use in the future. :)

    Love the pretty fruit tart although I'm not a fruit dessert person.

    Love the 10 products. I have never heard of almond joy creamer, sounds just as dangerous as the nutella. :)

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  5. this is great. Found you via the live laugh linky. I have linked in a beef dish. Have a super day.

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  6. Such a pretty cupcake! Love the little D's.

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  7. Adorable as always! Thanks for linking up to the Pomp Party! Pinning to our Pomp Party board!

    Jill @ Create.Craft.Love.

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  8. Your butter cream looks better and better every time. Such a steady hand. I can only imagine what mine would look like! Bree

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  9. Its pink color make these cupcakes more attractive.I like your creativeness.
    Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower

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Hey friends! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Reading them makes me happy! If you're a no-reply comment-er, please change this on your blogger. I make every effort to respond but sometimes can't get over here to post a reply. It's easier for me to hit reply on my email and immediately let you know that I appreciate your support and encouragement. Thanks much!

Blessings,
Heather

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