I’m all about making cupcakes from scratch, but sometimes the ease of a boxed mix is hard to pass up. If you’re short on time or concerned about your baking abilities, it’s still possible to make these cupcakes look homemade. Here are 5 tips for dressing them up:
- Use milk instead of water. Most boxed mixes call for water, but substitute it for whole milk to get a denser cake. My one complaint about boxed mixes is that the cupcakes are too light and airy, so this solves that problem and keeps them really moist!
- Bake them in cute paper cups. Instead of traditional cupcake liners I like to use paper baking cups. Just place them onto a baking sheet and fill about 2/3 of the way with the cupcake batter. Most of the time I find them at HomeGoods, Michaels or T.J.Maxx for only a few dollars. The pink and white polka dot style is perfect for the bridal or baby shower! I also found some cute red, white and blue ones which I used to make these funfetti cupcakes.
- Make your own buttercream. Skip the canned frosting and make your own buttercream. Below is my go-to recipe, which can be made with almond or vanilla extract depending on your flavor preference. It is much fluffier than the store-bought kind and you can’t beat the fresh taste.
- Pipe the buttercream onto the cupcakes. To frost the cupcakes, transfer the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with your favorite decorating tip. I typically use the open star, closed star or French tip when making cupcakes. Piping the buttercream is really simple and looks way fancier than just spreading it on top with a knife.
- Add a cupcake topper. I recently found these Mr. and Mrs. cupcake toppers in the dollar spot at Target. The blush and white is so pretty, plus the rose gold foil adds a fun touch. They would be perfect for a bridal shower or wedding! I also love the Meri Meri cupcake kits, which usually come with cupcake liners and toppers. I used the star kit in this almond cupcake post.
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| Servings |
about 2 cups
|
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 1 tsp. almond extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Ingredients
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Instructions
- In the bowl of a standing mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed for about 3 minutes until smooth and creamy. Turn off mixer and add powdered sugar, heavy cream, almond extract and salt. Mix on low for 1 minute, then increase the speed to medium-high and mix for an additional 2 – 3 minutes.
The Comments
Christie Moeller
OOH great tips. I love the switch the water for milk!!
xoxo Christie
http://icanstyleu.com/blog/
Luci's Morsels
Fantastic tips! I’ve never thought of substituting milk for water, sounds tasty!
Luci’s Morsels | fashion. food. frivolity.
Jennifer
So cute! Thanks for sharing these tips Jamie!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Vanessa
Jamie,
These cupcakes are adorable! I will have to keep these tips in mind next time I am baking!
xoxo,
Vanessa
http://www.whatwouldvwear.com
Lindsey Simon
The cupcakes look amazing! And what great tips :)
Love, Lindsey
http://www.thenomisniche.com/
Jessica
These cupcakes look so pretty! And yummy I bet – you are making me crave for one so bad!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Amy Ann Arnold
Easy and smart tips. These definitely look fancy!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Rach
These are great tips! Thanks Jamie!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
jeanette Radmall
Great post and tips Jaime!
Mes Voyages à Paris
Yummy!! It must be delicious!
xx
Mónica Sors
MES VOYAGES À PARIS
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Jyoti Vats
Wow this looks so delicious :) Wonderful post dear! Stay in touch.
Beauty and Fashion Freaks