When you’re looking for something sweet for dessert that’s also portable, cupcakes are a great choice. They can easily be topped with icing or other decorations to make them picture-perfect for any occasion.
Start by preheat the oven and line 2×12 hole cupcake trays or tins with paper cases. Take the eggs and milk out of the fridge so they come to room temperature before adding to the batter.
Endless Flavor Combinations
The cupcake is the ideal dessert treat for a party because it can be decorated to match the theme. The small size of the cake also makes it easier to transport and serve. It can be a great addition to buffets and bake sales, as well as a perfect option for birthday parties, bridal showers or even just a weeknight dessert!
While most people think of cakes when they think of cupcakes, there are many other types of desserts that can be made into these tasty treats. A quick Google search reveals that a sponge cake, torte or other type of cake can be converted into a cupcake with some minor adjustments.
To make a batch of cupcakes, start by mixing the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together butter, sugar and eggs. Add the flour mixture, milk and vanilla extract into the egg batter, stirring until evenly mixed.
Inherent Likeability
One of the most basic themes a cupcake can embody is a birthday. These single-serving baked goods are perfect for birthday parties because they can be decorated with a variety of fun toppings that can hold a personal message. They are also more compact than full sized layer cakes and can be consumed by a smaller group of people at the same time.
Another theme a cupcake can embody is a holiday. These single-serving baked goods are easy to make and can be decorated in a festive manner that can represent any season or occasion. They are more compact than full sized layer cakes and are easier to transport, making them ideal for parties at home or on the go.
Whether you are celebrating a holiday or trying to build your brand’s likeability, it is important to remember the characteristics that define likeable people. In her book The 11 Laws of Likability, author Joan Menendez outlines the most important traits that likeable people possess.
Ease of Preparation
Whether you choose to make a simple swirl of store-bought frosting or go all out with a variety of different colors and designs, cupcakes are relatively easy to prepare. Just make sure you use good quality ingredients. Avoid substituting raising agents like baking powder or baking soda. This can make your cakes dense and heavy.
Keep some kitchen basics on hand – a set of measuring spoons (for tablespoons, teaspoons and 1/2 teaspoons), a flexible spatula and some pastry bags. A pastry bag with a wide opening makes it easier to add decorative icing or loose fillings.
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before using them. Chilled eggs, milk and butter don’t combine well with dry ingredients and can result in a dense batter or an uneven cake. Also, make sure your oven is preheated as directed in the recipe. Don’t open the oven door while your cupcakes are baking; this allows heat to escape and speeds up the cooking process.
Easy to Serve
If you’re looking for a simpler way to serve cake, cupcakes are the answer. These little sweets offer the same delectable flavors as a larger cake, but are portion-controlled and easily handled. They can also be easily topped with a variety of decorative touches, making them an attractive addition to any occasion.
These individual treats can be adorned with fruit, frosting, jam, pie filling and more. Some bakers use a knife to cut a small hole in the top of the cupcake and spoon in their chosen filling, while others may choose to pipe their filling on top using a pastry bag and a tip.
For an extra-special touch, use a fluted paper liner in your cupcake pan to give the cakes their characteristic shape and help them cook more evenly. The lines of the liners also add an element of elegance to your presentation. You can even dress them up with a dainty sugar flower or leaves for an added touch of sweetness and flair.
