Annie’s Eats

January and early February are filled with birthdays amongst my friends and family.  Normally I do a great job - I have homemade cards for them (another hobby of mine) and usually some gift or baked good.  This year I sort of dropped the ball on most of them because I was on some very busy inpatient rotations for school.  I figured “better late then never” was definitely true in this case and decided to do a mass birthday treat effort to make up for my tardiness.  I was inspired by these cute cupcake boxes and decided to fill them with four different types of cupcakes.  Fun to make and a great excuse to use my beloved mechanical pastry bag :)  Not surprisingly, these were a huge hit with all those who received them.  I think these bakery-style boxes really add to the presentation and I would love to do more things like this.

In an effort to not make this entry ridiculously long with 4 cake recipes and 4 frosting recipes, I will simply link to my sources and give any comments I have.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
If there was any favorite of the four cupcake flavors, it was probably these.  Not surprising because this cake is delicious and the frosting is to die for.  Both have been featured on the blog previously but they are definitely worth mentioning a second time.

Source: cake from Annie’s Eats, frosting from Confections of a Foodie Bride

Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
I think out of the four flavors, these were my favorite.  I was unable to keep myself from eating all the leftovers :)  I had originally planned to do a classic chocolate buttercream, but after spending so much time in the kitchen with my shoulders starting to ache, I decided to go for something easier.  I am SO glad I did.  The frosting is delicious and was incredibly simple.  This will definitely be my go-to chocolate frosting from now on.

Sources: cake from Blonde Ambition in the Kitchen, frosting from Hershey’s

Confetti Cupcakes with Marshmallow Frosting
I am never much of a fan of boxed cake mixes but I know that Funfetti is quite popular.  I do love how much sprinkles can jazz up white cake, so I was thrilled when I found this recipe for homemade Funfetti.  My only complaint was that 2 tbsp. of sprinkles in my cupcakes was not nearly enough to have the right “confetti effect”.  Depending on the size of sprinkles you use, you may want to use more.  Just use your judgement, I’ll definitely use way more next time.  As far as the frosting, it was very tasty but I think I just don’t love meringue as much as regular frosting.  Next time I make these I’ll probably try them with regular vanilla buttercream instead.

Source: Baking Bites

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting
I’m not a chocolate-peanut butter fanatic as some people seem to be, but this combination is really good.  The frosting is just perfect - a good peanut butter flavor, but still sweet and not overpowering.  These were very popular as well. 

Sources: cake from Hershey’s, frosting from Ina Garten on Food Network