Cosmo Cupcake

Some of my most favourite cupcakes are inspired by delicious cocktails!  This is a personal favourite martini of mine that I have enjoyed on a  number of occasions with some wonderful friends!  Like all flavours I love, I decided to transform it into a cupcake.  Here's my take on a Cosmo Martini, cupcake style.  You could even serve it in a martini glass if you want to up the fanciness!  For this recipe you'll need...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water, but no water required for this one)
• 1 Cup of Cranberry Juice (this will replace some of the water your cake mix calls for)
• 1/2 Cup of Craisins
• Lime Juice (to replace the rest of the water called for and some for the icing)
• Zest of Two Limes (Some for the cake and some for the icing)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Red/Pink Food Colouring (gel is preferred - this is optional, it's only for looks)
• Garnish Ideas: Top with a Craisin or Lime Peel Swirl   

Time for the quick whip up of this yummy recipe...


Optional Prep: To make your craisins a little softer, soak them in the cranberry juice for a few hours or even over night to rehydrate them.  This makes the craisins a little more moist and a better texture when you bake them.  It's optional, but I liked it better!

Step 1: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix package.  Add all the ingredients your White Cake Mix calls for EXCEPT for the water.  Instead of the water, replace one cup of the called for amount with Cranberry Juice and top the rest off with Lime Juice.  So, if your recipe calls for 1 1/3 cup of water, add one cup of Cranberry Juice and 1/3 of a cup of Lime Juice.

Step 2: Now it's time to add in the few extra mix'ins.  First add the zest of one lime.  Mix the ingredients together until it is smooth.  Now add the red/pink gel food colouring and mix until the batter is Cosmo pink.  Finally, add the craisins and mix through. Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners and bake as directed on the package.  Once they are done baking, let them cool completely.

Step 3: While they are cooling, why not make the lime flavoured icing by mixing together your vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Now add a small splash of lime juice and the zest of one lime.  Mix well and add some icing sugar until you get the right icing consistency. .

Step 4: Now it's time to pull it all together.  Ice your cupcake with any method you prefer - piping bag, knife, spoon...whatever.  Top it with the garnish of your choice and you're Cosmo Cupcake is ready to be served!  To really impress people with the presentation, try serving it in a martini glass.     

Happy Faking!