Strawberry Red Velvet Cupcake

Not a baker but want to impress your sweetie with a baked treat? This is the recipe for you! Over the past few years companies have started releasing Red Velvet Cake mixes, making it even easier to make this popular treat. But we're going to take it one step fancier so that your Valentine will never know you faked your way through this treat...all it takes is a little strawberry seduction.  To make this rich, decadent cupcake all you'll need is...

• Red Velvet Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water...but we're replacing the water for this one)
• Strawberry Puree (to replace the water your recipe calls for, I pureed frozen strawberries)
• Strawberry Syrup (you know, the stuff you put on ice cream)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish: Strawberry Candy, Fresh Strawberry, Chocolate Covered Strawberry

And now the transformation...

Step 1: Sort of follow the directions on your Red Velvet Cake Mix. Start by preheating your oven and add the oil and eggs...but DO NOT add the water. Replace all of the water your cake mix calls for with Strawberry Puree.  Mix the ingredients together until it is smooth.

Step 2: Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners.  Top each uncooked cupcake with a teaspoon or so of Strawberry Syrup. Bake as directed on the package.  Once they are done baking, let them cool completely.

Step 3: On to the icing! Traditionally you'd use Cream Cheese Icing, but for this recipe we're keeping it easy for the non-bakers.  But if you want Cream Cheese Icing, click HERE for the recipe. To make a simple Vanilla icing just mix together your store bought Vanilla Icing and Butter on high until smooth.  Add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you or just too buttery for your taste.

Step 3: Now it's time to bring it all together and ice your masterpieces! To up the fancy try using an tip in a piping bag.  Just go to Bulk Barn or Micheal's and pick up a simple tip like the #1M (ask a clerk for help).  Ice your cupcakes and top them with the garnish of your choice.

Happy Faking! 

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Tiger Cupcake

With National Cupcake Day and the SPCA's fundraiser just over a month away, I thought it would be fitting to post an animal inspired cupcake! I know that Tiger flavour is usually orange and black licorice, but  most people don't seem to enjoy the flavour of black licorice, so I used chocolate...besides, who's going to complain about getting a cupcake? For this yummy tiger inspired treat you'll need...

• Marble Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Orange Juice (enough to replace the Water your mix calls for)
• 2 tbs Orange Zest
• Orange Gel Food Colouring (optional)
• Store Bought Chocolate Icing 
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup or one full cup if you decide to make chocolate icing....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Orange Coloured Icing, Orange Candy

And now for the recipe...

Step 1: Kind of follow the direction of your Marble Cake Mix.  Go ahead and preheat your oven and add the eggs and oil to the cake mix, but replace the water with Orange Juice. Mix the batter well until smooth.

Step 2: Now, that the batter is mixed you can start following your cake mix directions again.  Portion off 1 cup of the batter into a separate bowl and mix in the cocoa package until smooth. In the remaining batter, mix in some Orange Gel Food Colouring (optional) and the 2 tbs of Orange Zest until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Alright, it's time to get the batter in the cupcake pan liners. Start by spooning in some of your orange batter.  Then add a spoonful of the chocolate batter and top with more orange batter.  To make it swirl together simply take a chopstick and stir it slowly to create a marble/tiger effect.  Place them in the oven and bake as directed on package. Once they are done baking, let them cool completely before icing.

Step 4: While the cupcakes are baking and cooling, why not move onto your icing.  Mix together the store bought Chocolate Icing and around 1/2 a cup of butter on high until smooth.  Mix well and add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery. Spoon or pipe the chocolate icing onto your cupcake and garnish with either some Orange Icing Zigzags or an Orange Candy.

Happy Faking!

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Lil' Deb Cupcake

Here's a treat inspired by a blast from the past - a classic looking old school Little Debbie Cupcake. These cupcakes are not only fun on the outside, but on the inside too with a hidden icing filling.  For this cupcake you'll need...

• Chocolate Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Chocolate Milk  (replace the amount water it calls for) 
• 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (melted)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing 
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)

And now, on to the recipe...

Step 1: Sort of follow the directions on your Chocolate Cake Mix. Start by preheating your oven and add the oil and eggs...but DO NOT add the water.Replace all of the water your cake mix calls for with Chocolate Milk.  Mix the ingredients together until it is smooth.

Step 2: 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: On to the icing! Mix together your store bought Vanilla Icing and Butter on high until smooth.  Add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you or just too buttery for your taste.

Step 4: Take your cooled cupcakes and, using a cupcake corer or small spoon, make a small hole in the centre.  If you're using a spoon, you may want to use a knife first to create a small circle and use a spoon to scoop it out.  Make sure you don't go too far down into the centre of your cupcake or your filling will fall out from the bottom when you unwrap it.
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Step 5: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill the centre of your cupcake with your icing.  Fill it all the way up to the top of the hole then, using a knife or spatula, spread a thin layer of icing over the top of your cupcake.  Place the cupcakes in the fridge to firm up the icing.

Step 6: While you cupcakes are chilling out, melt down your Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. Using a pasty brush, brush the chocolate over the top of your cupcakes and put them aside to set.  To top off the look of your Lil' Deb Cupcake, pipe the signature Little Debbie Swirl on top of your cupcake.

Happy Faking!  

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Chocolate Sundae Cupcake

This is a fun cupcake you can breakout in the summer and not be afraid it will melt into a puddle.  It's also a great cupcake for those who LOVE icing.  For this recipe you'll need a few ice cream sundae fixins and...

• Chocolate Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water...but you won't need the water for this one!)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing (you may want to double your icing depending how big you want your ice cream scoop to be)
• Room Temperature Whipping Cream (enough to replace the water your cake mix calls for plus another 1/2 of a cup for your chocolate sauce)
• 1 Cup Milk Chocolate Chips
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (1/4 of a cup for your chocolate sauce and more for your icing if you'd like)
• Garnish Ides: chopped peanuts, maraschino or fresh cherries, mini coloured spoon

And here's the recipe...

Step 1: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix package.  Add all the ingredients your Chocolate Cake Mix calls for EXCEPT for the water.  Instead of the water, replace the called for amount with Whipping Cream - feel free to whip your cream a little before you add it. Mix the ingredients together until it is smooth.

Step 2: 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 your cupcakes are cooling, start mixing your icing.  Using you mixer, throw in the Store Bought Vanilla Icing and butter on high until smooth. Give your icing a taste and if it's too buttery for your liking or too runny, add in some icing sugar. Place your icing in the fridge so that it's easy to scoop!

Step 4: Now it's time to make your chocolate sauce. You'll want to make this around 10-20 minutes before you  ice your cupcakes because you want it to be warm enough to go on easily and look like chocolate sauce.  Melt one cup of Milk Chocolate Chips in a saucepan on low.  Slowly whisk in your room temperature cream. Turn off heat and whisk in 1/4 of a cup of icing sugar (you can sift if you want, I'm lazy and didn't) and mix until smooth. Stir for a few minutes off the burner and let stand until warm (so no longer HOT).

Step 5: It's assembling time. To get the full effect of the ice cream, you'll want to use an ice cream scoop.  Using your ice cream scoop, top your cupcake with a scoop of icing.  It will be a lot of icing, so feel free to spoon some of the icing out of the centre of the scoop before adding to the top of the cupcake. For the chocolate sauce, take your lukewarm chocolate sauce and put in a piping bag with a small-medium sized tip opening or a Ziploc bag with the end cut off will work too. Drizzle the chocolate sauce on top - this sauce should be thick enough to stay where you drizzle it and firm up more once it cools. To garnish sprinkle chopped peanuts and top with a cherry.  If you wanted to get really creative you could track down little mini coloured spoons and stick them in the icing.

Happy Faking!

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Chocolate Potato Cupcake

When a friend of mine jokingly asked me to make a Potato Cupcake, I couldn't help myself...and it was actually quite delicious!  When you bite into this cupcake all you can taste is a deliciously moist and rich chocolate cupcake - the only hint of potato is the garnish.  For this spud-tacular cupcake you'll need...

• Chocolate Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• Milk (enough to replace the water your cake mix calls for)
• 2 Cups Grated Potato (I didn't bother removing the peel if you're wondering...but you can)
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Green Gel Food Colouring (Optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Plain Potato Chip or Chocolate Covered Potato Chip (you'll need chips and melted chocolate chips to do this...see below for instructions)

And here's my simple recipe...

Step 1: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix package.  Add all the ingredients your Chocolate Cake Mix calls for EXCEPT for the water.  Instead of the water, replace the called for amount with Milk. Mix the ingredients together until it's smooth. Stir in Grated Potato until fully incorporated.

Step 2: 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: For the icing, I decided to make Vanilla Icing and dye it green, but you could leave it white or use Chocolate Icing instead.  So, for my Vanilla Icing, using your mixer beat the vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth. Give your icing a taste and if it's too buttery for your liking add in some icing sugar.  At this point I added in my Green Gel Food colouring until I was happy with my icing.

Step 4 (optional): If you'd like to top your cupcake with a chocolate dipped chip simply melt down 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and dip half your chip in the melted chocolate.  Place the chocolate dipped chip on a piece of wax paper and repeat for as many garnishes as you need.  If you get tired of dipping, don;t worry about it.  Simply garnish some with chocolate dipped chips and some with plain - no one will ever know!

Step 5: It's time to ice your cupcakes.  Spoon or pipe your cupcake with the icing you just mixed up.  Top your cupcake with the garnish of your choice and enjoy the reactions of your guests.

Happy Faking!

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Tie-Dye Cupcake

I LOVE these cupcakes! Just looking at them makes me smile. They are playful and have fun written all over them.  Whether it's a kids birthday, a small celebration or a big retro party blowout, these cupcakes are versatile enough to serve up at most any occasion.  To make this colourful treat you'll need...

• Vanilla Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water - but we're subbing out the water for this one)
• Buttermilk (to replace the water)
• Assorted Gel Food Colouring (as many or as few colours as you'd like)
• Store Bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: This cupcake doesn't really need a garnish, but if you wanted to up the colour insanity you could always sprinkle rainbow coloured candies or chocolate chips

Now how to make them...

Step 1: Follow the direction of your Vanilla Cake Mix - from preheating your oven through to adding the eggs and oil BUT replace the water it calls for with Buttermilk.  Mix together the batter until smooth.

Step 2: Here comes the COLOUR. Decide how many colours you want to include in your batter.  For simplicity, let's say you go with 6.  Take 6 medium-small sized bowls and divide out your batter evenly - or not...no one will know.  Add your selected Gel Food Colouring to each bowl and mix well.  Now you have 6 different colours of batter!


Step 3: Using a teaspoon,  spoon in a single colour of batter into your cupcake liner.  Alternate between all the colours until you've filled your cupcake liner 3/4 of the way full.  While you're filling each cupcake liner, try tipping the pan slightly as you add a colour so that the layers aren't lying flat on each other.  Bake as directed on the package.


Step 4: While your cupcakes are baking, why not whip up the vanilla icing. Mix together your Vanilla Icing and Butter on high until smooth.  Taste your icing and if it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery add in some icing sugar.

Step 5:  To make your Tie-Die icing, you'll need a piping bag, tip of your choice (I used tip 1M - my favourite!), assorted Gel Food Colouring and a small paintbrush or long stick.  Take your piping bag and brush or scrape on a long stripe of Gel Food Colouring on the inside of the bag.  Alternate around the colouring around the inside of your bag until it looks like a multicolour peppermint wheel.  Carefully spoon in the icing trying not to mess up the sides - you'll touch the sides a bit but it's not a big deal.  Pipe the icing on as you normally would and it will come out rainbow streaked!

Happy Faking!

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Oatmeal Raisin Cinnamon Cupcake

This is another cupcake inspired by one of my favourite childhood cookies. Warning: this recipe contains raisins. It seems that people either love or hate raisins with no middle ground to be found. But I love them, so here's what you'll need to make this sweet take on classic cookie...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 2 cups Oats
• 1 cup Raisins
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon 
• Store Bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Raisins, Oatmeal

And now the recipe...

Step 1: Follow the directions on your White Cake Mix from preheating your oven through to adding the oil, eggs, and water. Add in 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon. Mix the ingredients together until smooth. Stir in 2 cups of Oats and then add in 1 cup of Raisins.

Step 2: 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: On to the icing. Mix together your vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Taste your icing and if it's it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery add in some icing sugar. Top your cupcake with the icing using any method you like.  To garnish, I sprinkled a few Oats over the icing and topped each cupcake with a single raisin.

Happy Faking!

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Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cupcake

Inspired by one of my favourite childhood cookies, this cupcake is moist and dense with just a touch of chocolate. And of course, the perfect pairing is a tall glass of milk.  To make this delightfully delicious treat you'll need...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 2 cups Oats
• 1 cup Mini Chocolate Chips 
• Store Bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Mini Chocolate Chips, Oatmeal

Here's the recipe...

Step 1: Follow the directions on your White Cake Mix from preheating your oven through to adding the oil, eggs, and water. Mix the ingredients together until it is smooth. Stir in 2 cups of Oats and then add in 1 cup of Mini Chocolate Chips.

Step 2: 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: Time to whip up some icing. Mix together your vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Taste your icing and if it's it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery add in some icing sugar. Top your cupcake with the icing using any method you like.  To garnish, I sprinkled a few Mini Chocolate Chips and Oats on top.

Happy Faking!

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Triple Berry Cupcake

Need a quick cupcake that is summer fresh and has only one ingredient to add to the mix? Why not whip up these Triple Berry Cupcakes that are perfect for a backyard BBQ and elegant enough to serve at a wedding. I know this because I've done both! For this recipe all you'll need is...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• 1 cup of Triple Berry Curd (some for the batter and some for the top of your cupcake - the store bought stuff is perfect...even the stuff in the jar)
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)

It's mixing time...

Step 1: Follow the directions of your White Cake Mix - from preheating your oven through to adding the eggs, oil, water, etc. Now it's time to add one more ingredient.  Add 1/2 cup of Triple Berry Curd and mix the batter until smooth. 

Step 2: 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 you're waiting for your cupcakes to cool, why not make the icing!  Using your mixer, mix the vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth. Give your icing a taste and if it's too buttery for your liking, add in some icing sugar.

Step 4: Now that your cupcakes are completely cooled, it's time to assemble your Triple Berry Cupcakes.  Take your cooled cupcakes and spread some Triple Berry Curd over the top.  Next, fill your piping bag with your Vanilla Icing and pipe it onto the top.  I like to make sure that you can still see the Triple Berry Curd poking out from under the icing. And they're ready to eat!    

Happy Faking!

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Neapolitan Cupcake

The best thing about Neapolitan ice cream is that you don't need to choose between chocolate, strawberry and vanilla - one of the hardest decisions in life if you ask me.  Making the decision on a cupcake flavour is just as hard, so why not make Neapolitan Cupcakes? Here's everything that you'll need to do just that...

• Marble Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Strawberry Apple Sauce (enough to replace the Water AND Oil your recipe calls for)
• Store Bought Vanilla Icing
• Store Bought Chocolate Icing (optional)
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup or one full cup if you decide to make chocolate icing....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Fresh Strawberry, Chocolate Curls, Strawberry Candy

On to the recipe...

Step 1: Kind of follow the direction of your Marble Cake Mix.  Go ahead and preheat your oven and add the eggs to the cake mix, but replace the water and oil with Strawberry Apple Sauce. Mix the batter well until smooth.

Step 2: Now, I know your Marble Cake Mix says to portion off 1 cup or so of the batter, but since when do I listen to my cake mix directions?  Instead, only portion around 3/4 a cup into a separate bowl and mix in the cocoa package to the 3/4 cup of batter. You could portion off the full cup if you want more Chocolate than Strawberry, but it's really up to you.

Step 3: Spoon your Strawberry flavoured cupcake batter into your cupcake pan liners, only filling them just over 1/2 way.  Then, spoon a tablespoon or so of the chocolate batter in the centre of the strawberry batter.  Place them in the oven and bake as directed on package. Once they are done baking, let them cool completely before icing.

Step 3 (optional): I had some left over chocolate icing that I decided to put in the centre on my icing mound.  To make my Chocolate icing simply mix together the Chocolate icing and around 1/2 a cup of butter on high until smooth.  Mix well and add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery.  Pipe or spoon around a tablespoon or so of the Chocolate icing in the centre of your cupcake.

Step 4: For the vanilla icing simply mix together the store bought vanilla icing and around 1/2 a cup of butter on high until smooth.  Mix well and, like the Chocolate icing, add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery. Pipe it around the Chocolate icing, if you decided to have Chocolate and Vanilla icing, or simply pipe it on top of your cooled cupcake. Garnish with a Fresh Strawberry, some Chocolate Curls or a Strawberry Candy.

Happy Faking!

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Lemon Blueberry Cupcake

Did you know that the colour associated with Saint Patrick was originally blue?  So why not incorporate a little splash of blue at your Saint Patrick's Day party and test your guests knowledge. These Lemon Blueberry cupcakes will definitely fit the bill with a small splash of blueberry blue!  For this cupcake you'll need...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water - but we're replacing the water with Milk)
• Milk (to replace the water)
• 1/4 Cup Lemon Curd (plus some for the centre)
• 2/3 Cup Blueberries
• 2 Tablespoons Blueberry Jam (plus some for the centre) 
• Store Bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)

And now, on to the recipe...

Step 1: Sort of follow the directions on your White Cake Mix. Start by preheating your oven and add the oil and eggs...but DO NOT add the water.Replace all of the water your cake mix calls for with Milk.  Add in 1/4 of a cup of Lemon Curd and mix the ingredients together until it is smooth.

Step 2: Now it's time to add the blueberries.  It's you're adding frozen berries, you may want to toss them lightly in flour.  That way your batter won't turn purpley-blue.  Add your blueberries and carefully stir them in.  Do not over stir or your batter or your batter will turn purpley-blue no matter what you do.

Step 3: Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners and bake as directed on the package.  Once they are done baking, let them cool completely.

Step 4: On to the icing! I was very lucky to receive a delicious bottle of homemade blueberry jam (THANKS MM) that I used for my recipe, but if you don't have a bottle of homemade jam, store bought jam will be ok too. Mix together your store bought Vanilla Icing and Butter on high until smooth.  Add in two tablespoon of smooth blueberry jam - you'll want it to be smooth so that you can pipe the icing onto your cupcake without clogging.   Mix well until smooth and add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you, too buttery or if the jam made it a little too runny.

Step 5: Take your cooled cupcakes and, using a cupcake corer or small spoon, make a small hole in the centre.  If you're using a spoon, you may want to use a knife first to create a small circle and use a spoon to scoop it out.  Make sure you don't go too far down into the centre of your cupcake or your filling will fall out from the bottom when you unwrap it.
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Step 6: Spoon in around 1/2 of a teaspoon of Lemon Curd into the centre of each cupcake.  Pipe your icing around the outside of your cupcakes and spoon in around a  teaspoon of Blueberry Jam into the centre, covering the small dollop of Lemon Curd your already added. Done!

Happy Faking!

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Chocolate Chip Cookie Cupcake

Love chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes? Then you'll love this mash-up! The soft cake, sweet icing and chewy cookie is a delicious combination that is only made better with a tall glass of milk. You can make them so that the cookie sits in the centre of the cupcake or on the bottom like I did. For this cupcake you'll need...

• Vanilla Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water - but we're subbing out the water for this one)
• Milk (to replace the water)
• Store Bought Cookie Dough
• Store Bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Cool Whip
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate 
• Garnish Ideas: Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies, Mini Chocolate Chips, Cookie Dough 

On to the recipe...

Step 1: Follow the direction of your Vanilla Cake Mix - from preheating your oven through to adding the eggs and oil BUT replace the water it calls for with Milk.  Mix together the batter until smooth and spoon into cupcake liners.

Step 2a (Cookie on Bottom of Cupcake): To have your cookie sit near the bottom of your cupcake, add one teaspoon of cookie dough on top of each cupcake, place in oven, and bake as directed on package.  Once they are done baking, let them cool completely. NOTE: This way is way easier and less involved...seriously though, who cares where the cookie is as long as you get to eat it!


Step 2b (Cookie near middle to top of Cupcake): To have your cookie sit closer to the middle-top of your cupcake, add one teaspoon of cookie dough on top of each cupcake half way through the baking process.  So, place your cupcakes in the oven and bake as directed on package, remove half way through and quickly place one teaspoon of cookie dough on top of each half baked cupcake. Put them back in for the remaining time and once they are done baking, let them cool completely. NOTE: You need to be quick putting your dough on your cupcakes because you don't want them to be out of the oven long.

Step 3:  While the cupcakes are cooling you'll want to whip up the glaze and icing.  For the glaze, melt together 4 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and around a cup of Cool Whip.  Let it cool a little while you make the icing.

Step 4: For my vanilla icing simply mix together the vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Mix well and add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery.

Step 5: Now it's time to ice your cupcakes and top them with the glaze and garnish.  Ice your cupcake with any method you prefer - piping bag, knife, spoon...whatever.  Place the warm chocolate glaze mixture in a piping bag or a Ziploc bag.  Cut the tip and drizzle as much as you want over the top of each cupcake.  Then top with the garnish of your choice and enjoy.

Happy Faking!

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Gingerbread Cupcake

There's nothing more comforting than the smell of gingerbread.  From gingerbread cookies to gingerbread houses, it's a Christmas classic that needs to be represented as a faking fancy cupcake!  It's a heart-warming smell that takes you back to your childhood and Christmases past.  For this Christmas classic flavour 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 Molasses (this will replace some of the water your cake mix calls for)
• Milk (to replace the rest of the water called for) 
• 1 tablespoon of Ginger
• 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon (plus a little to sprinkle over the top of the cupcake as garnish)
• 1 teaspoon of Cloves (you can go a little less on this if you like less spicy gingerbread)
• Store bought Vanilla or White Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Cinnamon Stick, Small Gingerbread Person, Shaved Cinnamon 

And here's the festive fun recipe...

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 Molasses and top the rest off with Milk.  So, if your recipe calls for 1 1/3 cup of water, add one cup of Molasses and 1/3 of a cup of Milk.

Step 2: Now it's time to add in some classic Christmas spices to your batter - 1 tablespoon of Ginger, 1 teaspoon of Cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of Cloves.  If you like a less spicy gingerbread, use only 1/2 to 3/4 of a teaspoon of Cloves.  Mix the ingredients together until smooth, spoon the batter into your cupcake liners and bake as directed on the package.  Once they are done baking, let them cool completely before icing.

Step 3: Since the cupcake has a lot going on, I went for a very basic vanilla icing.  You could use whipped cream if you'd like.  For my vanilla icing all you need to do is mix together the vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Mix well and add some icing sugar if it's not sweet enough for you or too buttery.

Step 4: It's assembly time.  Ice your cupcake with any method you prefer - piping bag, knife, spoon...whatever.  Top it with the garnish of your choice.  I shaved some cinnamon over top and topped it with a small piece of cinnamon stick.  I'm making them again this week and will probably use a gingerbread cookie for double the gingerbread fun.     

Happy Faking!

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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!

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Orange Creamsicle Cupcake

Whether you're looking for the taste of summer or a Halloween appropriate treat, this cupcake has lots of flexibility.  Plus, it's both kid and adult friendly!  For this recipe you'll need...

• Vanilla Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water, but no water required for this one)
• 1 cup of Cream  (this will replace some of the water your cake mix calls for...feel free to use any cream you want like whipping cream, blend cream, or even coffee cream)
• Orange Juice
• Zest of Two Oranges (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)
• Orange Food Colouring (gel is preferred)
• Garnish Ideas: Candy Corn for Halloween or half a Popsicle stick 

On to the recipe...

Step 1: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix package.  Add all the ingredients your Vanilla Cake Mix calls for EXCEPT for the water.  Instead of the water, replace one cup of the called for amount with Cream and top the rest off with Orange Juice.  So, if your recipe calls for 1 1/3 cup of water, add one cup of Cream and 1/3 of a cup of Orange Juice. Then add the zest of one orange.  Mix the ingredients together until it is smooth.

Step 2: 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: For the icing, I decided to make it as authentic to a Creamsicle as I possible could, so I made the centre of the icing vanilla and wrapped it in orange flavoured icing.  To do this I had to make my icing in two steps, but it's really easy!  First, make the base of your icing by mixing together your vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Give it a taste and if it's too buttery for you, add some icing sugar.  Once you're happy with the taste and consistency, you're ready to add a dab on top of your cupcake.  Try to put it as close to the middle as possible. I used a piping bag with tip #12 to make it a little easier.

Step 4: Now that you have your cream filled centre, it's time to make the orange flavoured icing!  Simply add the zest of one orange and a tablespoon of Orange Juice and mix it together on high.  To give it a true Creamsicle colour, add some Orange Food Colouring.  I prefer the gel food colourings because it doesn't alter the consistency of the icing.  Then, simply cover your vanilla icing over with the orange flavoured icing.  You can use anything you like to add the icing onto your cupcake, but it is easiest to use a piping bag.  And that's it!     

Happy Faking!

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Dulce de Leche Cupcake

Sometimes you just need a little something sweet to get you through a tough day.  If you're looking for that perfect little sweet little indulgence, here's the perfect cupcake that is sure to fit the bill and make you smile.  To make this delightfully sweet treat you'll need...

• Chocolate Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• 1 Jar of Dulce de Leche Topping
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish (optional): Milk Duds

On to the recipe...

Step 1: Follow the direction of your Chocolate Cake Mix - from preheating your oven through to adding the eggs, oil, water, etc.  Mix together until the batter is smooth..

Step 2 : After that you have a few options on how you'd like to add in the Dulce de Leche topping into your batter.  Your first option is to add around 1/3 of a cup directly into the batter and mixing it through.  Your second option, and my preference, is to add a couple of small dollops of Dulce de Leche into each cupcake (alternating a small spoonful of batter then a small spoonful of Dulce de Leche) or spooning some Dulce de Leche directly on top of the cupcake batter as you fill your cupcake liners.  By doing it the second way, the bottom of your cupcake gets all sticky and gooey  - almost like you soaked it in the Dulce de Leche - YUM.  Either way, it's yummy and completely up to you.


Step 3: Fill you cupcake pan liners around 3/4 of the way. Don't overfill your cupcake liners because you'll need some space between the cupcake and the top of the liner to act as a barrier to top the cupcake with the Dulce de Leche topping.  Place in the oven and bake as directed on package.  Once done, cool completely before icing. 

Step 4: On to the icing.  Mix together your vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Give it a taste and if it's too buttery for your taste, add some icing sugar.  Once you're happy with the taste, you're ready to put together your Dulce de Leche Cupcake .

Step 4: Now it's time to assemble your sweet Dulce de Leche Cupcake.  Spoon on as much or as little Dulce de Leche topping over the top of your cupcake.  The Dulce de Leche topping won't soak into your cupcake much, so you'll only need enough to spread over the top.  This is also why it it was important not to overfill your cupcake liners so that it can act as a barrier.

Step 5: Finally, it's time to ice your cupcakes.  Because of the Dulce de Leche topping, it's easier if you use a piping bag and tip, but if you'd like to can try spooning it on.  Finally, top your cupcake off with a Milk Dud or whatever garnish you choose.

Happy Faking! 

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Chocolate Peanut Banana-Buster Cupcake

When I was little, I grew up on two sandwiches: peanut butter & jam AND peanut butter & banana.  I've already made a cupcake version of my first classic childhood sandwich, so I felt it was time to make my other favourite as I bid farewell to my apartment and tiny galley  kitchen.   For this kinda healthy recipe you’ll need…

• Chocolate Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water...but you won't need the water for this one, but maybe some milk!)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• Store bought Chocolate Icing
• 2 medium over-ripened  bananas puréed (you'll need enough to make up the  amount of water your recipe calls for- if you don't have enough banana just add some milk to top it off)
• Butter (room temperature...around 1 cup....but it's up to you)
• 1/3 cup Peanut Butter
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Peanut or Chocolate Covered Peanut

And here's my half healthy recipe...

Step 1: Preheat your oven as directed on the cake mix package.  Add all the ingredients your Chocolate Cake Mix calls for EXCEPT for the water.  Instead of the water, replace the called for amount with puréed bananas. If you don't have quite enough bananas, top it off with some milk. You'll want to use really ripe bananas, ideally over-ripened bananas because they are easier to purée and taste better too. Mix the ingredients together until it is smooth.

Step 2: 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: On to the icing.  For this cupcake I made two icings for fun!  Really you could just make one, but I decided to go big since I'm leading my home!  First, icing number 1... this is the chocolate one that isn't really necessary.  All you need to do is mix together your chocolate store bought icing and 1/2 cup of butter on high until smooth.  Taste the icing and add some icing sugar if it tastes too buttery for your liking.  For icing number 2... the most important icing since it has the peanut butter... mix together your vanilla store bought icing, 1/2 cup of butter, and 1/3 of a cup of peanut butter on high until smooth.  If it seems too runny or isn't sweet enough for you, just add some icing sugar.

Step 4: Now it's time to ice your cupcakes.  First, layer on your chocolate icing.  I just used a spoon. After that, it's time to add the peanut butter icing.  I put mine in a piping bag and used tip #1M.  And that's it!  If you want to garnish your cupcake, you could use a Peanut or a Chocolate Covered Peanut.

Happy Faking!

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White Chocolate, Passion Fruit and Peach Cupcake

Well, it looks like we have a three way tie for second in the cupcake flavour voting for my friends' wedding.  Right now it's between the Berry-Lemony Cupcake, the Lemon Coconut Cupcake, and the White Chocolate, Passion Fruit, and Peach Cupcake flavours.  To help with the decision making, here's the recipe for the White Chocolate, Passion Fruit, and Peach Cupcake. But first, to make this sunshine, summer delight you'll need ...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• 4 ounces White Chocolate
• 1 cup of Passion Fruit and Peach Curd (some for the batter and some for the top of your cupcake - I bought this at the grocery store)
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional) 

And now the recipe...

Step 1: Follow the directions of your White Cake Mix - from preheating your oven through to adding the eggs, oil, water, etc.  You'll notice that White Cake Mixes call for egg whites only and not the whole egg.  I usually don't bother with that and add the whole egg.  Mix together the batter until smooth. 

Step 2: Now it's time to add some sunshine flavour.  Add 1/2 cup of Passion Fruit and Peach Curd and mix it into the batter until fully incorporated. Melt 4 ounces of White Chocolate and slowly mix it into your batter.  Be careful not to burn your White Chocolate.  I would recommend melting it in a double boiler.  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 the cupcakes are cooling, why not make the icing?  Using you mixer, mix your vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Give your icing a taste and if it's too buttery for your liking, add in some icing sugar.

Step 4: To assemble your cupcakes with the icing and Passion Fruit and Peach Curd you can be as creative as you like.  I decided to make my Passion Fruit and Peach Curd the hero by piping my vanilla icing on in the shape of a bowl.  Then I filled the centre with the Passion Fruit and Peach Curd - TA DA! 


Happy Faking!

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Mojito Cupcake

This cupcake requires no muddling, only mixing. It's tangy flavour with a minty finish is a great after dinner dessert or patio palate pleaser...in other words, it's pretty fancy and fun.  If you choose to garnish with fresh mint, like I did, don't garnish the night before as it will wilt....not that I'm speaking from experience.  For this cupcake you'll need...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• 1 Cup of Soda Water infused with Fresh Mint (replace most of the water your recipe calls for)
• 2 Limes (Zest and Juice)
  
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Limenade Drink Powder
  
• Fresh Mint

And now the recipe...

Step 1: Before you do this recipe, you should infuse your Soda Water with some Fresh Mint.  I did mine over night, but as long as it sits for a few hours, you should be fine.  Now on to the actual mixing directions...

Step 2: Kind of follow the direction of your White Cake Mix. You'll want to preheat your oven  and add the eggs and oil, but hold the water.  Zest two of your limes and add them to you batter.  Squeeze both limes into a measuring cup and top it off with your Mint Infused Soda Water until you reach the amount of water you're suppose to add.

Step 3: Mix together the batter and spoon into your cupcake liners. Place in oven and bake as directed on package.  Once they are done baking, let them cool completely.

Step 4: Time to whip together the tangy mojito icing.  Mix together your vanilla icing, butter and Limenade Drink Powder on high until smooth.  Give it a taste and if it's too buttery for your taste, add some icing sugar.  Once you're happy with the taste, layer it onto you cupcake. To garnish, I used fresh mint.  But as I mentioned above, don't garnish the night before because your mint will wilt.

Happy Faking!

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Chai Tea Latte Cupcake

mmmmm... Chai Tea Latte - enough said.  I don't know if it's the warm milk or the equally warming spice of the chai tea, but there is something about the combo that makes everything all better.  Here's the yummy drink in cupcake form complete with a sweet
shortbread treat! For this delight all you'll need is...

• White Cake Mix (plus ingredients to make the cake...usually eggs, oil, and water)
• Brewed Chai Tea
• Store bought Vanilla Icing
• Butter (room temperate...around 1/2 cup....but it's up to you)
• Icing Sugar (optional)
• Garnish Ideas: Shortbread, Sprinkle of Cinnamon, Sprinkle of Nutmeg

Here's the recipe...

Step 1: Sort of follow the direction of your White Cake Mix...go ahead and preheat your oven and add in your eggs and oil, but replace the water with brewed chai tea.  I usually just throw all three whole eggs in and don't separating as directed on the package - it just seems like more hassles than needed. Mix all the ingredients together until the batter is smooth.

Step 2: Spoon the batter into your cupcake liners and bake as directed on package.  Once they are done baking, let them cool completely.

Step 3: For the  icing, mix together your vanilla icing and butter on high until smooth.  Give it a taste and if it's too buttery for your taste, add some icing sugar.  Once you're happy with the taste, layer it on to your cupcakes.

Step 4: For a garnish, I decided to use a shortbread, but feel free to use anything you like to top off this soul-warming treat!

Happy Faking!

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