How to Make the Best Apple Pie Cupcakes

Apple season is in full effect, and what better way to enjoy the fresh fruit of the moment than by baking? If you are like me and love the classic American apple pie but find the task of making the perfect pie crust tedious, then or Easy Apple Pie Cupcakes may just be your solution!

How to Make the Best Apple Pie Cupcakes

This recipe is easy and will take no time at all to whip up. Plus, there are so many ways you can dress them up with different toppings that everyone will be sure to find their favorite flavor.

How to Make the Best Apple Pie Cupcakes

The apples for this recipe should be tart and crisp. I recommend Granny Smith or Jonathan Apples, but feel free to use whichever you like best!

Pick your own apples!

Picking apples with your kids gives them the opportunity to see firsthand where their food comes from. They get a sense of excitement and accomplishment when they find a perfect, ripe apple on our walk through the orchard.

Apple Pie Cupcakes

I learned the 3 simple steps to plucking an apple off a tree from an old farmer:

  1. Gently lift the apple up to you -so it is horizontal from the branch
  2. Twist it three times on the stem
  3. Give it a gentle tug

It should come off in your hand and you never damage either the apple or the tree.

Most apple orchards also have fun things like pumpkin spice or apple cider donuts – make sure you take the time to indulge in their wares.

Apple Pie Cupcakes with apple pie filling

Just like any of our cupcake recipes, you can make the cupcake bases in advance. I actually have some chocolate cupcakes in my freezer right now for Labor Day. Generally, the rule of thumb is that if you plan to frost and enjoy them within a couple of days you should be storing your cupcakes at room temperature.

If you do not plan to frost or enjoy them within a couple of days then it’s best to freeze them. You can learn more about Batch Baking During the Winter Months in my other post if you want to, but batch baking and freezing are some of my trade secrets. Rarely would I pop them in the fridge – the constantly circulating air dries them out too much.

This should go without being said – do NOT cut them open and stuff with apple pie filling before freezing them. Just the plain cupcake bases.

How do you store Best Apple Pie Cupcakes

How do you store Best Apple Pie Cupcakes?

Here is the thing – with the more futzy designs, I like to make them in advance of an event or get-together. The best way to usually store your finished creations? Room Temperature.

Between the buttercream frosting and apple pie filling, they should be fine for five to six days. They will tend to get soggier as time goes by. You can learn more about that in our article How To Frost A Cupcake.

Easy Apple Pie Filled Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting

You can use a boxed yellow cake mix to whip up your cupcake bases or use our recipe to make them from scratch. Best Yellow Cupcake Recipe from Scratch

Apple Pie Cupcakes Ingredients:

After you have the cupcake bases taken care of, you need to make the filling and also the frosting before you assemble them.

Apple Pie Cupcakes Ingredients

Apple Pie Cupcakes Filling Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 medium green apples, peeled and diced small
  • ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Apple Pie Cupcake Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1½ teaspoons cinnamon

How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes

Bake cupcakes per recipe, let them cool completely.

Spoon out an opening in the center of each cupcake.

Make your apple pie cupcake filling:

In a skillet over medium heat cook butter, apples, and brown sugar for 10-12 minutes.

Apple Pie Cupcakes with buttercream frosting

Mix cornstarch and water until fully combined and then stir it into the apple mixture.

Apple Pie Cupcakes homemade

Boil until thick, remove from heat and allow to cool fully.

Spoon filling into the middle of each cupcake.

Apple Pie stuffed Cupcakes

Apple Pie Cupcakes Frosting

Apple Pie Cupcakes with box cake mix

Mix butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and cinnamon until light and fluffy.

Apple Pie spiced Cupcakes

Place it in your piping bag with a star tip and frost each cupcake.

Apple Pie Cupcakes yellow cake mix

I like to garnish them with a little fresh sliced apple – just to give them a little pop of color and crunch.

Apple Pie filled Cupcakes recipe

Apple Pie Cupcakes yellow cake mix

Other apple recipes you may find yummy:

Apple Pie Cupcakes

How to Make Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

It’s that time of year again! The leaves are changing, the air is getting crisper- and you know what that means: it’s Halloween season. This recipe for Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes will be sure to delight your guests this holiday season.

How to Make Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

This recipe is not only for unicorn lovers but for anyone who wants to make a magical dessert! These cupcakes are surprisingly easy to make and the hardest part might be waiting for the cupcakes to cool before you can decorate them with your favorite colors!

Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

The Halloween season kicks off with October 31st being All Hallow’s Eve which means “the eve of all saints.” This was also known as Samhain in Celtic culture. The night before this day marked the beginning of winter (a time where many crops died.)

It became connected to ghosts and spirits since people would go door-to-door looking for treats while wearing masks like mischievous goblins on November first!

Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

So they were honoring their ancestors who had passed away during the previous year by giving them food offerings from their harvest so they could take care of them in the next world.

Basically, Halloween is all about things we can’t see or understand.

Why are unicorns so popular?

The unicorn is a symbol of purity and it’s easy to see why they’ve been used for centuries in religious iconography as symbols of Christ, mainly because the single horn on their foreheads.

In medieval European legend, unicorns are said to have healing powers if you can kill them but this story has its roots back in Indian mythology where people believe that only virgins could capture these spirits!

Yes, I use a boxed mix to whip up these treats, but you can make our vanilla cupcake from scratch recipe follow along too.

Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

We use a traditional Halloween candy as an inspiration for the cupcake base – the candy corn.

Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

History of candy corn

Candy corn is a popular Halloween treat consumed by children and adults alike, but the history of this sweet confection goes back to when it was created in the 1800s.

Candy Corn History: The original recipe for these candies consisted primarily of sugar, corn syrup, butter, or coconut oil along with vanilla extract and food coloring.

They were then shaped into crescent-shaped pieces that resembled Indian war clubs called “maces” (the shape resembles teeth marks). These sugary treats became an instant sensation because they looked similar to real ears of corn that had just been harvested from fields nearby.

The colors alone scream fall harvest and make for a fun pallet to work with.

Candy Corn Cupcakes Ingredients

white cupcake liners

Vanilla Frosting

  • 1 1/2 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 3 C powder sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3-5 tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • purple, orange, and green gel food coloring

You will also need:

  • 1 disposable piping bag fitted with a #22 tip
  • 1 large piping bag fitted with a large star frosting tip
  • Wilton Candy Corn Unicorn cupcake decorations (Found at Walmart in the Halloween department)
How to Make Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

How to Make Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place cupcake liners into the cupcake pans. Follow the directions on the back of the box to make the cupcake batter. Divide the batter evenly into 3 bowls. In one bowl, mix in a few drops of the orange gel food coloring, in the second bowl, mix in a few drops of the yellow gel food coloring and leave the third bowl color-free (white).

How to Make Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

Using a spoon, scoop some orange cake batter into the cupcake liners, enough to cover the bottom.

How to Make Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

Scoop some yellow cake batter on top of the orange batter. Then scoop some white cake batter on top of the yellow layer.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove from over and let set in the pans for 5 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack.

Frosting directions

Using a standing mixer, beat together all ingredients except the food coloring, beating together until creamy and smooth and stiff peaks form.

Scoop 2 C of frosting into the large piping bag

Divide the rest of the frosting into three different bowls. Mix in one color each into each bowl; purple, orange, and green.

Scoop the purple frosting into one side of the disposable piping bag, scoop the orange frosting into another side of the disposable piping bag, and then scoop the green frosting into the last side of the disposable piping bag.

Some people find that confusing and like the saran wrap tick. Just check out this video –

The cling wrap tip is about five minutes into the video – but she shares a lot of fun other tips too!

Frost the cooled cupcakes with the white frosting

Place the horn into the middle of the frosting

Place ears on either side of the horn

Place the “Eyes” below the horn, and then, using the colorful frosting, pipe the unicorn mane around the top and along the side.

How to Make Magical Halloween Unicorn Cupcakes

Other fun Halloween Treats:

Other recipes you may like to check out:

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Strawberry season is just around the corner and if you want to celebrate the season with a dessert, try Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes. They are easy and so delicious!

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes box mix

This red and ripe berry is only available for a few weeks, so my Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are the perfect way to celebrate this fleeting season.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

I also added some whipped topping on top for an extra dollop of sweetness. These little beauties will satisfy your cravings even after berry season has ended!

These Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are easy, delicious, beautiful – what more could you want?

History of strawberry shortcake :

The strawberry shortcake is a dessert that originated in the 18th century. It was traditionally made with biscuit dough, eggs, and sugar whipped up into a batter then dipped into butter to make it flaky. This would be baked until golden brown on top and soft inside (like a sponge cake).

The strawberries were cut into thin slices or whole berries that are mixed in for taste then served warm either by themselves or topped off with fresh cream or vanilla ice cream on top!

Nowadays, you can find variations of this recipe using all sorts of toppings like chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, and graham crackers as well as other types of biscuits such as vanilla scones. Strawberry Shortcakes now have nearly replaced old favorites like chocolate cakes and red velvet cupcakes!

The Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes are easy to make. Just follow the recipe below for a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion or just an afternoon snack.

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

How to make strawberries last longer

With this being a fleeting season for them, you want to make sure you get the most out of your strawberries.

It is important that they are washed, dried, and stored with care in order to keep them from spoiling too quickly.

The best way to store fresh berries for long-term use is by washing them thoroughly then drying them off completely before placing them into an airtight container lined with paper towels or a cloth towel such as cheesecloth.

This will help absorb moisture which can lead to mold growth when left wet on its own. It also keeps the fruit from sticking together so it won’t go bad more quickly because there’s less surface area exposed where air and bacteria can penetrate through!

Freezing Strawberries

This technique works great if you plan on using them within a few days for an easy dessert or to top off your favorite smoothie bowl. Wash, dry, and hull the berries before placing them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper in single layers without touching each other.

Put them into the freezer but make sure you don’t cram too many strawberries onto one tray because this will lower how quickly they freeze and can lead to unpleasantly mushy fruit once thawed out!

In order to use frozen strawberries: as soon as they are taken from the freezer, let them sit at room temperature so that it softens up a bit since being cold can cause any heat-sensitive food like these iced treats to become soggy or icy when placed directly into hot liquids. Then simply slice if desired and add to your favorite smoothie bowl, or top off on a dessert or ice cream sundae.

Homemade Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Just like any of our cupcake recipes, you can make the cupcake bases in advance. I actually have some chocolate cupcakes in my freezer right now for Valentine’s Day. Generally, the rule of thumb is that if you plan to frost and enjoy them within a couple of days you should be storing your cupcakes at room temperature.

If you do not plan to frost or enjoy them within a couple of days then it’s best to freeze them. You can learn more about Batch Baking During the Winter Months in my other post if you want to, but batch baking and freezing are some of my trade secrets. Rarely would I pop them in the fridge – the constantly circulating air dries them out too much.

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

How do you store Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes?

Here is the thing – with the more futzy designs, I like to make them in advance of an event or get-together. The best way to usually store your finished creations? Room Temperature.

Granted, with a whipped cream topping, they aren’t going to be safe that long at room temperature. This is the ONE exception I make to sticking them in the fridge – normally I say “no” to the fridge, but this is a rare exception. You can learn more about that in our article How To Frost A Cupcake.

Quick and Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Yes, I am using a boxed cake mix to whip up the bases for these today – but the details are really in the assembly of the actual cupcake. If you DO want to make them from scratch – use our yellow cupcake recipe first: Best Yellow Cupcake Recipe from Scratch

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Ingredients:

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes filling

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced small
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes Frosting:

  • Whipped Cream
  • Additional fresh strawberries for garnish

How to make Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes

Prepare cupcakes per recipe on the box and then let them cool completely.

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes filling

For the filling stir sugar into diced strawberries and let sit for 30 minutes. This is called macerating them. It helps pull the juice out and soften the berries.

  • Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes filling

Spoon out an opening in the center of each cupcake and fill with strawberry sugar mixture

  • Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes frosting

Frost with whipped cream and top with fresh strawberry garnish

Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes with cool whip frosting

Other strawberry recipes you may like:

12 of the Best Baking Hacks: Clever Ways to Save Time

The best baking hacks? Baking can be a fun and rewarding hobby. However, it can also feel like an insurmountable task when you are faced with recipes that seem to have too many steps or ingredients. If this is the case for you, don’t worry!

12 of the Best Baking Hacks: Clever Ways to Save Time

In today’s blog post we will be giving you 12 of the best baking hacks to help make your life easier and your baked goods better. These tricks make baking faster, easier, and more enjoyable so that everyone can enjoy their favorite treats!

12 of the Best Baking Hacks

Everyone needs and loves time-saving tips. So, whether you are preparing pies or rolls, the following baking hacks will help you to save loads of time and money.

Many people detest baking as they take a lot of time and produce a lot of mess. The following hacks will surely make your baking experience more enjoyable and cleaner.

  • How to Use Pancake Mix to Make Moist Cupcakes

Not many people would believe it but, yes, you can make delicious cupcakes with a pancake mix. The preparation is beyond simple and the cupcakes will be surprisingly delicious.

FYI – you can also use a cookie mix or even a brownie mix to make cupcakes too!

Learn How to Use Pancake Mix to Make Moist Cupcakes here

best baking hacks
  • How to Fill a Pastry Bag

A pastry bag comes in handy when decorating cupcakes at home. It may sound scary, but the process is actually simple and it really makes quick work of the job when you are looking at a lot of treats to make.

Learn How to Fill a Pastry Bag here

  • Ways to Dress Up Box Mix Cupcakes

Using a boxed cake mix not only speeds up the recipe, but can keep cost down as they are even to be found at your local Dollar Tree store – for a buck! The trick is, to make them actually taste homemade – instead of that uniform “I just came out of a box” flavor.

Learn the various Ways to Dress Up Box Mix Cupcakes here

  • How to Make DIY Edible Glitter

Making edible glitter is very easy and the kids will surely love it. So many people get confused about this and try to use NON-food safe glitter in their baked goods. You can use the glitter on cupcakes and even to create colorful drinks.

Learn How to Make DIY Edible Glitter here

best baking hacks
  • How to Make Buttermilk

Buttermilk is not something that you will have readily at home. However, you need not race to the neighborhood store to buy one. It is a simple recipe which you can make at home and often comes in very handy!

Learn How to Make Buttermilk here

  • How to Make Cake Release

If you want perfect cakes each time, then you must learn how to prepare cake pans. The instructions are easy, and you will be absolutely amazed at how much of a difference it really makes on getting that treat out of your cake pans.

Anyone who has ever had one of those fancy bundt pans where half their cake was still staring at them after they tried to flip it out? You will love this!

Learn How to Make Cake Release here

  • Cupcake Troubleshooting

If you have ever had a cupcake fail and didn’t want to spend hours and hours on Youtube trying to figure it out? This is a comprehensive cupcake troubleshooting guide that will help you nail down that issue and before you know it, you will be making perfect cupcakes every time.

Learn all about Cupcake Troubleshooting here

best baking hacks
  • How to Make Killer Cupcakes

Again, this is how to take a boxed cake mix and tweak just a few things so you can amaze your friends and family with decadent tasting and textures of a gourmet-styled cupcake.

Seriously, these are tips from a professional cake baker!

Learn How to Make Killer Cupcakes here

  • Cake Pan Converter

Finding the right cake pan size will never be a problem for you if you have this cake pan converter. It tells you how you can adjust any recipe to fit whatever sized cake pan you need to use.

Get the Cake Pan Converter here

  •  How to Frost a Cupcake

There are a few different ways to frost a cupcake or decorate it. Will you pipe it one? Spread it on? Learn more!

Learn How to Frost a Cupcake here

cupcakes
  •  Easy Tips for Greasing a Bundt

It is all those nooks and crannies that make your cake batter stick like a little booger. If you want to preserve the perfection of the design of your cake when you flip it out, then you must grease the Bundt pan properly.

Get the Easy Tips for Greasing a Bundt here

  •  Keto Chocolate Cupcakes

This is one of the most searched cupcake terms on Google. Keto Chocolate cupcakes are gluten-free and need no introduction. It is a basic chocolate cupcake recipe; so you can decorate it whatever way you like.

Get the recipe of Keto Chocolate Cupcakes here

Other articles you may find helpful:

The Best Dr Pepper Cupcakes From Scratch

Dr Pepper is a popular soda with many people. It has just the right amount of sweetness and fizz to be great for any occasion! Dr Pepper cupcakes are even more amazing because they capture all the flavors that make Dr Pepper so much fun.

The Best Dr Pepper Cupcakes From Scratch

The best part about these cupcakes? They’re from scratch, so you know their ingredients are fresh and wholesome. If you want to try something new, or if you love Dr pepper then this recipe is perfect for you!

The Best Dr Pepper Cupcakes From Scratch

These Dr Pepper cupcakes have a light, fluffy texture and are perfect for any occasion. But it gets even better! The frosting is even made with Dr pepper so you can enjoy the flavor of your favorite soda all day long!

History of Dr Pepper

The Dr Pepper Company was originally founded by a pharmacist, Charles Alderton. In 1885 in Waco Texas he invented the drink we know and love today! He called it “Waco”. It wasn’t until years later that it became known as Dr. Pepper after its main ingredient – pepsin powder which is used to help break down food in the stomach.

vintage dr pepper bottles

What does Dr Pepper Taste Like?

Dr Pepper is a unique tasting soda that’s hard to describe. It has hints of both sweetness and spiciness with a citrus flavor as well! Many people also notice some cinnamon notes when they drink Dr pepper for the first time.

Others? Think it is a close comparison to a Cherry Coke or Cherry Pepsi.

Regardless, I love the catchy jingle that rocked my childhood:

Vintage Dr. Pepper commercial circa 1979 featuring David Naughton (“Makin’ It”) & Popeye The Sailor.

Pretty cool for the special effects of the time — and yes, you are welcome for that “I’m a pepper, you’re a pepper, he’s a pepper, she’s a pepper – wouldn’t you like to be a pepper too jingle that is now stuck in your head…

Other favorite ways to use Dr Pepper

Some people just love it chilled and ready to drink. A few (I think slightly odd) souls like to heat it up to drink. We love to grill with it in this recipe from Operation $40K: Dr Pepper Glazed Salmon on A Cedar Plank.

Then, you can bake with it.

Obviously, we are making cupcakes with it today, but it has been used as everything from a glaze on Strawberry Lemonade Bars to being added to the frosting on a decadent chocolate cake.

This recipe of ours will make 24 cupcakes. From scratch. And it really doesn’t take as much time as you might think it would. The citrus zest in the frosting plays off the citrus notes we talked about in the drink.

How to make Dr Pepper Cupcakes

Our recipe for Dr Pepper cupcakes doesn’t use a cake mix – like so many of the recipes out there – and I really think it makes a difference. We could call these Cherry Dr Pepper cupcakes as we use a cup of dried cherries in them – but that plays on the cherry correlation to its soda competitors.

Dr Pepper cupcake Ingredients:

what is needed to make dr pepper cupcakes

For best results, have as many of these ingredients at room temperature as you can. If you don’t have buttermilk you simply have to add an acid to your milk. Whole milk or 2% work best and the rule of thumb is: for every 1 cup of milk, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.

  • 1 cup dried cherries
  • 1 cup Dr Pepper
  • 2 sticks salted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup boiling water
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 ⅓ cups sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Dr Pepper Cupcakes Instructions:

Preparation Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees and line the muffin tins with cupcake liners.

How to make dr pepper cupcakes

In a small pot stir together the cherries and the soda over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, set aside to cool.

dr pepper cupcakes from cake mix

In a small bowl whisk together melted butter, cocoa, and boiling water, set aside to cool. (bowl 1)

dr pepper cake mix

In a separate larger bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, baking soda, and vanilla extract. (bowl 2)

Add in flour, sugar, and spices.

making dr pepper cupcakes

Drizzle in the butter-cocoa mix, then stir it into the buttermilk mixture, and finally add in the soda cherry mixture and stir until well combined

Fill the muffin tins about 2/3 full and bake for about 18 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool completely before frosting.

Dr Pepper Cupcakes Frosting:

Yes, this recipe even uses Dr Pepper in the frosting for an additional layer of flavor!

You will need:

  • 4 cups Dr Pepper
  • 3 sticks salted butter, softened
  • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Boil the soda over medium-high heat until reduced to about ½ cup, set aside to cool completely. Using a mixer cream together butter, sugar, zests, and vanilla extract. Drizzle in cooled soda and mix until smooth.

how to make dr pepper frosting

Add your frosting to your pastry bag – for easier decorating

In this Cupcakes 101 Video, I show you some quick, easy tips & tricks for how to fill your piping bag with frosting, fillings, or decorators icing easily and without the mess!

Frost cooled cupcakes with spatula or from a piping bag – I LOVE the piping bag when I am going to do a lot of cupcakes.

Now be nice – the 14-year-old did these. We are building her skills. Next time, I would use a star tip and probably a fun sprinkle pack. Because yeah – sprinkles! Ohh – even those waxed soda bottle candies – one on top would be perfect!!

Dr Pepper Cupcakes from scratch

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Cookie Mix Cupcakes Everyone Will Love To Make

Cookie Mix Cupcakes? Whoever said they don’t love cookies or cupcakes must have had an experience that left them traumatized more than satisfied. The variety that one can get when it comes to these two sweet treats is endless, and the best part about the whole thing is that you can get creative with your baking.

how to make Cookie Mix Cupcakes

There is no rule in the book that says all cupcakes and cookies must be baked with the same ingredients and in the same fashion. Besides, the best part is that you can alternate the mixes to create a more flavorful outcome. Many people are of the perception that cookie mix cannot be used to make cupcakes based on the ingredients involved and the process of mixing the batter.

Cookie Mix Cupcakes Everyone Will Love

But, when baking is your passion, there are no “bad baking choices” as everything is seen as a form of experiment. In this pandemic, let’s say, get creative and get them involved with the kids around!

Can Cookie Mix Be Used For Cupcakes?

This is a question many people tend to ask especially if they have a box of cookie mix at home and would like to see if they could get a cake instead. The idea of cookie mix cupcakes just intrigues people. If you ask us, anything is possible, and you better believe though it seems impossible, it could be done with a specific approach.

Cookie batter and that of cakes are completely different as the cookie is thick and denser while the cake features a more liquid form. On the whole, the process will be a little technical, but with some professional help, you will get the results you need.

The thing with cookie dough is that the leavening ingredient is relatively low, so to make the batter cake-form, you would need a lot more baking powder or baking soda (the right measuring you would have to estimate based on the amount of batter), more eggs would be needed, a lot more liquid and other major ingredients would be needed. Once you can get the job done the right way, your cake will come out as you desire.

What Is The Difference Between Cake Mix And Cookie Mix?  

When it comes to cookie dough and cake batter, they have many things in common related to the ingredients and how it is prepared – baking! However, there are significant differences you have to be mindful of when it comes to the two mixtures, such as the cookie being a dense mixture while the cake is much thinner. You may also need to be aware of…

The amount of liquid

This is important when looking at making cookie mix cupcakes. For the cookie dough, the amount of liquid is scarce compared to the high amounts added to the cake mix. Whether you are using water or milk, the proportion is relatively high in a cake as this is what helps to bind the other ingredients together.

The excess liquid allows for bubbles to form easily in the batter and is basically responsible for the fluffiness that comes with cakes. The binding element comes in fat for the cookie batter – the eggs, oils, or lard – which is heavier and thicker than water. The cake batter is poured into a baking pan or tray due to its thinness while the cookie is scoped and dropped on a tray or might be spread.

Leavening

Leavening causes a batter or dough to expand, so depending on the amount you put in your mixture, it will either rise a little or significantly. The rising ingredients may come in the form of yeast, baking soda, or baking powder. Cookie dough uses a small proportion, while cakes use up to 10 times or more of that amount.

Ingredients Ratio

Cookie mix cupcakes have a difference issue: Obviously, the ingredients for both cookies and cake will differ. For cookies, you may notice 3 parts flour, 2 parts fat, and 1 part sugar, while in cakes, it is generally 2 parts flour and liquid alike, and one part each for an egg, sugar, and fat.

As for the baking powder, you may be required to add an estimated 1 teaspoon to every cup of flour. When you set out to bake, it is easier to use baking flour as it is much lighter, while all-purpose flour is perfect for your cookie dough.

Are Cookies Healthier Than Cake?

We knew this would definitely make it on the list because, in a time like this, everyone is trying to live a healthier life that will boost their immune system. Whether it be less sugar and more grains and vegetables or some other healthy choice – we really don’t have an issue with this.

The question still stands tall as to which is better in terms of a healthy choice – cake or cookie? Well, we will certainly say both can get as healthy as they need to be because you can alternate select ingredients with whole grains and more. Starting from the mixture base, you can opt for whole wheat flour over white flour and use honey as the sweetener compared to raw sugar.

Yes, we understand the fat ingredients play a heavy role, but you could substitute for healthier versions with other benefits for the body. We know the cake has more sugar, but you can alter all ingredients to get the desired taste you want.

What Can I Add To Cupcakes To Make Them Moist?

There are many ways you can get your cupcakes moist without having to source any other ingredients than those you have at home. The next time you set out to bake, you may want to alter some of the ingredients in the form of…

  • Using oil instead of butter (Canola or Olive oil works well!)
  • Adding a little pudding mix as this helps to bring out a more flexible batter.
  • Using cake flour instead of all-purpose. Cake flour is generally lighter than all-purpose flour and does not leave that heavy feeling in the batter.
  • Adding a little yogurt. Yes, they will never know if you don’t say, but there’s no need to worry as it doesn’t change the taste of your cake.
  • Using a little Applesauce. This helps to bring the moisture to your batter, but it will also lift the flavor and taste. 

Other posts you may enjoy:

How to Make Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes

Why Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes? I am totally a child of the 70s and remember the big Kool-Aid man busting through a wall and saving the day with all the thirsty kids and flustered mom.

How to Make Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes cover image

He was in his glory as a man in tights and wearing a giant plastic pitcher of that sugary goodness that seemed to quest everyone on a hot Wisconsin Summer Day.

Just check out these Cherry Kool-Aid Man Commercials:

Top 20 funniest Kool-Aid Man commercials

So, these Cupcakes are a throwback to my childhood – and I hope they bring a smile to your face.

How to Make Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes

We played around a lot before sharing the final results with you – tried tweaking my white cake scratch recipe, tried different cake mixes, and finally came up with our version of Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes.

If Cherry Kool-Aid isn’t your thing? No worries – use one of the other flavors: Green Apple, Strawberry Kiwi, Peach Mango, Cherry Limeade, Tropical Punch, Lemonade, Pink Lemonade, Sharkleberry Fin, or Invisible Grape – which I would dye purple.

Simply sub out the right kind of Kool-Aid and alter the food coloring used for the cake mix and frosting.

Is Kool-Aid bad for you?

Yes, Kool-Aid is bad for you. Each cup of Kool-Aid has 20 grams of sugar, or to be precise, the equivalent of 5 teaspoons of sugar. Research has shown that the artificial dyes in Kool-Aid may cause hyperactivity in your child. Long-term consumption may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and even cancer.

However, Kool-Aid has fewer calories than your typical soda, contains vitamin C, and is not carbonated.

Whew.

That being said – cupcakes aren’t good for you either – if you have long-term consumption and overindulge.

So there – don’t make and eat these every day.

What else can you do with Kool-Aid?

I find it funny as Kool-Aid has been used lately in everything from cookies, to dying hair. Let’s face it – we are a creative lot! I even saw a recipe for Kool-Aid pound cake!

There seem to be mixed results for using it as a hair dye? Professionals seem to hate it but the normal folks like us seem to have better results with it. Here is a video I found on how to do it – which I find fascinating! I know what I paid to have a stylist dye my kiddo’s hair purple…this might be our next venture!

How to dye your hair with Kool-Aid

The one that really blows my mind?

Kool-Aid pickles! Or Koolickles as they are more commonly known as. They reportedly originated in the Mississippi Delta region of the United States…and I guess it is credited to African American culture. The recipe is more often made with water, not pickle brine, or simply dipped in Kool-Aid powder.

I’m not sure I am brave enough to try them, but the colors are fabulous!

How to make Kool-AId pickles.

The standard Kool-Aid pickle ingredients are:

  • 1 packet of Kool-Aid mix
  • 1 jar of dill pickle spears or whole pickles
  • 1 cup of sugar

Remove pickles from jar leaving the pickle juice. To the pickle juice, add 1 cup of sugar and stir to combine as well as you can. Place the pickles back into the jar and close the lid. Be sure the lid is tight. Place Kool-Aid pickles in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. Shake or turn the jar at least once a day during the 1-2 weeks.

OK — I went down a rabbit hole! Let’s get back to the cupcakes!

We use a boxed cake mix

These Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes are started with a boxed mix instead of being a Kool-Aid cake from scratch. I find that it is the best way when baking with Kool-Aid to make a consistent finished product.

What cake mix do I prefer?

Right now, the brand at Aldi is my favorite – as I have been playing with layered cakes too. It has brought taller cake layers than either Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker lately and comes in lower on the price point.

How do you store Kool-Aid Cupcakes?

The best way to usually store your finished creations? Room Temperature. Considering the buttercream frosting, they should be fine for five to six days. You can learn more about that in our article How To Frost A Cupcake.

Just like any of our cupcake recipes, you can make the cupcake bases in advance. I actually have some yellow cupcakes in my freezer right now for Easter.

Generally, the rule of thumb is that if you plan to frost and enjoy them within a couple of days you should be storing your cupcakes at room temperature. If you do not plan to frost or enjoy them within a couple of days then it’s best to freeze them.

You can learn more about Batch Baking During the Winter Months in my other post if you want to, but batch baking and freezing are some of my trade secrets. Rarely would I pop them in the fridge – the constantly circulating air dries them out too much.

Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes Ingredients

Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcakes Ingredients

You will need:

  • 1 box of white cake mix
  • 3/4 cup kool-aid drink powder, cherry flavor
  • 1 1/4 cup water*
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil*
  • 3 egg whites*
  • 1 cup butter, unsalted, room temperature
  • 3 TBS heavy cream
  • 4 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 drop of red food coloring

*Or what your boxed cake mix asks for.

Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcake Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350ºF and line a 24-cup muffin pan with liners.

Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcake Instructions:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: 1 box of white cake mix, and the 1/2 cup Kool-Aid drink powder.

Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcake Instructions:

Follow directions on the package and whisk in 1 1/4 cup water, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 3 egg whites, and 2 drops of red food coloring.

Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcake batter

Divide batter evenly into the prepared muffin pan and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

Let the cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.

Cherry Kool-Aid Cupcake ready to frost

Kool-Aid Cake Frosting

When ready to frost the cupcakes, whisk together: the 1 cup butter, 3 TBS heavy cream, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup kool-aid drink powder, cherry flavor.

Add in 1 drop of red food coloring, (or as many drops as needed to get to the desired red tint you are looking for)

Whip until it is smooth and fluffy, but holds its shape. Scoop into the piping bag and set aside until you are ready to frost these babies!

Frost cooled cupcakes as desired.

Now, you COULD decorate them more – I know I usually do all “Fancy” with sprinkles, etc but occasionally? Less is more.

What do you think?

Kool-Aid Cake Frosting

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How to Make Star of David Jewish Cupcakes

Jewish Cupcakes? There are many reasons to celebrate this time of year. Easter, Passover, and the vernal equinox all fall within a couple of weeks of one another. All three holidays have their own traditions but have something in common as well: they call for chocolate!

How to Make Star of David Jewish Cupcakes

This article will walk you through how to make these Star of David Jewish cupcakes that will be perfect for your next celebration or as an addition to your dessert table!

Star of David Jewish Cupcakes

Of course, these cupcakes will work for other holidays – Hanukkah and Yom Kippur both come to mind. Heck, who really needs an excuse to make a yummy treat?

All I can think of is Adam Sandler’s song Hanukkah – and how all holiday cupcakes can’t be about Christmas!

After noticing a lack of Hanukkah tunes, Adam Sandler decided to sing a Hanukkah song about all the famous Jewish people you might not know about such as David Lee Roth, Goldie Hawn, and The Three Stooges.

What *is* the Star of David?

The Star of David is a six-pointed star that has been around for centuries, and this shape is recognized as the symbol of Judaism. It is also known as the Shield of David.

Unlike the menorah, the Lion of Judah, the shofar, and the lulav, the Star of David was never a uniquely Jewish symbol.

Being an inherently simple geometric construction with a hexagon as a base, it has been used in various motifs throughout human history – most were not religious.

The symbol was also used in Christian churches as a decoration of sorts for many centuries before its first known use in a Jewish synagogue.

The earliest Jewish usage of the symbol was inherited from medieval Arabic literature, where it was known as the Seal of Solomon among Muslims, when Kabbalists adopted it for use in talismanic protective amulets (segulot).[4][5]

Wikipedia

The actual name “Shield of David”, or “Star of David” might have either Islamic or Jewish roots in mystical works.

History of the Star of David

Before the 19th century, official use in Jewish communities was generally known only in the region of today’s Germanic region: the Czech Republic, Austria, and possibly parts of Southern Germany.

During the 19th century, that is when it really started popping up! Whether the Jews were looking for a main focal symbol – like the Christians have the cross – or not, it really started to spread through Europe, and across the world around the time WWI hit. It was then that it started to be used on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Tragically, it was a defining mark during WWII and the German Occupation of most of Europe. The Jewish community was basically branded with their gold stars and rounded up, literally like cattle.

We toured Buchenwald a few years back and if anyone dares tell me that the Holocaust didn’t happen, they will get an ear full from me.

From the German invasion of Poland in 1939 – until relief in 1944, that gold star wasn’t much of a shield for anyone.

jewish cupcakes

Back on topic

SOOOO, I totally went down the rabbit hole there – but I want to think of these Star of David Cupcakes as a nod to these amazing people with such incredible perseverance.

We make these in blue – and put on a white field of frosting as it lines up with the colors on the Israeli flag. I know the blue isn’t AS dark as the traditional colors, but you get the idea. My store was out of the Royal Blue Candy Melts.

Easy to Make Star of David Cupcakes

These are easy-to-make Star of David cupcake toppers. This is something you could involve the littles with – as the candy melts don’t get THAT hot, and they can play with the geometric shapes.

Kids learn SO MUCH in the kitchen! Just check out this article that tells you more on that: 7 Ways Kids Learn From Cooking

As for the actual cupcake bases – you can use either a boxed cake mix to make them or one of these recipes of ours:

Star of David Cupcake Toppers

You will need:

You will also need:

How to make the Star of David Cupcake Toppers

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.

How to make the Star of David Cupcake Toppers

Melt the candy coating according to package directions giving special care not to overheat the candy. If the candy coating is overheated, it will be too thick. You can add 2 teaspoons of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help thin the candy but do not add any other type of liquid as the candy will seize and harden.

Toss each pretzel stick in the melted blue candy and then place it on the waxed paper to create triangles.

Allow them to dry completely.

Once the pretzels have dried, use a small amount of melted candy to attach one triangle over another triangle to create a star.

Star of David Cupcake Toppers

If desired, transfer the remaining candy melts to a piping bag. Snip the tip from the bag and drizzle the candy over the pretzel stars. Allow them to dry completely.

Pipe vanilla frosting on each cupcake using an open star tip.

Gently lay a pretzel star on each cupcake and your Star or David, or Shield of David Jewish Cupcakes are complete!.

Aren’t they cool? I am really tickled with how they turned out!

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How to Make Spider Web Cupcakes

These spider web cupcakes are a must for Halloween! You can make them with any flavor of cake and frosting to match. They’re perfect as an individual treat or in a batch as part of your Halloween party spread.

The Most Delicious Spider Web Cupcakes Recipe

Now here is the thing – these are DIFFERENT from a lot of the spider web cucpakes out there in recipe land. It is all in the cupcake topper and cute candy spider that we make to keep it company.

Why spider web cupcakes?

First of all, they’re perfect for Halloween – that is just a given, right? You can make them with any flavor of cake and frosting to match. We love two combos here: Chocolate cupcakes with vanilla buttercream and yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting. We chose the former for this recipe.

Now, you can make these ANY time of the year, especially if you want to dig a little more into spiders. After all, they say you are never more than 6 feet away from a spider, at all times!

They really are fascinating little critters.

Fairytale Inspired Spiderweb Cupcakes

I am not exactly thinking about Little Miss Muffet but more like how these would make for such a great treat to have when reading even Charlotte’s Web to the kids.

It would also make for a great addition to any unit study on spiders – like these that I found:

Have the kids help you with this too – they can make the cupcakes, make the spiders, assemble the cupcakes — even try their hand at the webs!

Kids learn SO MUCH in the kitchen! Just check out this article that tells you more on that: 7 Ways Kids Learn From Cooking

Spider Web Cupcake Topper

These are pretty simple to make – the details are all in the topper. It takes a little bit of time but really makes the difference. They will totally stand out over the spider web cupcakes where the webs are simply etched into the frosting.

You are going to need to print off my spider web template for these.

spider-web-templatesDownload

Chocolate Spider Webs ingredients

  • 1 C of Ghirardelli melting chocolate chips
  • 1 disposable piping bag
  • 1 cookie sheet
  • 1 sheet of either waxed paper or parchment paper

How to make chocolate spider webs

Put my template under a sheet of either waxed paper or parchment paper. Melt chocolate until smooth. Pour melted chocolate into the piping bag. Cut the tip of the piping bag. Pipe out a line and trace the web designs on the template. Place into the fridge overnight.

Fondant candy spiders

NOW, it is time to make the spiders! The candy spiders are optional but they look so cute on top!

Can you make your own fondant? Absolutely!

With only 4-5 ingredients, and in about 15 minutes, you can make a great version that is easier to work with than what you buy at the store.

Making homemade fondant with marshmallows is easy — so easy, in fact, you can do it in the microwave with just four ingredients!

You will need:

How to make candy spiders

Pinch off different sizes of fondant balls. Make sure they are no bigger than 1/4 tsp and 1/2 tsp in size. Roll that fondant into balls. Dip your finger lightly into the water and rub your finger onto the backside of the small ball. That is going to act like “glue” and connect them when you place the larger ball to connect it to the small one.

Place your little spiders onto a cookie sheet, making sure they are still connected. The water will continue to act as glue while the fondant dries overnight.

Repeat steps to make 11 more spider bodies.

Chocolate Spider Web Cupcake Recipe

Yes, you can make these chocolate cupcakes from scratch – and do only a small batch. You could use any boxed mix instead, should you so choose to, like I did. Even the frosting colors and flavor can be altered, but I suggest sticking with a light color to make your chocolate webs and cute candy spiders really stick out.

How small a batch does this cupcake recipe make? This recipe will make 12 Spider Web Cupcakes – that are ready to decorate as soon as they are cool.

Spider Web Cupcake Ingredients

Directions

Just so you know – you are NOT going to follow the instructions on the back of the box. We are tweaking that boxed cake mix to make it yummi-fied.

Preheat oven to 350. Line cupcake pan with the black cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, add the cake mix, butter, milk, and vanilla extract and stir until combined. Fill cupcake liners 3/4 of the way full. Bake in the oven for about 21 minutes. Pull out the cupcakes and allow them to cool before frosting.

Simple Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 2 1/2 C powder sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3-5 TBSP heavy whipping cream
  • 1 disposable piping bag with a star tip

How to make frosting

Using a stand mixer, combine all ingredients and mix on medium speed. Mix until you see stiffed peaks in your frosting. Mix in a few drops of the green food coloring and continue to mix until fully combined. Scoop frosting into piping bag. Frost cooled cupcakes.

Spider Web Cupcakes Decorating Directions:

Frost the cooled cupcakes by piping it onto the top of the cooled chocolate cupcake bases. Carefully peel the chocolate web off of the parchment or waxed paper and place into the frosting.

Place a spider body in front of the web. Using the icing, pipe out legs. Allow icing to harden for 10 minutes

Just look at them! Aren’t they just so stinkin’ cute?

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Great Root Beer Float Cupcakes Spell Summer Fun

I know, Root Beer Float Cupcakes? Think back to childhood and the simplicity of a great root beer float. I remember being barefoot, sitting on the concrete steps in the back yard with my feet reaching the actual patio, and holding my Tupperware harvest gold tumbler that had a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it as my mom poured the can of Jolly Good root beer between my cup and my brothers.

Great Root Beer Float Cupcakes Spell Summer Fun

Yes, we always watched carefully to make sure it was even – heaven forbid if one of us got more than the other, LOL! We also had those quick sips in between that alternating root beer stream as we tried to keep our treats from foaming up and over the top of the cups.

My Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Do you have any memories like that? I swear everything was just so much simpler when we were kids.

That is what these Root Beer Float Cupcakes are – is a nod to that simple time of childhood – and a treat for hot summer days. I know, I have done Orange Crush Cupcakes, and even Dr Pepper Cupcakes, but these Root Beer Float Cupcakes are a treat in their own right.

Who made root beer float?

The story goes that in 1848, the first soda fond in Chicago was opened by druggist Josiah H. Reed. Soda fountains were popular until the 1960s and have become kind of a kitschy thing to hunt out yet today. I seem to find them in the least expected places.

The actual creation of the root beer float came years after that first Chicago soda fountain, supposedly invented in 1893 by Colorado gold mine owner Frank J. Wisner, according to CNN.

Just think: 128 years ago! That was before refrigeration – or at least as we know it today. Many areas didn’t even have electricity yet! Ice houses were still in common use.

Boy times have changed!

Root beer is still the same though – in a cold frosty mug and with absolutely no ice. A & W restaurants still serve it this way, to this day.

Why is root beer served without ice?

Why is it so important that root beer is served in a frosted glass without ice? When cold root beer meets frosted glass, the drink starts to foam, and this amazingly thin layer of icy slushy root beer forms along the surface of the glass.

If you added ice, you would have a lot more foam and it would kill the mild carbonation aspect not to mention making a huge mess.

Great Root Beer Float Cupcakes Spell Summer Fun

Root beer, root beer floats, it all adds up to good stuff whether you were like us in the back yard or sitting at a soda fountain or drive in restaurant.

Why are root beer floats so good?

What is there not to like? A root beer float is made of vanilla ice cream and root beer. The reason it gets so foamy is that when carbonated root beer comes in contact with the vanilla ice cream, carbon dioxide bubbles are released. That means that the root beer helps to free air bubbles trapped inside the ice cream.

That is what makes it so wonderfully creamy.

Of course, being from Wisconsin, I have to mention use ICE CREAM, not frozen custard. (Sorry Culver’s, I still love you)

Do you put the ice cream or root beer first?

The great debate: which goes in the glass first? Well, here is the answer:

Gently pour the root beer over the ice cream. You’ll notice that, after just a few minutes or after a good stir, the ice cream will start to float—hence the name of this glorious drinkable treat!

Now, if you want to make a Brown Cow — all you have to do is to switch out the vanilla ice cream for some chocolate. Maybe that is just a Wisconsin thing?

Which root beer is best?

We Tried 9 Brands and Found the Best Root Beer

  • A&W.
  • Barq’s. – I believe this is the only root beer that has caffeine.
  • Dad’s.
  • Baumeister. – it is regional to Wisconsin, and a hands-down favorite!
  • IBC. – this is what I used for this recipe
  • Mug.
  • Sioux City.
  • Sprecher

Which is YOUR favorite on that list?

Now, let’s make those Root beer Float Cupcakes!

Best Root Beer Float Cupcake Recipe

  • 3/4 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 C Flour
  • 2 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 C Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Root Beer Extract 
  • 1 cup IBC Root Beer

How to make Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Preheat the oven to 350 and line a cupcake pan with liners.

Using a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking powder.

In another large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and fluffy. Add your root beer extract and mix until well combined.

Add in flour and root beer slowly, 1/3 by 1/3, and mix until just combined.

Fill each cupcake pan cup about 2/3 full. Bake for 21 minutes. Remove from the oven and let sit till cool.

Root beer Float Cupcake Frosting:

  • 2 C unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
  • 4 C Powdered Sugar
  • 3 tbsp IBC Root Beer
  • 1 tbsp Root Beer Extract
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3-5 tbsp heavy whipping cream 

Using a standing mixer beat the butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy whipping cream until combined, smooth, and slightly stiff.

Rootbeer Float creamcheese Cupcake Frosting

Using an ice cream scoop, scoop a mound of frosting onto the top of the cupcakes. Use a butter knife to smooth out the frosting. 

Best Root Beer Float Cupcake Recipe

Using the remaining frosting in the bowl, beat in the rootbeer and rootbeer extract. If you need to, add in 1 C of powdered sugar. Once the frosting is fully mixed, scoop the frosting into the piping bag.

how to make Root Beer Float Cupcakes

Pipe dollops of frosting onto the vanilla frosting. Top them with a cherry for the perfect finishing touch.

ready to eat Root Beer Float Cupcakes

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