Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes

Anything with crushed candy canes in the batter at this time of the year is a good thing. Plus earlier this year I fell in love with mocha cupcakes. So when I saw this recipe, I just had to try it.

 

Mocha Chocolate Goodness

Candy Cane Fun

 

Ready For The Oven

Lots Of Little Goodness

Super Sweet Treats

I found the recipe here. And by no means went 'all out' as you will see if you click on the link. I did a simple butter icing with peppermint essence. Sprinkled crushed candy canes on top with a M&M to top it off.

They were lovely. I guess we are always our own worst critic. The only thing I would change is to make them in bigger paper cups. They were about a 2 to3 bite size, but not big enough to really enjoy the cake underneath the icing. I like to have the mocha flavour come through more, so next time I would use less peppermint in the icing, if any. Or a stronger coffee in the mix. 

M is for Mocha Cupcakes

I have missed baking but with a baby shower to prepare for, I was happy at home in the kitchen once more.

There is just one simple word to describe these - Y U M !

Made with melted dark chocolate and coffee powder, I was unsure how these were going to turn out. The mixture was very runny and I wondered if they were even going to rise. Sure enough within the last 15 minutes of cooking they came to form. I made them regular cupcake size.
My cupcakes were made with chocolate butter cream icing as I felt this would be better for the look I wanted.

Here is the link to this delicious recipe
http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/21395/baby+mocha+cakes+with+coffee+syrup

More Cupcake Fun

I made these cute little pretties for my nieces 5th birthday.

I love how the pink cupcakes look like they have a cherry on the top.

A little bit of fun using M&M's with a play on color.

Jungle Animal Cupcakes

I made these Jungle Animal Theme cupcakes for my little mans 2nd birthday. Until now I had not made any fancy themed cupcakes and was looking forward to the challenge....and the end result.

2 hours of decorating (for only 12 cupcakes?!) was well worth the experience and effort involved. 

Mixing all the different icing colors and setting out all the 'little bits' was probably what took a little more time. Learning to be comfortable with the piping bag came easily as I got the flow going.