Make Ahead

Fun Children’s “Cupcakes/Muffins”

December 19, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves about 16 cakes
Author Notes

Cupcakes are all the rage and so much fun to make with kids. I invited 7 friends of my 8 year old granddaughter for what they called a “Cupcake Workshop”. We had an absolutely brilliant time.
I wanted them to actually do the cupcakes, not only decorate them. So instead of a cupcake mixture which needs an electric mixer, I used a simple muffin recipe that doesn’t need much beating,
I made the buttercream previously because it had to be beaten with an electric mixer. I divided the buttercream in 7 bowls and gave the girls the food colouring so they would make their own coloured buttercream. I used bowls with different types of decoration possibilities and each decorated their own “cupcakes”.
This is just an idea that really worked so well, that I wanted to share with you because it was so much fun and so easy. Hope you get the time to enjoy this with your children or grandchildren.
Maria Teresa Jorge

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Ingredients
  • Vanilla Buttercream
  • 4 ounces butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups icing sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Cupcakes/Muffins
  • 1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter (1 stick butter)
  • 1/2 lemon - juice
  • 1 cup milk
Directions
  1. Buttercream
  2. Beat the butter in an electric mixer until fluffy. Add half the icing sugar, milk, vanilla extract and beat until smooth. Add the remaining of the sugar and beat again until creamy and no lumps.
  3. Divide in bowls and add the food colouring and mix with a whisk.
  4. Cakes
  5. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  6. Prepare a muffin pan and line with paper muffin cups.
  7. Melt the butter very slightly, to get a cream consistency. Allow to cool.
  8. Beat the eggs.
  9. Add the lemon juice to the milk and set aside to curdle slightly.
  10. Sift the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder in a bowl.
  11. Make a well in the centre and add the 2 eggs, the milk, lemon juice and melted butter and quickly stir to blend – don’t worry about any lumps.
  12. Pour the batter no more then 2/3 of the way up the paper cups (you need a flat surface for decoration rather then a big round top) and bake for about 40 minutes.
  13. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before icing.
  14. Cover the muffins with buttercream, and decorate to your liking.
  15. If using sprinkles, it’s easier to put them in bowls and dip the buttercream muffins in the bowl.

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6 Reviews

Lizthechef December 24, 2010
I volunteer in a kindergarten around the corner and do a cooking "lesson" from time to time. This is a perfect recipe for a Valentine's Day project. Three students are allergic to dairy but I find that canola oil will work in the muffins I've done - maybe some of that Earth Balance stuff in the frosting. Fun!!
TheWimpyVegetarian December 19, 2010
I have 2 granddaughters age 3 and a freshly minted 6. The 6-year-old LOVES to help in the kitchen - we made pasta together just before Thanksgiving here. I can't wait to do a cupcake party with her - she will love it. Such a wonderful idea, MTJ - and it's clear everyone had fun, including you! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
cowgirlculture December 19, 2010
Good for you! You are so brave! I have a three year old and a four month old (both girls) I think I will save this recipe for a party for them! Great idea! Have a great night!
drbabs December 19, 2010
Oh, what fun this must have been!
Maria T. December 19, 2010
Thanks Sagegreen, we did have so much fun. My husband made some films so I could post it on youtube for the parents to see. The kids all went home with 5 cakes each and they really enjoyed it. Even my little 3 year old niece enjoyed it. Life is all about fun and this was really a great afternoon.
Sagegreen December 19, 2010
I love your photos!