Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Butter, the foundation of richness and flavor
• 1 cup Brown Sugar, for a deep, caramel-like sweetness
• 1 Egg, to bind and lift the mixture
• 1 tsp. Vanilla, a whisper of exotic essence
• 1 cup Flour, sifted, for a tender crumb
• 1/2 tsp. Baking Powder, the rise behind the magic
• 1/2 tsp. Salt, to enhance and balance the sweetness
• 1/8 tsp. Baking Soda, for the perfect texture
• 3/4 cup Chocolate Chips, the jewels in the crown

Directions:

Preparation:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F, setting the stage for transformation. Generously grease a pie plate or a 9×9 pan, envisioning the masterpiece to come.
2. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly, a moment of patience that ensures the perfect blend.

Wet Ingredients:

1. In a bowl, combine the slightly cooled butter with the brown sugar, whisking until the mixture whispers of golden dawns. Stir in the vanilla for its aromatic allure, then add the egg, integrating it fully to bind the soul of your pie.

Dry Ingredients:

1. Gradually introduce the flour, sifting it to ensure no lumps mar the perfection of your batter. Mix in the baking powder, salt, and baking soda, creating a harmonious blend that promises a soft, chewy heart.

Assembling the Delight:

1. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it gently to fill the space with potential. Sprinkle the chocolate chips atop, like stars adorning the night sky, ensuring each slice will hold a treasure.

Baking to Perfection:

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pie turns a golden hue, like a sunset captured in crust. The aroma will be your guide, beckoning you to the moment of revelation.
2. Allow the pie to cool slightly, a brief interlude that heightens the anticipation.

Serving Suggestions: For an experience that borders on divine, serve this pie warm, with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into its soft, warm crevices, creating a symphony of hot and cold, sweet and creamy.

Pro Tips:

• Using brown sugar not only adds a rich sweetness but also contributes to the moist, chewy texture that makes this pie unforgettable.
• Sifting the flour is a step not to be skipped, as it ensures the batter is smooth and the pie’s texture is perfect.
• Serving the pie warm elevates the gooey, comforting essence of the chocolate chips, making each bite a decadent delight.

With an estimated 419 kcal per serving, this Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie is a treat to be savored on special occasions or whenever you need a little indulgence. Easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for even the most discerning sweet tooth, it’s a recipe that promises joy in every slice.

The post Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, the whisper of richness
• ¾ cup Sugar, to sweeten life’s moments
• 1 Egg, the binder of dreams
• ¾ teaspoon Vanilla Extract, a hint of exotic aroma
• ½ cup Buttermilk, the secret to tender crumb
• ¾ cup Cake Flour, the fairy dust for softness
• ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour, the foundation of many a delight
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda, the lift in every bite
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, the puff behind the pastry
• ¼ teaspoon Salt, to elevate the flavors
• 12-15 Strawberries, ripe and luscious, about 1 cup pureed

Directions:

Preparation:

1. Begin with the heart of the recipe—puree the ripe strawberries in a food processor until smooth, capturing the essence of summer in each ruby-red swirl.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and egg, blending until the mixture is light and airy, like the morning breeze.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, buttermilk, and strawberry puree, weaving in layers of flavor and moisture that promise a tender crumb.

Combining the Magic:

1. In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, as if sifting through the sands of time for ancient culinary secrets.
2. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, just until combined, taking care not to overmix and preserve the lightness of the batter.

Baking to Perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to a welcoming 400°F, a warm embrace for what’s to come.
2. Grease your donut pans well, for these treasures are meant to be shared, not stuck.
3. Pipe the batter into the prepared pans, filling each cavity with the promise of something wonderful.
4. Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the donuts spring back to a gentle touch, a sign that they’re ready to delight.

Serving Suggestions: These donuts, with their natural sweetness and soft crumb, are a joy on their own. However, for an extra touch of indulgence, consider a simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve them as a special treat, or make any day feel like a celebration.

Pro Tips:

• Choose the ripest strawberries you can find, as their natural sweetness and intense flavor are the soul of these donuts.
• The combination of buttermilk and cake flour is key to achieving that dreamy lightness and tender texture.
• Greasing the donut pans well ensures that each donut is a perfect golden ring, ready to be adorned with your choice of glaze or sugar.

With only 133 calories per donut, these Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts offer a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re setting the table for a special occasion or simply looking to brighten your day, these donuts are a testament to the simple joys of baking with fresh, vibrant ingredients.

The post Baked Strawberry Cake Donuts Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 and 1/3 cups All-Purpose Flour, the foundation of our tender cakes
• 3.5 tbsp Orange Juice, freshly squeezed for a burst of sunshine
• 2 tbsp Milk, to marry the flavors with a touch of creaminess
• 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter, at room temperature, for a velvety texture
• 3/4 cup Sugar, to sweeten the memories
• 3 tbsp Thick Yogurt or Sour Cream, for a moist crumb
• 1 tsp Vanilla or Orange Extract, to enhance the citrus bouquet
• 1/2 tsp Orange Zest, finely grated, for a whisper of zest
• 2 large Egg Whites, to lift the cupcakes into clouds of lightness
• 1.5 tsp Baking Powder and 1/4 tsp Baking Soda, the leavening duo
• 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt, to balance the sweetness

For the Orange Buttercream Frosting:

• 2.5 cups Icing or Powdered Sugar, sifted for smoothness
• 1/2 cup Soft Unsalted Butter (8 tbsp), the creamy base of our frosting
• 2 tbsp Orange Juice, for a splash of citrus
• 2 drops Orange Food Coloring, to capture the glow of a sunset
• 1/2 – 1 tsp Vanilla or Orange Extract, for an aromatic whisper

Instructions

Cupcake Creation:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy warmth and line a cupcake pan with liners, setting the stage for our little sunbeams.
2. In a serene bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, like a gentle sandy beach waiting for footprints.
3. In a separate bowl, cream the butter until it whispers of silk, then blend in the sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy, like a cloud kissed by dawn.
4. Stir in the yogurt or sour cream, ensuring a harmonious union, then gradually welcome the egg whites, embracing each until fully integrated.
5. Dance between the dry ingredients and the milk and orange juice, beginning and ending with the flour mixture, like waves meeting the shore.
6. Infuse the batter with the extracts and orange zest, folding gently to maintain the air of lightness.
7. Divvy up the batter among the cupcake liners, like doling out pieces of sunlight, and bake until a toothpick emerges clean, a beacon of readiness. Let them cool as if basking in the evening glow.

Frosting Symphony:

1. In the realm of mixing bowls, whip the butter until it’s creamy, as if churning clouds into cream.
2. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, blending with the patience of a slow sunrise, followed by the orange juice, extract, and food coloring, until the mixture achieves the fluffiness of a cloud and the color of dawn.
3. If the frosting is too stiff or too runny, play with the balance of sugar and juice, like adjusting the sails to the wind.

Assembly of Delight:

1. Await the cupcakes’ complete cool, the calm after the bake. Then, with a piping bag or a spatula as your wand, adorn each cupcake with a generous swirl of orange buttercream, like crowning them with halos.
2. For a final touch of whimsy, garnish with a sprinkle of orange zest or a delicate slice of orange, like the last rays of sun dipping below the horizon.

Pro Tips for Perfection

• Use yogurt in cooler climates to aid the creaming process, ensuring a smooth and fluffy base.
• Lighten the cupcake texture by substituting part of the flour with cornstarch, like adding a breath of air to the mix.
• Rely on egg whites for their leavening prowess, but if you’re seeking an eggless avenue, explore the realm of substitutes that keep the spirit of lightness alive.

These Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes are not just a treat; they’re an experience, a bite-sized journey to summer days, laughter, and the simple joy of a creamsicle in hand. Perfect for celebrations, gatherings, or a moment of sweet solitude, they’re a reminder of the brightness and zest life has to offer.

The post Orange Creamsicle Cupcakes with Orange Buttercream Frosting Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 6 large egg whites, the base of our airy sponge
• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to the touch of sunlight
• 1½ cups granulated sugar, sweet as a summer day
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted like fine beach sand
• 1 tablespoon baking powder, the lift behind our cupcakes’ rise
• 1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt, a whisper of the ocean
• ¾ cup champagne or prosecco, the sparkle of celebration
• 2/3 cup fresh peaches, diced into joyous bursts of flavor (canned peaches can step in if needed)

For the Champagne Pastry Cream:

• ½ cup heavy cream, divided, the base of our luscious filling
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch, the magic that thickens dreams
• 1 whole egg + 2 egg yolks, the golden essence of richness
• 5 tablespoons granulated sugar, to sweeten the memories
• ½ cup champagne or prosecco, for a hint of festivity
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, to smooth the edges
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, a dash of classic elegance

For the Peach Buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature, whipped into clouds
• 6 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted like powdered snow
• Milk or cream, as needed, to achieve perfect consistency
• ½ teaspoon LorAnn peach flavoring oil (or 2 tablespoons peach schnapps), the essence of summer
• Chefmaster food colors: neon brite yellow, neon brite orange, and red red, to paint the sunset
• 2 tablespoons white nonpareils, the sparkle of champagne bubbles
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional), a touch of greenery

Directions

Cupcake Creation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and dress your cupcake pans in their finest liners.
2. In the ballet of baking, first whisk egg whites to stiff peaks, like whitecaps on a summer lake. Cream together butter and sugar until they’re as fluffy as a cloud on a sunny day. Introduce the dry ingredients and champagne in turns to the creamed mixture, dancing together in harmony. Fold in the egg whites and diced peaches with the gentleness of a summer breeze.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a tester emerges clean, like a swimmer from clear waters. Let them cool, basking in the anticipation of delight.

Pastry Cream Journey:

1. Begin by whisking a potion of some cream, cornstarch, and eggs. Warm the remaining cream with sugar and champagne, then blend with the egg mixture. Cook this alchemy until it thickens into a custard, rich with tales of feasts and fêtes. Stir in butter and vanilla, then let it cool before it takes its place in the refrigerator to chill, like a guest awaiting the ball.

Buttercream Dreams:

1. In the realm of mixers, beat together butter and confectioners’ sugar, adding just enough milk or cream to reach the consistency of soft whispers. Infuse with peach flavoring, stirring in the essence of orchards basking in sunlight. Color as you wish, painting with the hues of dawn and dusk.

Assembly of Joy:

1. With a gentle hand, remove a small section from each cupcake and cradle a spoonful of pastry cream inside. Replace the cake ‘lid’ like a secret waiting to be discovered.
2. Prepare your buttercream palette and paint the inside of a piping bag with red gel color for the blush of a peach. Pipe the buttercream onto each cupcake, then scatter the white nonpareils like pearls. A mint leaf, should you choose, is the final flourish, the green of leaves against a summer sky.

Pro Tips for Perfection

• Embrace the season with fresh peaches for a burst of flavor, but know that canned peaches can also capture the essence of summer.
• Room temperature ingredients blend with ease, creating a batter as smooth as a calm sea.
• Precision in measuring flour ensures cupcakes that are light and tender, like the touch of a gentle wave.
• Decorate your cupcakes as soon

The post Peach Bellini Cupcakes Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients

For the Enchanting Cotton Candy Cake:

• 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, the canvas of our confectionery art
• 2 1/4 tsp of baking powder, the magic dust that brings the cake to life
• 3/4 tsp of salt, a whisper that heightens sweetness
• 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened to the touch of a gentle breeze
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, the sweet essence of joy
• 3 large eggs, room temperature, the binders of dreams
• 1 1/2 tsp of cotton candy flavoring, the spirit of the fair
• 1 cup of whole milk, room temperature, the river that melds flavors
• Fuchsia, sky blue, and violet color gels, the palette of our pastel masterpiece

For the Dreamy Cotton Candy Buttercream:

• 6 large egg whites, the clouds from which we sculpt
• 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, fine as fairy dust
• 2 cups of unsalted butter, room temperature, the creamy canvas
• 1 tsp of cotton candy flavoring, a whisper of the carnival spirit

For the Whimsical Assembly:

• Fuchsia, sky blue, and violet color gels, to paint our dreams
• Cotton candy tufts, the final flourish of fantasy

Directions

Cake Alchemy:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing three 6-inch cake pans with a tender greasing and a lining of parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, setting the stage for our creation.
3. In the realm of a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until they become light and fluffy, like the clouds at dawn. Introduce the eggs, one by one, ensuring each is fully embraced before the next joins. Stir in the essence of cotton candy, infusing the batter with the spirit of joy.
4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the whispers of flour, until a harmonious batter forms.
5. Divide this potion into three, coloring each with the gels of fuchsia, sky blue, and violet, stirring gently to fill the batter with the hues of dreams.
6. Pour the batters into their pans and bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean, crafting the layers of our edible fantasy. Allow the cakes to cool, as all good things come to those who wait.

Buttercream Clouds:

1. Over a simmering pot of water, combine the egg whites and sugar in a heatproof haven, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the mixture warms, like a gentle hug.
2. Transfer this mixture to a stand mixer, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form, as if sculpting clouds. Once cooled, gradually add the butter, piece by piece, until smooth, then whisk in the cotton candy flavoring, inviting the carnival spirit.

Assembly of Dreams:

1. Level the cakes to create an even canvas, then layer them with the cotton candy buttercream, as if stacking dreams.
2. Apply a crumb coat of buttercream, a promise of what’s to come, and chill to set the stage.
3. With the remaining buttercream, tinted in our whimsical colors, paint patches around the cake. Smooth with a scraper to blend these dreams into a watercolor fantasy.
4. Crown the cake with tufts of cotton candy, adding just before serving to capture the fleeting beauty of joy.

Pro Tips for a Masterpiece

• When folding in the color gels, be as gentle as a summer breeze to maintain the cake’s ethereal texture.
• For a canvas more vibrant, don’t hesitate to deepen the hues of your buttercream, painting with bolder strokes.
• Remember, cotton candy, like happiness, is ephemeral. Add it just before serving to preserve its delicate form, especially under the gaze of the sun or amidst the dance of humidity.

Embark on this whimsical journey with the Cotton Candy Cake, where each slice is a brushstroke of joy, a taste of nostalgia, and a celebration of

The post Cotton Candy Cake Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough:

• ¾ cup of butter, softened to the whisper of a room’s warmth
• ¾ cup of brown sugar, carrying the echoes of molasses
• ¼ cup of white sugar, as pure as winter’s first snow
• 2 tbsp of milk, a gentle river stream in the mix
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract, the essence of exotic orchids
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour, the foundation of dreams
• A pinch of salt, to awaken the flavors
• 1 cup of miniature chocolate chips, tiny stars in the doughy sky, with extra for garnishing

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 package of your preferred fudge brownie mix, prepared and cooled, following the whispers of its package

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 1 package of Candiquik or chocolate almond bark, the final cloak of decadence

Directions

Creating the Cookie Dough: Begin your culinary journey by creaming together the softened butter and the duo of sugars in the cauldron of a stand mixer. As they merge into one, introduce the milk and vanilla, weaving in the liquid threads. Gradually, with the patience of a sculptor, incorporate the flour and salt until the mixture yields a soft, pliable dough. Into this canvas, fold in the miniature chocolate chips, spreading them like stars across a night sky. Sculpt small orbs of this dough and lay them on a baking sheet veiled with foil, sending them to a freezing slumber for about an hour.

Crafting the Brownie Encasement: With the brownies cooled and whispering tales of fudge, cut them into 1″ squares. In the palm of your hand, flatten a square gently, as if coaxing a butterfly to open its wings. Place a cookie dough ball in the center and carefully wrap the brownie around it, like a cloak. Should the brownie protest with cracks, smooth them over with the tender touch of a healer. Continue this ritual with all dough balls, then banish them to the freezer for about 30 minutes, to solidify their resolve.

The Chocolate Coating Ceremony: Melt the chocolate bark, following the ancient script on its package. Baptize each brownie bomb in the molten chocolate using a fork as your wand, allowing any excess to drip away, like memories of a past life. Return them to their foil-lined sanctum and sprinkle with additional mini chocolate chips, like blessings from above.

Chill and Serve: Allow the chocolate to crystallize fully, like ice forming on a winter lake. Store these treasures in the fridge or freezer, encased in an airtight container, awaiting the moment of revelation.

Tips for the Ultimate Indulgence

• Brownie Selection: Choose a fudgy brownie mix to ensure the brownies remain moist and pliable, capable of embracing the cookie dough without dissent.
• Serving: Given their rich and decadent nature, these brownie bombs are perfect for sharing at gatherings, marking special occasions, or as a luxurious accompaniment to your next cinematic adventure.

Embark on this culinary journey with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs and unveil a new pinnacle of dessert ecstasy. Each layer unravels a deeper level of delight, promising to quench the most insatiable cravings for sweetness

The post Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Cotton Candy Sugar Cookie Mix (Betty Crocker)
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
• ⅓ cup Cotton Candy Greek Yogurt (Danimals) Glaze:
• 5 Tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp Cotton Candy Flavor Mix (Duncan Hines)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• Sprinkles for decoration

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a mini donut pan.
2. Whisk together sugar cookie mix, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Add eggs, vegetable oil, and cotton candy yogurt to the dry ingredients, and stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the batter into a zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe the batter into each donut reservoir, filling halfway.
5. Bake for 7-8 minutes until the donuts are golden brown.
6. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 3 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze:
7. In a small saucepan, heat milk, vanilla, and cotton candy flavor mix until warm.
8. Sift in powdered sugar and whisk until smooth.
9. Dip each donut into the glaze, top with sprinkles, and let them set for 5 minutes.

Notes:

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Work quickly with the glaze, as it sets fast.
• Donuts stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.

FAQs:

• Can I use regular yogurt instead of cotton candy Greek yogurt? Yes, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or any yogurt flavor of your choice.
• Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it up slightly before dipping the donuts.

Elevate Your Dessert Game

Indulge in the whimsical delight of Cotton Candy Mini Donuts, baked to perfection and infused with the sweet essence of cotton candy. These delightful treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and adding a touch of magic to any occasion.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, baby shower, or simply craving a delicious treat, these Cotton Candy Mini Donuts are sure to impress. Their vibrant colors and irresistible flavor make them a standout addition to any dessert table.

A Fun Twist on a Classic Treat

With their unique flavor and playful appearance, these mini donuts offer a fun twist on the classic dessert. From kids to adults, everyone will love sinking their teeth into these sweet and fluffy treats.

Share the Joy

Spread joy and happiness with these Cotton Candy Mini Donuts. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or enjoying them all to yourself, these delightful treats are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Conclusion

With their vibrant colors, irresistible flavor, and fluffy texture, these Cotton Candy Mini Donuts are a must-try for any dessert lover. Easy to make and impossible to resist, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a little taste of magic!

The post Cotton Candy Mini Donuts Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients

• 1 bag of microwave popcorn, popped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Food coloring (optional for a fun twist!)

Directions

1. Place the popped popcorn in a large bowl.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and butter. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring to the boiling mixture if desired.
4. Boil and stir the mixture for 4 minutes until well combined.
5. Drizzle the hot sugar mixture over the popcorn and mix quickly to coat evenly.
6. Spread the coated popcorn on wax paper in a single layer and let it cool.
7. Break apart any large clusters once cooled, and enjoy!

Notes

• Work quickly when mixing the sugar glaze with popcorn to ensure an even coat.
• Customize with different food coloring for themed parties or holidays.
• Perfect for snacking or as a party treat.

FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade popcorn instead of microwave popcorn?
A: Yes, homemade popcorn can be used, just ensure it’s popped and ready before starting the recipe.

Q: How long does the Candy Popcorn last?
A: Store in an airtight container for up to a week for optimal freshness.

Mixing the Sugar Glaze

In a medium saucepan, a sweet and sticky sugar glaze is created by combining sugar, water, and butter. This mixture is brought to a boil over medium heat until it reaches the perfect consistency, forming the base for the candy coating that will envelop the popcorn.

Adding a Splash of Color

For a playful twist, a few drops of vibrant food coloring can be added to the boiling sugar mixture. This not only infuses the popcorn with fun hues but also adds an extra layer of excitement to this already delightful treat. Choose your favorite colors to match the occasion or mood.

Coating the Popcorn

Once the sugar mixture is ready, it’s drizzled over the popped popcorn in a large bowl. It’s essential to work quickly and thoroughly to ensure that each kernel is evenly coated with the sweet glaze before it cools and hardens. This step ensures that every bite of popcorn is bursting with flavor.

Setting and Serving

After the popcorn is coated, it’s spread out on wax paper to cool and set. This allows the sugar glaze to harden, giving the popcorn its signature crunchy texture. Once cooled, any large clusters can be broken apart, and the Candy Popcorn is ready to be enjoyed!

Conclusion

Candy Popcorn is a delightful treat that elevates movie nights, snack time, and parties with its irresistible sweetness and satisfying crunch. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a fun and flavorful snack, this Candy Popcorn recipe is guaranteed to bring joy to any occasion.

The post Colorful Candy Popcorn Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons natural cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup sour cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon vinegar
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon blue food coloring
• ½ teaspoon violet food coloring

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• 10 ounces cream cheese
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• Fresh blueberries for layering and decoration

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare four 6-inch round cake pans by lining them with parchment paper and lightly coating with non-stick spray.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, natural cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The cocoa powder, besides adding flavor, plays a crucial role in achieving the vibrant blue color.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar In a separate bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Other Wet Ingredients To the creamed mixture, add the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream, vanilla extract, and vinegar. These ingredients add moisture, richness, and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the cake.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture alternately with the buttermilk tinted with blue and violet food coloring. This step ensures the color distributes evenly, creating that signature blue hue.

Step 6: Bake Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and bake for 25-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the unsalted butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until creamy and spreadable.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake Layer the cakes with cream cheese frosting and fresh blueberries in between each layer. For an added touch, you can coat the sides with cake crumbs or leave it elegantly simple with the frosting smoothly covering the cake.

Tips for Perfection:

• Achieve the perfect blue hue by experimenting with the proportions of blue and violet food coloring based on your preference.
• Using natural cocoa powder is key to obtaining a bright color, as it reacts with the food coloring differently than Dutch-processed cocoa.
• Decorating with fresh blueberries not only adds a refreshing twist but also complements the blue theme beautifully.

This Blue Velvet Cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of creativity in baking. With its eye-catching color, moist crumb, and deliciously tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to add a splash of color to your dessert table, this cake promises to deliver both in appearance and taste.

The post Blue Velvet Cake Recipe appeared first on Recipes By Clare.

Ingredients: A Whimsical Blend

For the Cake:

• 1 box of white cake mix
• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1 cup of water
• 1 Tbsp of cotton candy flavoring
• Pink and blue food coloring to bring the carnival vibes to life

For the Frosting & Topping:

• 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened to perfection
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract
• 1 to 1½ tsp of cotton candy flavoring, for that irresistible carnival essence
• 1/4 cup of heavy whipping cream or milk, for a silky texture
• 3-4 cups of confectioners’ sugar, for that sweet cloud-like fluff
• Blue and pink sanding sugar, for a touch of sparkle
• Blue and pink cotton candy and popsicle sticks, for a whimsical garnish

Directions: Crafting Magic

1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining your muffin tins with festive paper liners, setting the stage for the magic to unfold.
2. Cake Batter: In a cauldron of creativity, mix the white cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, water, and cotton candy flavoring until the mixture is as smooth as the silken strands of cotton candy. Divide this potion into two, dyeing one half with pink and the other with blue food coloring, capturing the vibrant spirit of the carnival.
3. Baking Alchemy: Gently layer the pink and blue batters into the muffin cups, filling each to about 3/4 full to leave room for the rise. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until each cupcake is a perfect canvas for your artistic frosting.
4. Frosting Whimsy: While the cupcakes cool, whip the butter, vanilla, cotton candy flavoring, and confectioners’ sugar into a fluffy frosting, adding cream as needed. Divide and color the frosting to continue the pink and blue theme.
5. Finishing Touches: Pipe the vibrant frosting onto each cooled cupcake, dust with sparkling sanding sugar, and crown with a whimsical cotton candy stick, crafted by attaching cotton candy to a dampened popsicle stick just before serving to maintain its delicate structure.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 18 mins | Total Time: 38 mins | Servings: 18 cupcakes

Expert Tips for Cotton Candy Perfection

• Maintain the brightness of your cupcakes by resisting the urge to swirl the batters; let the colors stand bold and separate.
• Opt for gel food coloring for a more vivid, carnival-worthy spectacle.
• Assemble the cotton candy sticks just before serving to preserve their airy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.

The Celebration Awaits

Each Cotton Candy Cupcake is a ticket to the joyful, carefree days of carnivals past, where every flavor and color sparked wonder. Perfect for any festive occasion or when the heart yearns for a sprinkle of joy, these cupcakes are more than just a treat; they’re a journey back to the magic of childhood, one delightful bite at a time.

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